Project — Haverhill
Quick Facts
- Location: Haverhill
- Service: Kitchen Renovation
- Duration: ~1 month
- Scope: Design, cabinetry, materials, lighting, installation, and final inspection
The Story — A Kitchen Built Around Light
When the homeowners in Haverhill reached out, their kitchen felt heavy and outdated — too many dark surfaces and limited light reflection.
Their vision was clear: a bright, modern kitchen that feels spacious and timeless, yet grounded with dark, elegant cabinetry that adds warmth and sophistication.
Our design approach was to balance contrast — pairing crisp white countertops and walls with deep espresso-toned lower cabinets and brushed-nickel finishes.
The result is a kitchen that glows naturally, with every element — from the backsplash to the quartz countertops — working together to amplify light.
This transformation took just 4 weeks from demolition to handover, blending efficiency, craftsmanship, and design precision.
Design Goals
- Maximize brightness using a white-on-white palette for walls, ceiling, and countertops.
- Introduce contrast through rich dark cabinetry on the lower level.
- Enhance function and flow with ergonomic zones for cooking, prep, and cleanup.
- Incorporate layered LED lighting for balanced task and ambient illumination.
- Ensure durability and easy maintenance through code-compliant materials and waterproof finishes.
Materials & Specifications
Cabinetry & Countertops
- Two-tone cabinetry: matte white upper cabinets + dark espresso base cabinets.
- Soft-close hinges and full-extension drawers for accessibility.
- Quartz countertops: 1¼″ thickness with eased edge, full-height backsplash for a seamless, easy-clean finish.
Flooring & Paint
- SPC waterproof planks in light ash tone, enhancing brightness and comfort.
- Walls painted in “White Dove” (Benjamin Moore) with semi-gloss finish for light reflection.
- Trim and ceiling: bright matte white for contrast with cabinetry depth.
Lighting & Electrical
- LED downlights (4000 K, CRI 90+) for bright, neutral illumination.
- Under-cabinet LED strips (3500 K) for warm task lighting.
- Pendant lights above island for balance and visual focus.
- GFCI outlets and ESA-certified wiring for all kitchen circuits.
Appliances & Fixtures
- Stainless steel range and hood vented outside.
- Brushed-nickel faucet and deep undermount sink.
- Built-in microwave and dishwasher in lower cabinetry zone.
4-Week Renovation Timeline
Week 1 — Demolition & Preparation
Removed old cabinetry, flooring, and backsplash. Verified wall studs and electrical load for new lighting. Prepped subfloor and applied moisture barrier membrane.
Week 2 — Rough-Ins & Cabinet Installation
Electrical rewiring for under-cabinet lighting, plumbing relocation for sink alignment, and installation of new cabinetry bases.
Dark base cabinets anchored first to establish symmetry and alignment.
Week 3 — Countertops, Flooring & Finishes
Quartz slabs installed with full-height backsplash. Flooring placed seamlessly around cabinetry, transitions sealed. Ceiling lights and pendants fitted for balanced brightness.
Week 4 — Final Touches & Inspection
Paintwork, backsplash sealing, hardware installation, and appliance integration.
Final testing of lighting circuits, plumbing, and ventilation before handover.
Total Duration: ~1 Month (28 days)
The Result — Bright, Modern, and Balanced
Walking into this kitchen feels like stepping into a gallery of light and contrast.
The white quartz surfaces reflect every beam of daylight, while the deep-toned cabinets ground the space with elegance and dimension.
LED lighting, both recessed and under-cabinet, ensures perfect visibility — whether prepping a meal or hosting friends.
The open plan layout allows the kitchen to flow naturally into the dining area, emphasizing spaciousness and cohesion.
“The contrast between the white walls and the dark cabinetry makes the entire space feel alive — clean, warm, and timeless.”
Completed Project Photos
1. Bright White Quartz Countertops & Dark Cabinetry
2. Under-Cabinet LED Lighting & Functional Layout
3. Full-Height Quartz Backsplash
4. Completed Kitchen Overview
Design Takeaways for Homeowners
-
Contrast Creates Balance
Combining white walls with dark cabinets adds visual depth and warmth without compromising brightness. -
Quartz Surfaces Amplify Light
High-reflectivity materials like quartz bounce both natural and artificial light effectively. -
Lighting Temperature Matters
4000 K LEDs create clean brightness for daytime use; under-cabinet 3500 K adds warmth in evenings. -
Two-Tone Cabinetry is Timeless
The white-and-dark pairing won’t date quickly — it fits modern and transitional styles alike. -
Plan for Efficient Workflow
Divide the kitchen into prep, cook, and clean zones to save time and improve daily usability.
Estimated Cost Range
A kitchen renovation of this type in Haverhill typically ranges $28,000 – $42,000 + HST,
depending on cabinetry customization, quartz grade, and lighting selections.
Get a detailed quote from our team: Free Quote
Maintenance Tips
- Clean quartz surfaces with mild soap and water; avoid abrasives.
- Wipe cabinet doors with a damp cloth and dry immediately.
- Check silicone seals around sinks and backsplash annually.
- Replace under-cabinet LED strips every 3–5 years for consistent brightness.
Transform Your Kitchen with Reno Mumu
Whether you’re planning a compact condo remodel or a full-scale kitchen redesign, Reno Mumu delivers bright, balanced, and code-compliant renovations across Haverhill and the Greater Toronto Area.
✨ Build your perfect contrast — white surfaces, dark cabinets, and lasting brilliance.
👉 Request Your Free Quote