In the Westfield, Maples at Springmill neighborhood, this kitchen did not need to be stripped of everything that gave it character. The stained perimeter cabinetry was in place to stay, so the makeover focused on changing the kitchen tile and island around it.
New quartz countertops, large-format floor tile, a white backsplash, Honey Bronze hardware and Champagne Bronze fixtures brought a much lighter palette into the room. Painting the island Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black created a new focal point at the center.
The result shows how a kitchen can change substantially without replacing every cabinet. Retaining the existing perimeter cabinetry kept the wood tone that already connected the kitchen to the adjoining living areas. The darker island and lighter surfaces sharpened the contrast and gave the room an updated mix of finishes.
The result is a bright kitchen with a larger central gathering area, long runs of usable counter space and storage spread across the room instead of concentrated in only a few cabinets.
Project at a Glance
Location: Maples at Springmill, Westfield, Indiana
Project Type: Kitchen makeover
Scope: Retained stained perimeter cabinetry, painted island, quartz countertops, new tile flooring and backsplash, sink, faucet, soap dispenser, air switch, cabinet hardware and lighting updates
Before the Remodel
Before construction, the kitchen combined stained perimeter cabinetry with black countertops, beige floor tile and a wood island in a matching tone. The glass-front upper cabinets, small display drawers and much of the existing cabinetry had useful detail worth preserving. The darker counters and tile kept the room visually heavy from one surface to the next.
During Construction
Because the cabinetry was being retained, the construction sequence focused on protecting what would stay while replacing the surrounding finishes. The existing counters, backsplash and floor tile were removed. Next, new quartz counters were templated and installed, and the island was prepared for its new black finish. New tile updated the kitchen floor and backsplash.
The backsplash work shows the biggest material change in progress. White field tile replaced the diagonal beige tile, while a marble herringbone inset established a new focal point above the cooktop. That update allowed the stained cabinetry to remain prominent without competing with another dark surface below it.
Retaining the Stained Cabinetry
The perimeter cabinets remained, including the glass-front doors and the row of small display drawers that give this kitchen a distinctive look. Rather than trying to make those details disappear, the makeover uses them as part of the finished design. New Honey Bronze hardware shifts the metal finish warmer and creates a clearer connection between the stained cabinetry and the new plumbing fixtures.
Keeping the cabinets also made the surrounding finish choices more important. Lighter counters, white backsplash tile and the new floor create separation around the wood so the cabinetry reads as a deliberate feature instead of one dark element among several.
A Tricorn Black Island Changes the Center of the Room
The island received the strongest color change. Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black now wraps the base, including the beadboard-style panels and decorative corbels below the counter. The darker finish breaks from the stained perimeter while still working with the black details elsewhere in the room.
Above it, MSI Calacatta Mirragio Duo quartz provides a much lighter work surface. Three textured glass pendants hang over the island, and the seating side remains open to the adjoining living and dining areas. The contrast gives the island a clearer identity without changing the overall kitchen footprint.
Floating Shelves Keep Frequently Used Items Within Reach
Open shelving was used selectively rather than replacing upper cabinetry throughout the kitchen.
Near the windows, floating shelves create an easy place for everyday items while leaving more of the wall visually open. A second open shelf at the coffee station keeps mugs and tea within easy reach.
That mix of closed storage and open shelving gives the homeowners places to display and access items without sacrificing the cabinet capacity the room needed.
White Quartz and Tile Brighten the Working Surfaces
MSI Calacatta Mirragio Duo quartz replaced the dark counters across the perimeter and island. Its light surface changes the way the retained wood cabinetry reads and provides a consistent working plane throughout the kitchen.
At the backsplash, Morris & Co. Hawkdale Pure Chalk ceramic tile is installed in a one-third brick layout. Above the cooktop, a Hampton marble herringbone mosaic is framed with a polished Carrara pencil liner. The herringbone inset gives the cooktop wall a focal point while the white field tile keeps the rest of the backsplash quieter.
Products & Finishes
Countertops: MSI Quartz, Calacatta Mirragio Duo, 3 cm with eased edge and 1/2-inch radius corners.
Island Paint: Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black SW 6258.
Floor Tile: Sterlina White 12 x 24 matte porcelain tile, one-third brick layout set on a 45-degree angle parallel with the island.
Backsplash: Morris & Co. Hawkdale Pure Chalk 3 x 9.5 ceramic wall tile with TEC Optic White grout.
Backsplash Accent: Hampton small herringbone marble mosaic with Hampton Carrara polished pencil liner.
Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs Honey Bronze, including Cumberland and Ormonde knobs and Ulster pulls.
Kitchen Sink: Kohler Riverby 33-inch undermount single-basin enameled cast iron workstation sink.
Kitchen Faucet: Delta Coranto touchless pull-down faucet in Champagne Bronze.
Soap Dispenser & Air Switch: Delta in Champagne Bronze.
Garbage Disposal: InSinkErator disposal with Champagne Bronze disposal flange.
Why This Project Stands Out
This makeover works because it does not treat the existing stained cabinetry as a limitation. The project keeps the most distinctive cabinet details, then changes the surfaces and center island around them so the finished kitchen feels lighter, more contrasted and more current.
Pro Tip from Larry Greene
When existing cabinetry is staying, I look at the counters, backsplash, floor, hardware and island as a connected group. Changing those surfaces together can make the retained cabinets feel completely different without forcing a full cabinet replacement.
Reviews from homeowners
Questions Homeowners May Ask About a Kitchen Like This
Can you update a kitchen without replacing the existing cabinets?
Yes. In this Westfield kitchen, the stained perimeter cabinetry was retained while the countertops, backsplash, floor tile, hardware, sink fixtures and island finish were changed. Updating several surrounding surfaces at the same time created a noticeable transformation without replacing the cabinet boxes.
Can a kitchen island be painted a different color from stained perimeter cabinets?
Yes. Here, the perimeter cabinets remained stained while the island was painted Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black. The contrast gives the island its own visual role while the light quartz countertop connects it back to the perimeter.
How can a backsplash update work with existing wood cabinetry?
A lighter backsplash can create contrast without competing with the wood. This project uses white ceramic field tile with a marble herringbone accent behind the cooktop, allowing the stained cabinetry and glass-front doors to remain the dominant cabinet feature.
Do cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures have to be the exact same finish?
No. This kitchen pairs Honey Bronze cabinet hardware with Champagne Bronze plumbing fixtures. The finishes are close enough in tone to feel related while being selected for different product families.
Ready to Rework Your Kitchen?
This Maples at Springmill kitchen shows how a makeover can preserve existing cabinetry while changing the surfaces and finishes that define the room. Explore more of our kitchen remodeling work, contact our team to talk about your home, or visit our Carmel remodeling showroom to see cabinetry, countertops, tile and finish options in person.
