written by Megin Potter | Photos by Susan Blackburn Photography

[From the 2026 Home & Lifestyle Magazine]

Empty-nesters Jeanne and Jim Daley dive into the next phase of their life in a cheerful kitchen that embraces versatility and sea glass greens in soft, soothing hues.

There were a lot of big decisions to make when Jeanne and Jim Daley decided to rehab their 30+-year-old kitchen. They loved the neighborhood where they had raised their three children, and thought the kitchen was beautiful when they first moved in. Through the years however, it had undergone a number of changes, and now the repainted countertops and cabinets were chipping. The kitchen needed an overhaul, said Jeanne.

The couple met while both attended college at SUNY Oneonta, then, Jeanne and Jim, a Long Island native, married in 1990 and decided to call the Capital District home while Jim opened a branch sales office for Cutco Cutlery on West Ave. which ranked 17th in the nation. Jim then launched a 29-year-long career in advertising sales (the last 15 years of which he has been with Saratoga Publishing). Through his position, Jim discovered the conveniently located SE Kitchens & Baths, an award-winning remodeling company offering competitive pricing, free consultations, and design services.

BEFORE

AFTER

Two years ago, the Daleys began shopping for new kitchen countertops but quickly discovered that their existing cabinetry was too worn out and wouldn’t be able to withstand the weight of something new. The kitchen’s layout was also inefficient, disorganized, and did not adhere to current code requirements.

“We were told, ‘when you do a kitchen renovation, do it once, and do it right’,” said Jeanne, so that’s what they were determined to do.

Enjoying Island Life

After several Saturdays spent at the SE Kitchens & Baths, 16 Leonard St. showroom in Gansevoort, SE Kitchens & Baths designed a kitchen for the Daleys that has a versatile blend of vintage charm and modern sophistication.

During a previous remodel, the original kitchen island had been removed. Now, both Jeanne and Jim are overjoyed to have a welcoming new center island (and its four upholstered swivel stools!) as the focal point of the light and airy space.

“I love the island!  It’s really cozy. I’m so glad to have it back,” said Jeanne. “It’s my favorite thing in the space.” Within the island there is room for a pull-out garbage and recycling station, bakeware, a large collection of cutting boards, and extra deep drawers for utensils and cutlery.

The Jewel of the Sea

By removing the kitchen’s soffit, the light mint green wall cabinetry was extended, creating a more open look that optimizes storage while creating a calming feeling that complements their existing wall color. The base cabinetry’s slightly darker tone adds a more dramatic moodiness to the kitchen that still pairs exceptionally well with the home’s existing natural hardwood floors and new no-maintenance white quartz countertops.

After struggling with backsplash choices, the Daleys decided on a classic white subway tile highlighted by decorative sea glass tiles in jewel-like hues. Illuminated by recessed lighting and pendent lighting, this kitchen shines!

Striking contemporary stainless-steel appliances and black hardware, including 5” drawer and cabinet pulls, create a high contrast look with bold style. The low profile over-the-range microwave features a sleek design that the Daleys love, but its unique dimensions unexpectedly resulted in a more complex installation (because it requires longer mounting screws than a traditional appliance would).

Ethereal Entertaining

When one of the cabinetry’s face boards arrived damaged, the renovation, which began in July, was delayed, leaving the Daleys without running water in the kitchen for longer than they had anticipated. To bridge the gap until the remodel was completed in September, they helped make entertaining easier by adding a water cooler to the beverage station.

After deciding to move the couch to the living room, they created a more ethereal entertaining experience by instead filling the space with two wheeled armchairs flanking the original wood-burning fireplace and a farmhouse-style table that can be turned and extended to seat 12, providing plenty of seating for when the family gathers together for a good meal.

By opening the slider door to the enclosed deck, Jim can easily cook hibachi on their natural gas-fed Blackstone grill year-round. With the kitchen’s new and  improved layout and functionality, there’s now enough room for everyone (especially Jeanne’s mother, Lorraine, who helped make this beautiful new space a reality) to enjoy the space together the way it was always meant to be. 

Visit www.sekitchensandbaths.com for ideas for your own kitchen and bath remodel today!