Work — Ali Horwitz Designs

1960s Galley Kitchen Gut Renovation

This compact kitchen started as a closed-in U-shaped layout with a low flat ceiling and dated cabinetry. We raised the ceiling to follow the home’s sloped roofline, closed the original exterior door to relocate the dishwasher, and opened the opposite wall to connect seamlessly to the dining room. Light wood flat-panel cabinetry, a large apron-front sink, hex tile flooring and streamlined lighting turned it into a modern, airy “young couple” kitchen that finally matches the rest of the modern house.

Bright, modern U-shaped kitchen with raised ceiling, hex tile floor, light wood cabinets, and a central farmhouse sink.

Ceiling raised to follow the roofline, new U-shaped layout framed in, and finishes going in.

Original 1960s kitchen with low soffit ceiling, fluorescent light fixtures, laminate counters, and builder-grade cabinets.

Closed-in and dated U-shaped layout that felt cramped and disconnected from the dining room.

Tight appliance wall with dated range and fridge cutting into the workspace.

James Mont Cabinet – Custom Refinish

This vintage James Mont cabinet had incredible bones but was reading dark and dated. I refreshed the piece in a soft taupe lacquer, restored and re-gilded the oversized medallions, and sharpened the gold detailing around the doors. The result is a brighter, tailored focal point that still celebrates the drama and history of the original design.

After – front view (light taupe cabinet)
Refinished James Mont cabinet in soft taupe lacquer with hand-gilded medallions, ready for its new home in Lizeth’s living room. Photos of project coming soon.

After – angled view
Side view of the updated cabinet, showing the sculptural medallions and crisp new lacquer finish.

Before – original dark cabinet
Before: original dark finish and aged hardware, beautiful bones but visually heavy in the space.

Evergreen Living Room

Glenelg, Maryland