Desperate Kitchen No More: A Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

HGTV's Kitchen Cousins Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri take a worn out kitchen with dismally dated appliances and low-hanging cabinets, then blow it open to join it with the living and dining rooms, creating one huge modern living space. This transformation is just the thing for a dedicated baking enthusiast and for a couple who loves to entertain.

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July 06, 2015

By: David L. Haynes

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Photo By: Gilles Mingasson / Getty Images

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Kitchen Cousins Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri transformed a dated and dysfunctional kitchen into this modern rustic space that's specially conceived to be the ideal baker's kitchen.

From: John Colaneri

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

A custom baking station is a keynote feature in the new kitchen design that incorporates a generous amount of open shelving and a dedicated prep area with butcher block countertop.

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

New baker's shelves are treated in a ceruse finish, a subtle overlay of white paint that fills and reveals the wood's grain lines. The technique is sometimes referred to as a pickled or a limed wood finish.

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Prior to the renovation, the dining room was isolated from the kitchen and seldom used. Designers John and Anthony removed a wall to unify the spaces and create this open and inviting dining area with a beautiful farmhouse table.

From: John Colaneri

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Removing a wall not only gave new life to the dining room, it facilitated a structural reconfiguration that functionally and visually redefined spaces.

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

In the new open floor plan, there's a direct line of sight throughout the living room, kitchen and dining space.

From: John Colaneri

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

The kitchen island with its distressed and stained mahogany butcher-block provides a spacious prep area for the avid baking enthusiast and serves double duty or serving and entertaining.

From: John Colaneri

Meet the Homeowners

Britney and Joseph's wish list for a dream kitchen: a space where Britney could bake every day, a more contemporary kitchen with modern appliances, an open floor plan that facilitates both cooking and entertaining, and plenty of space for growing their family.

Britney and Joseph's Kitchen, BEFORE

Prior to the renovation, the kitchen had a confining and inefficient layout, a dishwasher that didn't work and double ovens that would only function one at a time.

Britney and Joseph's Kitchen, AFTER

For this ambitious makeover, Anthony and John essentially gutted three of the home's existing spaces, replacing flooring, cabinetry, appliances and lighting.

From: John Colaneri

Kitchen, BEFORE

Britney described the old kitchen as "unwelcoming, unfriendly and sometimes unreliable."

Kitchen, AFTER

With the renovation complete, the new kitchen is a roomy, cook-friendly space with a casual and comfortable vibe. The cooking enthusiast will appreciate the new electric wall oven in addition to a gas range oven.

From: John Colaneri

Dining Area, BEFORE

As the small dining nook off the kitchen illustrates, spaces in the old layout were tight and compartmentalized.

Dining Room, AFTER

The new dining area is open, sleek and stylized while employing impressive visuals, plenty of natural wood and warm, rustic touches.

From: John Colaneri

Dining Room

John and Anthony opted for an informal dining table in a light finish that stands out nicely against the taupe-green walls and new dark hardwood floors.

Dining Room, Detail

After the renovation by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the Tezanos-Pinto's dining room features a multi-facets steel frame miror, with open walls leading to the completely remodeled kitchen, with an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Dining Room, Detail

After the renovation by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the Tezanos-Pinto's dining room features a steel frame ceiling light, with open walls leading to the completely remodeled kitchen, with an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Dining Room, Detail

A daring and imaginative element in the redesign is the dining room's floor-to-ceiling art piece with supersized graphics depicting flatware and stacked dishes. The striking graphic treatment is a photo transfer onto wood. The panels are attached using 2x4 cleats anchored to the wall studs.

Dining Room, Detail

After the renovation by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the Tezanos-Pinto's dining room features Macy's Champagne dining room furniture, Chilewich Boucle placemats, Oneida Icarus flatware, and floor to ceiling wall panels with bold graphics, with open walls leading to the completely remodeled kitchen, with an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Dining Room, Detail

Dinnerware in matte graphite and white glaze finish provides a smart contrast with the rustic wood dining table.

Living Room and Kitchen, BEFORE

The view of the kitchen from the existing living room was partially obstructed by the peninsula and low-hanging cabinets.

Living Room and Kitchen, AFTER

The redesigned living room and kitchen looks and feels more like a single, contiguous space.

From: John Colaneri

Living Room, AFTER

John and Anthony chose a roomy sectional sofa in a neutral tone that helps anchor the vibrant colors used throughout the redesigned spaces.

Living Room, BEFORE

SONY DSC

Living Room, AFTER

The floors used in the renovated space are a floating pre-finished wood panels in a warm, dark tone. New wood trim and base molding were added as well and painted in white to match the new cabinetry.

From: John Colaneri

Living Room, BEFORE

SONY DSC

Living Room, AFTER

The wall that had been between the dining room and living room was load-bearing, so new posts and a beam header were added. In addition to structural support, the new elements also provide a nice, clean visual line.

