What happens when you take an outdated, closed-off Granite Bay kitchen and give it the Designing Dreams touch? You get a bright, open space that landed a spot in Vadara Quartz’s Designer Spotlight — and stole our hearts in the process.
Let’s dive into the inspiring world of kitchen renovations with Designing Dreams designer Angela Ungureanu, now leading the new Roseville, California showroom that opened its doors in early September of 2025 in the Renaissance Creek Shopping Center. Angela, who brings her creativity and expertise from her four-year tenure at the Folsom showroom location, invites us to tour her kitchen remodel in Granite Bay, California, that earned her a coveted feature in Vadara’s Quartz Designer Spotlight. Collaborating closely with her client, Angela reimagined her clients outdated and enclosed kitchen into an open, and multifunctional kitchen. After her clients purchased their home and moved from San Jose, California, her client wanted to make their new house a HOME with a neutral palette, warm undertones, and clean lines, and Angela delivered just that.
From Peninsula to Island: A Journey in Problem Solving
When remodeling a kitchen what comes first? The answer, it is a great team and a vision, which was at the heart of Angela’s clients home renovation project. The first major renovation decision included removing the restrictive peninsula, which previously hindered the kitchen’s flow. In its place, Angela designed an oversized kitchen island topped with beautiful Vadara quartz in Naurele. Its bright white background and subtle veining brings movement and character to the kitchen, aligning perfectly with the project's overall aesthetic. “The grey veining was the perfect fit for the painted dark grey island cabinets”, adds Angela who shared the island not only serves as a centerpiece but also doubles storage with cleverly designed access on both sides. According to Angela, “most importantly, removing the peninsula and adding a kitchen island completely changed the way this kitchen and the surrounding rooms functioned. It created space for seating, and turned the kitchen into a true gathering spot— whether it’s over a quick bite or a lingering dinner conversation.”
The first challenge designer Angela faced when deciding to add an island was the existing homes’ step down from the kitchen to the living room area. This was not only a tripping hazard, but also an impediment to adding an island in the first place. “To make room for the new island, we decided to raise the family room which had no reason to drop down, and level the flooring in the house. That resulted in the installation of continuous gorgeous wood flooring,” adds Angela.
Enhancing Functionality and Aesthetics
Strategically repositioning the microwave and ovens allowed the refrigerator to be situated behind the island, flanked by tall pantry cabinets complete with convenient roll-outs. This improved configuration optimized the kitchen’s design and usability. On the side of the range, custom wood floating shelves were added, a design solution born from the angled kitchen wall, which made traditional upper cabinets impractical. “The shelves add texture and the warm design element my client was looking for,” explains Angela, noting that the open shelves also keep the space feeling larger and inviting.
Angela and her client chose white cabinets along the perimeter, thoughtfully incorporating pull-outs and organizers to easily reach items at the back of the cabinets. Black hardware and plumbing fixtures from Granite Bay Plumbing were installed throughout the kitchen creating a cohesive look throughout between the cabinets and the island.
Mission Accomplished: Dream Kitchen Realized!
Before, the clients kitchen tile was your typical builder grade. Time for a major change. Maintaining simplicity and elegance, subway tile, with varying white tones and hand crafted details was installed on the backsplash and to complement the countertops. Angela explains, “my client being conservative, wanted something timeless for her backsplash, and what is not more timeless than Zellige inspired subway Cloe tile by Bedrosians Tile and Stone.” Bringing warmth into the entire kitchen space, the client installed new wood flooring from the Folsom Designing Dreams showroom which extends throughout the first floor, ensuring a consistent and revitalized feel”, Angela says. “We founded the perfect Reward Flooring warm tone for the renovation. Reward’s Avalon collection is genuine wide plank hardwood flooring at a price that competes with wood like rigid composite floors that have flooded the market in recent years” Angela added. Real wood flooring increases the value of your home, and Reward Flooring lets you do that at an exceptional price. Each authentic wood floor plank is unique and tells its own story, avoiding the repeating patterns and plastic feel of composite floors that scream artificial.
Another major change to the space was the addition of double French doors which flooded the space with natural light, making the overall space feel larger and brighter. “The addition of the French doors also provided another opportunity to take in the beautiful backyard views”, added Angela.
Vadara Quartz Designer Spotlight
As for the feature in Vadara’s Designer Spotlight, Angela says, “I really appreciate all the work that goes into making things like this happen and for helping showcase not only my work and knowledge, but also our company’s talent and vision”. Now heading Designing Dream's new Roseville, California location in the Renaissance Creek Shopping Center, Angela is focusing on a home remodel and addition in Newcastle, California, she hopes will also be just as incredible.
Why Choose Designing Dreams Flooring & Remodeling
Are you on the path to home improvement and wondering where to start? Visit our new location to meet our talented design team in Roseville, California and take the first step in scheduling your kitchen renovation today. With over 40 years in business, we have remodeled hundreds of kitchens all over the Sacramento area. Awarded the Best Home Remodeler in Folsom by Style Magazine and Folsom Times, our designers are committed to helping you renovate and expertly design a home that fits your lifestyle.
Angela Ungureanu, Interior Designer, Designing Dreams Flooring & Remodeling
Caroline Sanders, Design Blogger for Designing Dreams Flooring & Remodeling
