After a busy spring working on this full renovation project for a family of five, I’m excited to declare it’s ready for summer enjoyment. You can imagine my surprise when I learned that these native Brazilians chose to make this Atlanta residence their vacation home. When I arrived it was a far cry from a retreat. You don’t have to take my word for it. The photos you are about to see speak volumes.
Before the stunning tawny maple handscraped flooring was installed, I designed this custom banqette that boasts both fashion and function. Banquette seating is one of my favorite options for family friendly kitchens. Topped with decorative pillows, not only does it make a great focal point, but it also provides the kids a place to do their homework, experiment with arts and crafts, as well as enjoy their meals.
When the kids are in the backyard, mom can sit comfortably inside and watch the children play from the window.
STORAGE TO BOOT Raise the seats to find a lengthy wall of storage to house seldom-used kitchen appliances and entertaining items. Save an area for children to store items they frequently use while sitting at the table.
A KITCHEN THAT COOKS
The cabinets doors were removed, degreased and prepped to receive the royal treatment– a marvelous gray glaze finish. The cabinet boxes were refaced with a wood veneer stained the same color as the cabinets. The end result rivals any high end kitchen for less than a fraction of the cost. New polished chrome knobs and pulls were icing on the cake.
Instead of adding height to the upper cabinets, crown molding was installed to occupy the wall space between the cabinets. This optical illusion gives the appearance of taller cabinets.
Sleek,stainless steel appliances replaced the older black models. New switchplate covers reinforce the kitchen’s updated aesthetic. Design is in the details!
ADD A BIT OF SPARKLE
The mohave brown mosaic glass backsplash is a close second to the cabinets when it comes to fabulousness. Light from the breakfast nook windows bounces off the tiles and around the kitchen to create a breezy atmosphere.
EMBRACE DARK AND HANDSOME
The granite countertops appear to be black, but are really a deep brown granite appropriately named Imperial Brown. The dark tops balance the antiqued gray cabinets and lends an air of sophistication to this modestly priced kitchen.
ACCESSORIZE WITH COLOR
A kitchen with a neutral backdrop is both timeless and very versatile. Add pops of color with kitchen necessities, dish towels, and possibly an indoor herb garden. Items in any three of these categories will perform double duty as functional decor.
If your kitchen is desperate for a makeover, contact me today to schedule a consultation. Regardless of your budget you do have options!
RESOURCES
July 20, 2012 at 7:43 am
Its beautiful Erika!!! All of your hard work was worth it!
July 21, 2012 at 9:12 am
Thanks Sherry! I have an amazing team of subcontractors who make me look good
July 20, 2012 at 8:25 am
I love how you’ve turned this kitchen, with standard builder’s features, into something unique and custom. Above all, you bulked the current trend with the choices in countertops and cabinet color to create a room that’s durable and will stand the test of time. It demonstrates your confidence as a professional designer. Good job!
July 21, 2012 at 9:13 am
WOW, thank you Angela. It’s always rewarding to see a vision come to pass.
July 20, 2012 at 8:41 am
So many great things about this space – repurposing the cabinets, that amazing custom designed nook, using outdoor fabric for pillows in high traffic areas, using that crown molding to extend the cabinet height. Amazing all around and I know how hard these kitchen jobs can be so hats off to you lady. Pretty sure you have some happy clients on our hands.
July 21, 2012 at 9:13 am
They are thrilled! Thanks Nikki for the kudos!
July 20, 2012 at 8:42 am
Awesome job! This is a beautiful space!
July 20, 2012 at 10:12 am
Gorgeous job! Love how your thoughtful details, like custom millwork, made such a huge improvement to the house to truly give it a high-end look/feel.
July 21, 2012 at 9:16 am
Thanks Dayka! Ready for the next now!
July 21, 2012 at 8:23 am
Erika, this is absolutely gorgeous! What an amazing transformation!!! I love it and especially love what you have done with the cabinets…from drab to fab!
July 21, 2012 at 9:18 am
HOT HOT HOT
You really did a great job. The changes are unbelievable.
YOU GO GIRL
July 21, 2012 at 10:39 am
Nicely done! The nook is gorgeous. Love how you considered how the kids would use the space. And those cabinets look fab with the backsplash tiles.
July 21, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Love it! Really like the cabinet finish and repurposing. And of course, love the neutral palate! Great job!
July 22, 2012 at 9:10 am
Gorgeous, Erika. Love the white! So fresh and so clean.
July 26, 2012 at 8:52 am
LOVE IT!!!!!
July 29, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Gurrrrlll! what magic you WERK’D with that Kitchen!!!! OMG, I Luv it from all the way up here in NYC! I have to Kidnap you when the Lord Finally BLESSES Me With a Modest Home!;) I Luv your work & have been watching you for a few years now! Keep inspiring us!