Living Room, Detail

After the renovation by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the Tezanos-Pinto's home features open walls leading from the living room, furnished with Macy's Gunnar TV stand, into the entirely remodeled kitchen, which now features an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Living Room, Detail

After the renovation by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the Tezanos-Pinto's home features open walls leading from the living room, furnished with Macy's Gunner TV stand, seen here in detail, into the entirely remodeled kitchen, which now features an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Living Room, Detail

After the renovation by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the Tezanos-Pinto's home features open walls leading from the living room, decorated a white book shelve and two white lamps, into the entirely remodeled kitchen, which now features an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Living Room, Detail

After the renovation by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the Tezanos-Pinto's home features open walls leading from the living room, furnished with Macy's Ruston coffee table, seen here in detail, into the entirely remodeled kitchen, which now features an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Living Room, Detail

High backed upholstered chairs in vivid colors and an intricate pattern make a bold statement and introduce a welcome note of intensity within the room's more subdued palette.

Kitchen and Dining Room

Since the dining area is now visible from the kitchen and living room, its large wall graphic adds a striking visual that extends throughout the space.

From: John Colaneri

Kitchen Island and Open Shelving

For the kitchen island, the butcher block surface was deliberately distressed to give a well-worn and less formal appearance. John and Anthony used a grinder with a buffing wheel and some strategically placed strikes with a heavy metal chain to achieve the distressed look.,

From: John Colaneri

The Baker's Pantry

The prep counter in the baking station also features butcher-block countertop and a continuous waterfall edge wrapping. Cabinet hardware and drawer pulls are polished nickel.

From: John Colaneri

Baker's Pantry, Detail

A close up of the blackboard and muffins in the Tezanos-Pinto's newly remodeled kitchen, where after the suprise rmakeover by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the space now features open walls, an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Baker's Pantry, Detail

The bake station's butcher block was kept smooth and intact, purposely keeping it visually distinct from the distressed wood surface of the kitchen island.

Kitchen, Detail

The open shelving is adjustable and can be customized to accommodate a variety of dishware, utensils, ingredients and decor.

Kitchen, Detail

A close up of the new open storage pantry in the Tezanos-Pinto's newly remodeled kitchen, where after the suprise rmakeover by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the space now features open walls, an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Kitchen

The upper cabinets, extending to the ceiling for a dramatic presentation, are painted in bright white and topped with crown molding.

Kitchen

The main countertops are honed carrere marble for a classic look that's ideally suited to a baker's kitchen. I addition to its elegant appearance, the smooth marble offers a perfect surface for rolling out dough.

From: John Colaneri

Kitchen

The backsplash beneath the upper cabinets is oversized subway tile in white, with white grout.

From: John Colaneri

Kitchen, Detail

A focal point in the kitchen is the modern but retro-look slide in range in a vibrant teal. The color code of the range's finish was referenced to get an exact color match for the paint used for the lower cabinets.

From: John Colaneri

Kitchen, Detail, Range and Backsplash

Multicolored pattern tiles offer a decorative touch, standing out against the white subway tile and accentuating the new range.

From: John Colaneri

Kitchen, Detail

An adjustable stand mixer is a baker's kitchen essential, and this one with its classic styling works well visually with the retro look of the new range.

Kitchen and Living Space

In addition to new recessed lighting, the task lighting above the island is kept utilitarian and simple: three basic swags with white cords and vintage style Edison bulbs.

Kitchen, Detail

A close up of the island lights in the Tezanos-Pinto's newly remodeled kitchen, where after the suprise rmakeover by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the space now features open walls, an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Kitchen, Detail

A close up of the new Macy's flateware in the Tezanos-Pinto's newly remodeled kitchen, where after the suprise rmakeover by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the space now features open walls, an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Room for Dessert

A close up of the new Macy's Cellar cake stand with mini-dome serveware in the Tezanos-Pinto's newly remodeled kitchen, where after the suprise rmakeover by cousins and licensed contractors Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri, the space now features open walls, an island with a large butcher block prep area, new teal & white cabinets, new appliances and Carrera marble countertops, a large teal "designer" range, a wall oven, and a bakery corner complete with open pantry storage and a blackboard for Britney, an avid home baker, as seen on America's Most Desperate Kitchens.

Cupcakes. Because.

A deliciously happy ending for a beautiful baker's kitchen

America's Most Desperate Kitchens

Desperate Kitchen No More: A Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Shop This Look

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Beautiful Baker's Kitchen

Meet the Homeowners

Britney and Joseph's Kitchen, BEFORE

Britney and Joseph's Kitchen, AFTER

Kitchen, BEFORE

Kitchen, AFTER

Dining Area, BEFORE

Dining Room, AFTER

Dining Room

Dining Room, Detail

Dining Room, Detail

Dining Room, Detail

Dining Room, Detail

Dining Room, Detail

Living Room and Kitchen, BEFORE

Living Room and Kitchen, AFTER

Living Room, AFTER

Living Room, BEFORE

Living Room, AFTER

Living Room, BEFORE

Living Room, AFTER

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Living Room, Detail

Kitchen and Dining Room

Kitchen Island and Open Shelving

The Baker's Pantry

Baker's Pantry, Detail

Baker's Pantry, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen

Kitchen

Kitchen

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail, Range and Backsplash

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen and Living Space

Kitchen, Detail

Kitchen, Detail

Room for Dessert

Cupcakes. Because.

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