Yorktown | JimHicks.com Yorktown, Virginia

2021 Kitchen Makeover in Yorktown

Backsplash, Countertops, Design: Interior, Flooring, Kitchen, Paint, Projects, Remodel, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / September 17, 2021 / 3 minutes of reading

Like many homes built in the late 1980s, Keith and Dottie’s home in Yorktown featured a kitchen with upper cabinets above the peninsula. While this added storage and helped define the area, it closed the kitchen off from the adjacent dining area and den. The cabinets were dark, stained wood, with laminate countertops, and the flooring was a standard sheet vinyl. We were asked to update the kitchen and remove the upper cabinets to give the area a more open feel.

The clients wanted lighter colors throughout the new kitchen, so they started with custom cabinets painted in a creamy white. Because there is a functional cabinet door on the back of the peninsula, the entire back was finished to look like cabinet doors. This detail was also repeated on the end of the peninsula and on one upper cabinet end. Glass doors on two of the upper cabinets add interest to the wall above the stove, and LED strips add task lighting.

New granite countertops in White Savannah continued the lighter color scheme. New backsplash tile by Marazzi in “Urban District Downtown” extends from the bottom of the cabinets to the top of the granite surface.

New engineered hardwood floors by Impressions in “Terracotta” were installed in the kitchen, dining area, and foyer. In the back hallway, laundry room, and downstairs bath, we installed “Lucinda” Coretec stone flooring.

Finishing touches were new stainless-steel appliances, industrial-style pendant lights above the sink and peninsula, and a few well-placed can lights.

The end result is a new, lighter and brighter kitchen which will serve the homeowners for many years to come!

Room Addition and Screened Porch in Yorktown

Remodel, Room Addition, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / July 3, 2019 / 3 minutes of reading

Mike and Karen have a lovely home in Yorktown, but they wanted more of an open floorplan downstairs. After consulting with our engineer, we were able to remove 2 exterior walls, create a new living space between the kitchen and a bedroom, and add a fabulous screened porch, with a covered area for grilling. These before and after pictures tell the story.

We started with the concept drawing. The client initially considered copper for the roof of the addition, but decided on architectural-style asphalt shingles.

Before: The small deck on the back of the house, between the kitchen and a bedroom has been removed.

After: A new living space was created between the kitchen and bedroom, and a screened porch was added.
The new space ties into the kitchen and enlarges the living room. The large arched window from the kitchen was moved into the addition, and the former space the window occupied has been converted to a door that opens onto the new screened porch.

Before: The dining room was closed off from the living room. The door in this picture opens onto the small deck we removed.

After: The exterior walls were removed, 2 columns and header beams were installed, and the addition is complete. In this picture, you can now see into the living room and the addition from the kitchen.
The new room added much needed space to the living room. Removing the 2 walls opened up the area and created a better flow between the kitchen, dining room, living room, and the addition.

Before: The living room is closed off from the kitchen and dining room, and the large furniture dominates the space.

After: The exterior walls have been removed, and addition is finished.
The sofa and loveseat placement is the same in the living room, but the new open floorplan is a better fit for the large furniture. The large arched window adds more light, and the new paint color brightens the entire space.

Before: Another view of the dining room, showing the arched window and the exterior door to the small deck.

After: The arched window from the kitchen has been moved into the addition, and a new door leading to the screened porch has been installed in its place.
The addition provides space for a new sitting area, furnished with some of Mike and Karen’s beautiful antiques. Again, the open floor plan is light and bright.

The new screened porch is the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee, to entertain friends, or to relax after a long day. The ceiling fan helps to keep the porch cool on those hot summer days.

The area of the porch that isn’t screened is covered, to keep the rain away, with a specially designed spot for Mike’s grill.

We hope Mike and Karen will enjoy their new and improved home for many years!
For more before and after photos, click here:

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Siding and Trim Update

Backsplash, Carpentry, Kitchen, Lightning, Projects, Remodel, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / October 22, 2018 / 1 minute of reading

Location: Hampton, VA

Client need: Previously a rental property, the homeowner has returned to Hampton, and wants to make this her permanent home. The aging siding and trim have become brittle, and there are cracks in multiple locations. The back porch is also failing, so the client wants it removed. The chimney and fireplace were damaged by a fire, so the client wants those removed, and the interior wall closed.

Our solution: The client loved the original color of her siding, so we installed Mastic Carved Wood in Cameo, which was the closest match. She wanted to change the trim color around the windows, and chose Montana Suede, a warm brown tone. This new, maintenance-free exterior will look great for years!
We removed the porch but left the concrete slab. This patio will become a new focal point for the backyard. We also replaced several sections of privacy fence and added a new gate. The chimney and fireplace were removed and replaced with a pellet stove.

Jim says: We enjoyed working with Mrs. McKinney and her sister. This is the first of several projects they have planned. Stay tuned!

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New Granite Countertops and Backsplashes

Backsplash, Carpentry, Kitchen, Lightning, Projects, Remodel, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / September 5, 2018 / 1 minute of reading

Location: Suffolk, VA

Client need: Update the countertops and backsplashes in the kitchen, and the countertops in the master bath, with custom granite. The stove was replaced with a new stainless-steel model.

Our solution: Our client liked the layout and cabinetry in her kitchen and bath, but wanted to upgrade the countertops and backsplashes with custom granite. We put her in touch with our kitchen designer, who helped her select the perfect new look for both rooms.
The kitchen cabinets were modified to allow for a new stainless-steel gas stove, and range hood.

Jim says: “It’s amazing how much difference new countertops and backsplashes can make! I really like the way these turned out.”

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Kitchen Remodel Project

Backsplash, Carpentry, Kitchen, Lightning, Projects, Remodel, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / August 2, 2018 / 1 minute of reading

Location: Yorktown, VA

Client objective: The kitchen feels small, dark, and closed off from the den and dining room.

Our solution: Remove upper and lower cabinets between the den and dining room to create an open floor plan. Install new white cabinets and trim, and black granite countertops, add a new center island with a butcher block top. Add lots of storage along the wall. New brushed nickel fixtures, new floors, and paint throughout.

Jim says: “Hal and Patty were great to work with and I loved their ideas! I am really happy with how bright and open the kitchen is now. This neighborhood is quickly becoming a showcase for our kitchens!”

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Screened Porch Project

Carpentry, Projects, Remodel, Roofing, Yorktown / By Jim Hicks / July 3, 2018 / 1 minute of reading

Location: Yorktown, VA

Client objective: Existing porch is small and dark, and no longer meets the client’s needs.

Our solution: Demo existing screened porch, and create a new 20’x20’ living space, featuring a cathedral ceiling and skylights.

Jim says: “Good people know good people! The Sommers were referred to us from one of our favorite former clients, Rob & Dale Kutz.” They were a joy to work with and quickly became a ‘crew favorite client’ that everyone in the Production Department wanted to work for.”

The client says: “We enjoy our screen room every day. Jim’s company bought the roofing expertise that was the key to success. Our Project Manager, Haegen Fuller, was exceptionally responsive and easy to work with. Jim stood by his work, and we’re quite happy with the finished project.”

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