Orinda Kitchen & Bath Remodel: A Return Client’s Dream Come True

At Toupin Construction, some of our favorite projects are the ones that come full circle. There’s no greater compliment than when a homeowner invites us back for another remodel — it means we’ve earned their trust, and that’s everything to us.

Our Orinda Kitchen & Bath Remodel is one of those stories: a repeat client asked us to return and reimagine their main living spaces. The result is a bright, welcoming home that feels luxurious, timeless, and truly personal.

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Key Takeaways

• Repeat client in Orinda invited Toupin Construction back to remodel the kitchen and bath.

• Kitchen upgrades: warm wood cabinetry, custom quartz countertops, and a full-height backsplash behind a chimney hood.

• Improved flow and natural light: walls reframed and a new skylight installed to open the space.

• Bathroom design: walk-in shower with bench and niche, porcelain tile, aqua accent strip, and brushed nickel fixtures.

• Finishing touches: Andersen windows, new sliding doors, LED accent lighting, and engineered hardwood flooring.

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Project Overview

Location: Orinda, California
Spaces: Kitchen and Primary Bathroom
Scope: Full remodel with structural reframing, custom cabinetry, new windows and doors, lighting plan, and finishes
Timeline: Multi-phase renovation (kitchen first, then bath)
Goal: Create a brighter, more open layout while blending warmth, craftsmanship, and functionality

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Opening Up the Kitchen

The homeowners wanted a space that felt open, connected, and ready for entertaining. We started by reframing interior walls and installing a new skylight to bring in natural light. The once-enclosed kitchen now flows effortlessly into the dining and family rooms — the perfect setup for everyday living and weekend gatherings.

Materials & Finishes

• Cabinetry: Warm wood cabinetry with soft-close drawers and custom inserts

• Countertops: Custom quartz slabs — durable, low-maintenance, and elegant

• Backsplash: Full-height tile behind the chimney hood for a dramatic focal point

• Lighting: Under-cabinet and interior cabinet lighting to showcase the tile and glassware

• Appliances: Stainless steel suite with built-in range hood and upgraded ventilation

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A Bathroom Designed for Comfort

The homeowners wanted their bathroom to feel spa-like but easy to maintain — a private retreat that still matched the home’s warm aesthetic.

Key Features

• Walk-In Shower: Built-in bench, recessed niche, brushed nickel fixtures

• Tile: Neutral porcelain tile walls with an aqua glass accent strip for personality

• Vanity: Custom wood vanity with granite countertop and vessel sink

• Fixtures: Water-efficient, accessible height, and coordinated finishes

• Tub: Deep soaking tub framed by matching porcelain tile

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Lighting, Windows & Flow

This remodel wasn’t just about finishes — it was about how the home feels.

Lighting Plan

Recessed LED lights were placed strategically to highlight artwork and architectural details. Accent lighting in niches and along the backsplash adds depth and atmosphere.

Windows & Doors

We installed Andersen windows and new sliding glass doors to frame the backyard views and improve energy efficiency. The larger glass panes allow light to travel deeper into the home, complementing the new open layout.

Flooring

Continuous engineered hardwood flooring ties each space together, adding warmth and visual continuity. The lighter tone enhances the home’s airy, natural look.

Craftsmanship Details That Matter

Every inch of this home reflects craftsmanship and care. The shower niche aligns perfectly with the grout lines. Cabinet edges meet seamlessly. Even the skylight trim was custom-built to match the surrounding woodwork.

At Toupin Construction, we believe great design isn’t just about what you see — it’s about how the space feels when you live in it.

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The Outcome

• Brighter, more open kitchen that’s perfect for gatherings.

• Bathroom retreat that balances function and relaxation.

• Improved natural light and sightlines between rooms.

• Upgraded finishes designed for durability and timeless appeal.

• Repeat client satisfaction — the best outcome of all.

This Orinda remodel beautifully combines modern design with a sense of home — proof that comfort, craftsmanship, and elegance can coexist effortlessly.

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FAQ

Q: What were the main goals of this Orinda remodel?
A: Improve flow between the kitchen, dining, and family rooms, increase natural light, and update finishes for a more comfortable, durable design.

Q: What materials were used in the kitchen?
A: Warm wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a full-height tile backsplash with under-cabinet and interior lighting.

Q: How was natural light improved?
A: We reframed interior walls and added a skylight above the kitchen island, bringing daylight into the entire living area.

Q: What bathroom upgrades stand out?
A: A walk-in shower with a bench and niche, brushed nickel fixtures, neutral porcelain tile, and a playful aqua accent strip.

Q: What additional features were included?
A: Andersen windows, new sliding doors, LED lighting throughout, and continuous engineered hardwood flooring.

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The Toupin Take

This project wasn’t just another remodel — it was a relationship milestone. Being invited back by a repeat client means we’ve done more than build; we’ve earned trust.

From framing to final finishes, this Orinda Kitchen & Bath Remodel shows what happens when design, craftsmanship, and partnership come together.

Ready to start your own dream remodel?
Explore our Complete Bathroom Remodel Guide for Bay Area Homes or visit our Kitchen Remodeling Services to start planning.