This vaulted ceiling kitchen remodel on Vashon Island was one of our most dramatic transformations — taking a cramped, dated kitchen with a low popcorn ceiling and opening it up with exposed beams and tongue-and-groove cedar. Having grown up on Vashon, I jumped at the opportunity to take this one on.

Vaulted ceiling kitchen remodel with exposed beams and cedar
Vaulted ceiling kitchen remodel with exposed beams and cedar.
Original kitchen (before)
Original kitchen (before)

From Popcorn Ceiling to Vaulted Kitchen

I know the 60s and 70s styles are creeping back into modern design, but this is still depressing, and way too small. One of the big tasks for the kitchen remodel was to remove the ugly popcorn ceiling, and open the space up with a new vaulted ceiling.

A clean slate
A clean slate.

My clients decided to take on the demolition themselves to save a little money, and get rid of any pent-up anger issues. So we arrived the first day to a relatively clean slate.

Popcorn ceiling removed, old ceiling trusses exposed
Popcorn ceiling removed, old ceiling trusses exposed.

Exposed Beams and Structural Work

These trusses have to come out to be replaced by the new posts and beams.

Installation of the exposed posts and beams begins
Installation of the exposed posts and beams begins

Working in sections to ensure structural integrity, we removed the old ceiling trusses and replaced with new cross-ties every four feet.

Exposed beams, new plumbing and all new electrical
Exposed beams, new plumbing and all new electrical

At the same time as the framing, we called in our electrician and plumber to do their thing.

Drywall installation in the new kitchen begins
Drywall installation in the new kitchen begins.

With the new beams up, and all the electrical and plumbing done, it’s time to put in new insulation, and cover the walls back up. So we called in Ryan our trusty Drywall guy to get it done right!

Installation of tongue and groove cedar cladding on the ceiling
Installation of tongue and groove cedar cladding on the ceiling.

Tongue and Groove Cedar Ceiling

The customers decided to go with tongue and groove cedar cladding for the ceiling and now things are really starting to take shape.

Vaulted Ceiling in the kitchen, featuring exposed beams and T&G cedar cladding
Vaulted Ceiling in the kitchen, featuring exposed beams and T&G cedar cladding.

The finished ceiling came out great. What an improvement from before! We’ve still got lots of work to do though. This week we’ll be painting and installing the cabinets.

Incredible view of Mt. Rainier as seen from the deck, just outside the kitchen
Incredible view of Mt. Rainier as seen from the deck, just outside the kitchen.

What a view! We’re so lucky to be working here and none of us will want to leave! Check out part two of this remodel here: Vashon Island Kitchen Part 2

Feeling inspired to start a remodel project of your own in the Seattle or Tacoma area? We’d love to help! Give us a call, or…