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Small kitchen remodeled to be better, not bigger

By Lisa Boone When Center Theatre Group costume director Candice Cain and actor John Lee went to remodel the kitchen in their 1916 house in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, they knew that bigger would not necessarily be better. They didn't need the space doubled or a massive island added. They just needed their galley kitchen to function better as a galley kitchen. Here's a look at the couple's results after they worked with contractor Matthew Pope, who specializes in period homes ...

By Lisa Boone

When Center Theatre Group costume director Candice Cain and actor John Lee went to remodel the kitchen in their 1916 house in the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, they knew that bigger would not necessarily be better. They didn’t need the space doubled or a massive island added. They just needed their galley kitchen to function better as a galley kitchen. Here’s a look at the couple’s results after they worked with contractor Matthew Pope, who specializes in period homes ...  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

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Candice Cain and John Lee's kitchen

This “before” photo shows the old pine cabinets and fake wood-paneled walls that made the kitchen seem more like a porch. “It had been shoved together with salvaged parts,” said contractor Pope, who added: “It looked like it was a mud room that later became a kitchen.”  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Candice Cain and John Lee's kitchen

Perhaps the most notable move: The original wood windows overlooking the patio were left intact. “It’s a lovely setting,” Cain says. “I want to be able to wash dishes and look outside.” Though the size of the space remained largely the same, Pope changed the geometry by creating a good work triangle: prep area, range and sink. He tossed cabinets that were for display only and added a little bit more counter top. Six inches were borrowed from a deep bedroom closet, widening the space just enough to allow two people to work more comfortably.

Cain painted the ceiling blue, the walls a blue gray, the cabinets a blue-green -- all complementary hues from Benjamin Moore’s Infinity line. And for an unexpected splash of color, the windows were painted orange. In the center of the kitchen, Pope installed a 4-by-8 piece of Douglas fir that was clear-coated.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

Candice Cain and John Lee's kitchen

To save money, Cain and Lee eschewed new stainless-steel appliances in favor of their existing white dishwasher, refrigerator and stove -- a move that also preserved more of the look they wanted.

As a transition between old and new, custom Shaker-style cabinets were fitted with glass panels. “They are a contemporary touch but also go back a few hundred years,” Pope said.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

Candice Cain and John Lee's kitchen

Cain chose custom tiles from United Tile in L.A. for the backsplash. The hand-painted floral design by Jose Nonato, paired with warm blue and brown CaesarStone countertops, added a striking graphic element without overpowering the space.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

Candice Cain and John Lee's kitchen

A hanging pot rack is a space saver.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

Candice Cain and John Lee's kitchen

Cain and Lee changed the vibe of their kitchen and made it more functional for about $30,000.

For more profiles of remodeling projects -- small wonders and dream retreats alike -- check out our Homes of the Times archive. We also invite you to track our weekly home profiles via our Facebook page for home design.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

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