New Kitchen with Classic Personality

This timeless kitchen encompasses traditional style with classic white, solid wood cabinetry and an up-to-date gray glaze. Marbled quartz counter tops allow cooks to clean spills without having to worry about staining, while the combination Calcutta marble and crystal wall tile adds glamour to an otherwise simple palette.

Location: Private

Designer Credits: Decorating Den Interiors

Project Overview:

This kitchen is in a newly built home, part of an 800-home community with a choice of 20 models and three kitchen layouts per model. There were few allowances for change and the challenge was to create a functional, attractive kitchen around the set of rules that suited the home owner who is a kitchen designer herself!

New Kitchen with Classic Personality

The home owner knew exactly what she wanted and working with the community designer proved to be challenging in every aspect as each slight deviation from the norm had to be discussed and approved by the Board. An example of this is that this home was expected to have floor tile not hardwood.

Ultimately we were able to make some substantial alterations which allowed us to:

  • Build an additional wall to create an alcove for the home-owners antique shelves to house everyday china and dishes.
  • Install the hardwood floors and lighting fixtures after closing which not only gave the home-owner the finishes she wanted but was also substantially less expensive.
  • Add additional pot drawers and other utilitarian cabinets for increased functionality.
  • Install our choice of range hood adding some modernity to what could be a very traditional kitchen.

Once the beautiful hand-scraped hickory floors were laid and the multiple layers of lighting were installed we were able to demo the 4-inch backsplash. We added a mixed premium Calcutta marble and antique mirror tile backsplash not only between the cabinets but also up to the ceiling. The brilliant mirror in the patterned tile reflects light and brings a touch of Hollywood glamour to the kitchen.

With the kitchen ready for move-in we added window shades to protect the floor and furniture from the harsh Florida light topped with colorful cornice boards that reflect the colors chosen throughout the home.

This homeowner likes things to be highly reflective which we achieved with the lighting, tile and metal table base. The crystal chandelier over the table adds to the subtle drama.

One of our fun finds for this kitchen are the barstools which were found in a consignment store, rusted and filthy. We loved the lattice pattern and the stools were so comfortable to sit in. We purchased them, sprayed them a bright white and added a silvery grey fabric to tone in with the overall color scheme.

Although this is a predominantly white kitchen with grey glazed doors and marble look-alike quartz countertops, the central island contrasts with a dark granite and sun-washed dark cabinetry. Moldings above and below the wall cabinets conceal additional lighting. This is a kitchen that is well-used by two eager cooks who managed to bypass the system!