Once upon a time every home had a small, dark room hidden behind closed doors and walls. It wasn’t a place where people lingered. Meals were prepared as quickly as possible, eaten in silence, and everyone moved on with their day. There was no space for conversations, laughter, or simply being together. By now, you’ve probably guessed we’re talking about the kitchen. For many years, it was designed to be purely functional – a workspace tucked away from the rest of the home. But somewhere along the way, the kitchen’s story changed.
Today, the kitchen has become the true heart of the home. Here, people laugh, dream, share secrets, cook, and eat together. It’s in the kitchen that they now celebrate life and create unforgettable memories. Why has everything changed? Because the approach to its design has changed.
A story that began in 1992
At Le Gourmet Kitchen, we recognized that shift in kitchen design a long while ago. Our lead designer, Bruce Colucci, understood that designing a kitchen was no longer just about function. It became about people, emotions, and the way they live.
What do you love to cook? Who do you share dinner with? Do your weekends revolve around family or hosting friends? These are the questions we ask before we start talking about cabinets, finishes, or layouts. Because every family lives differently, every kitchen should be designed differently. This philosophy shapes every project we create. We design kitchens where thoughtful functionality and everyday life exist side by side. Spaces that truly become the heart of every home. But first, let’s take a look at how it all began.
In 1992 began the story of Le Gourmet Kitchen when Bruce Colucci and his former business partner launched the company. It was just two enthusiasts, brimming with creative energy and a passion for kitchen and bathroom design.
When Le Gourmet Kitchen opened its first showroom in 1993, it introduced a completely new way of remodeling kitchens and bathrooms in Orange County. Instead of sending homeowners from one supplier to another, everything they needed was brought together in the showroom.
In 2005, the studio moved into the historic district of Old Town Orange, where for years it shared its space with Laguna Culinary Arts.
“The people we truly appeal to are foodies,” Bruce Colucci says. “People who enjoy cooking, who enjoy hosting. Our main idea is that the space has to reflect their character, their lifestyle, and their passion to live.”
The twenty years that followed were not easy ones. Like many businesses, Le Gourmet Kitchen navigated two major economic recessions and the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each challenge pushed the company to adapt and evolve.
“I watched countless design trends arrive and fade. Yes, interior design is a fashion. Fashion has trends, and they come and go, but good design is forever. And one thing has never changed: design is about people. And our approach has always been personal. We create kitchens where people will enjoy life for years to come .” Bruce Colucci
In 2025, Le Gourmet Kitchen welcomed a new generation of leadership. Interior designer Olesia Kravchenko and her husband, Viktor Kravchenko joined the company as co-owners, bringing fresh ideas while staying true to the values that had shaped the business for more than three decades. Together, they refreshed the brand, strengthened its digital presence, and moved the showroom to its new home at 172 East Main Street in the heart of historic Old Town Tustin.
Everything under one roof
The process of remodeling is filled with countless decisions. Homeowners have to choose color palettes and finishes, cabinet styles and countertops. Communicate with contractors and designers about the project and building permits. And still need to approve the budget. Before construction even begins, there are hundreds of details that need to come together. And for most homeowners it becomes overwhelming.
That’s why, at Le Gourmet Kitchen, everything happens under one roof. We handle the entire remodeling process – from the first measurements and design concepts to material selection, permitting, construction, installation, and final walkthrough. Instead of coordinating multiple vendors, suppliers, and contractors, our clients have one experienced team guiding them through every stage of the project. Our clients aren’t passed from vendor to vendor. They work with a dedicated team that understands the project in its entirety, from first sketch to final detail.
“A successful renovation isn’t just about the final result. It’s about how our clients feel throughout the entire journey. If we can take away the stress and let them enjoy the process, we’ve done our job well.” – Olesia Kravchenko, interior, kitchen and bath designer.
We always welcome homeowners, clients, and anyone looking for inspiration to visit our showroom in the heart of Old Town Tustin. Here, they can explore cabinetry, compare finishes, experience premium materials firsthand, and make confident decisions knowing exactly how every detail will look and feel in your future kitchen. After all, no rendering can replace the experience of opening a cabinet, feeling the texture of natural stone, or seeing how finishes interact with light in real life. Whether you’re just gathering ideas or planning a full renovation, we invite you to explore our portfolio.
Exclusive partnership with US-made cabinetry
We believe exceptional kitchens begin with exceptional cabinetry. That’s why we partner with premium US-made manufacturers known for their craftsmanship, quality, and lasting durability.
As one the few authorized Dutch Made dealers in Southern California, we’re proud to offer the exclusive Katachi Collection – beautifully crafted cabinetry inspired by Japanese minimalism and designed to stand the test of time. These cabinets are not available in big-box stores or any mass-market showroom. And that’s exactly why we chose them. We believe every kitchen should be as unique as its owner.
One team, one vision
At the heart of Le Gourmet Kitchen is its people. As a full-service remodeling company, our team brings together kitchen and bathroom designers, technical specialists, craftsmen, project managers, and construction team.
Leading the team is a trio whose expertise perfectly complements one another. Bruce Colucci focuses on functionality, space planning, and decades of design experience. Olesia Kravchenko brings each project to life through aesthetics, comfort, and thoughtful attention to detail. Viktor Kravchenko oversees operations, construction, and project execution, ensuring every renovation runs smoothly from start to finish.
“We bring expertise to every plan, ensuring that functionality and beauty go hand in hand” – Viktor Kravchenko, CEO, co-owner.
Many of our clients come to us because a friend, a neighbor, or a family member trusted us with their renovation first. One successful project leads to another, building a reputation that now extends far beyond Tustin to communities across Orange County, including Newport Beach, Irvine, and Laguna Beach etc.
Years later…
The greatest compliment we can receive is when a client recommends us to someone they care about. But there’s one compliment that’s even more meaningful, when they come back to us years later with another project.
That’s exactly what happened with one of our clients from Irvine. Nearly twenty years ago, we transformed the first floor of her home, opening up the kitchen and family room into one bright, welcoming living space, updating the flooring throughout, and remodeling the primary bathroom. For two decades, those spaces remained at the true heart of her home. Then, unexpectedly, a sewer line failure damaged her downstairs bathroom. Faced with another renovation, she never considered looking elsewhere. She simply called us again.
Stories like this remind us that a successful remodel isn’t measured by how it looks on the day it’s finished. It’s measured years later, when the space still feels just as functional and beautiful.
More than 1,000 projects later, our philosophy hasn’t changed. Every family is different, every home is a unique space for its owner and every kitchen deserves a thoughtful approach. Trends will continue to evolve, but our goal remains the same: to create kitchens where people love, gather, laugh and just celebrate life.
If you’re ready to create a kitchen that’s designed around the way you live, we’re here to help. invite you to visit our website and fill out the contact form: legourmetkitchen.com.
With all our heart, Le Gourmet Kitchen team
The post Your Home Has a Heart. An Approach That Became a Manifesto of a Full-Service Remodeling Company From Orange County appeared first on Orange Coast.