Shady Hollow Kitchen Reveal: Inside a Thoughtful, Elevated South Austin Kitchen Remodel

At Audrey Scheck Design, we believe the heart of the home should be as functional as it is beautiful. The goal is effortlessly blending comfort, character, and style to create meaningful living spaces. Step inside this thoughtfully reimagined South Austin kitchen remodel, where it's more than just a kitchen makeover but a space where every detail was designed to feel intentional and inviting.

From custom cabinets and organic textures to strategic layout changes that maximize both flow and light, this kitchen upgrade tells a story of refined simplicity and timeless appeal. This behind-the-scenes kitchen update reveals the inspiration, materials, and thoughtful choices that brought this space to life.

The Heart of The Home

The Shady Hollow kitchen remodel was designed for a family who loves to cook and gather with their loved ones. The kitchen is the heart of their home and a space they use every day, making it their top priority for the remodel. Our goal was to bring depth and warmth to this well-loved space by layering thoughtful design elements. We introduced custom cabinets tailored to their needs, installed luxurious quartz countertop for a classic feel, and statement light fixtures that add character and elegance. This transformation creates a kitchen that is not only beautiful but also perfectly suited to support the family’s lifestyle and love for entertaining at home.

Kitchen Remodel Ideas Before And After

Before the kitchen remodel, the space felt closed off from the rest of the home, limiting natural light and making it difficult to connect while cooking or entertaining friends and family. The original layout made the space feel smaller and less welcoming, which posed a challenge for a family that loves to gather. A key part of the transformation involved removing the dividing wall and existing peninsula to make room for a large, functional island. This change opened up the kitchen to the adjacent living area and added generous counter space and storage, creating a more seamless and inviting flow.

With the floor plan reimagined, our design vision focused on brightening the space with a lighter neutral color palette that would reflect the natural light while adding depth through key design elements. We wanted to add character and warmth through wood kitchen cabinets, rich textures, and carefully selected materials. Our goal was to create a place where the family can comfortably cook, entertain, and enjoy time together.

The Beauty of Timeless Materials

Materials play a defining role in any kitchen design, and in this space, every selection was made with intention. We opted for custom cabinets painted in Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore, a warm and classic shade that adds softness and depth. This un-lacquered brass hardware brings in a subtle touch of charm with its beautiful patina that develops over time. To anchor the space and create a true focal point, we designed a custom plaster vent hood that adds sculptural interest while complementing the overall palette. A handmade Zellige tile backsplash in a kitchen adds texture and movement, beautifully reflecting light throughout the room. We believe a well-designed kitchen begins with timeless, durable materials, and this space is a true reflection of that approach.

One of the most impactful changes in this kitchen was the shift to a lighter, more neutral color palette. The soft tones instantly opened up the space, making it feel larger, brighter, and more welcoming. By choosing warm whites and subtle, natural finishes, we were able to reflect the abundance of natural light that now fills the room thanks to the open layout. This tonal palette not only enhances the architectural features but also creates a calming backdrop for everyday life and gatherings alike.

The Jewelry of the Home: Kitchen Lighting Ideas

One of the unexpected benefits of brightening the overall palette was the opportunity to introduce a more dramatic statement light in the kitchen. We always consider lighting to be the jewelry of the home, and in this space, it was all about striking the right balance. The pendant light fixtures we selected bring in deeper earth tones that anchors the room while complementing the existing brass elements. They add contrast, depth, and just the right amount of drama, all while feeling cohesive with the materials throughout. Their sculptural shape and rich finish made them an effortless choice.

Why We Chose a Tonal Color Palette 

We chose a tonal color palette to create a sense of calm and cohesion throughout the kitchen. By layering warm neutrals and soft textures, the space feels effortless and inviting without relying on contrast or bold color. This approach allows the natural materials to shine and gives the room a timeless quality that won’t go out of style. It also creates a beautiful backdrop for the architectural details and curated finishes, letting each element speak without overwhelming the whole. The result is a kitchen that feels grounded, harmonious, and designed to be lived in.

Small Kitchen Upgrades that Make a Big Impact

• Kitchen Backsplash: A backsplash has the power to completely elevate a kitchen, making it one of the simplest upgrades with the biggest impact. You don’t need to commit to a full remodel to refresh an outdated backsplash. We’re especially drawn to the timeless texture and subtle movement of this stunning Zellige tile.

• Brass Hardware: Brass hardware is a classic choice that adds warmth and enduring elegance to any kitchen. It’s a subtle detail that instantly elevates cabinetry, creating a sense of refinement without overwhelming the space. We love how the natural patina that develops over time gives each piece unique character, making brass both beautiful and enduring.

• Kitchen Faucet: Updating your kitchen faucet is a simple change that can make a big difference in both style and function. We chose a brass faucet for its warm tone and timeless appeal, perfectly complementing the other brass elements in the kitchen. Small decisions like selecting the right faucet are often overlooked, but when thoughtfully sourced they truly make a huge impact, elevating the overall design while enhancing everyday use.

A Kitchen Transformed by Thoughtful Design

This kitchen is a true example of how simplicity can still make a lasting statement. Every element was chosen with care, allowing the design to feel elevated without ever being overdone. What was once a dark, choppy, and closed-off space is now open, warm, and inviting. The flow feels natural, the materials feel grounded, and the overall atmosphere is both calming and welcoming. It is a space that reflects the power of thoughtful and timeless design. This kitchen proves that investing in quality and intentionality can transform not just how a space looks, but how it feels to live in.

Let’s Transform Your Kitchen Into a Space You Love

We specialize in kitchen remodels in Austin, Texas that blend beauty and functionality tailored to your lifestyle and style preferences. Whether you want to completely renovate your kitchen or update key elements for a fresh new look, we can do everything from initial design concepts to final installation to create a kitchen that feels cohesive, inviting, and truly yours. Check out this kitchen remodel for a client's craftsman-style gem.

We offer full-service kitchen remodeling with a personalized approach and close client collaboration. From layout planning and material selection to kitchen lighting, custom cabinets, and project management, we guide you seamlessly through every stage. 

Audrey Scheck Design is based in Austin, Texas, proudly working with clients nationwide to bring their dream kitchens to life. If you’re wondering how a kitchen remodel can enhance your home’s value or simply want to explore ideas for your space, contact us today to start the conversation.

Let’s make your kitchen the heart of your home, a space that’s warm, functional, and designed just for you.

You can contact Audrey Scheck Design here.

Shop the Look: Our Favorite Kitchen Decor

Feeling inspired by this kitchen remodel? We’ve gathered a selection of furniture, lighting, and accessories inspired by the Shady Hollow Kitchen Remodel so you can bring some of this timeless charm into your own home.

All Photos by Cate Black