Peach and the Willow

The kitchen…the heart of the home…the very hub of life’s “hubbub,” wants to be loved too!  If our kitchens could talk, I sometimes think that they would say they felt neglected.  Not just neglected from a “wear and tear” standpoint, but aesthetically, as well.  Don’t you agree?  The kitchen performs on the daily for us…first in the morning over pots of coffee, bowls of cereal and trails of toast crumbs…then into the evening where it takes the heat, the sauce splatters, the wine spills, the ice cream plops, the oil slicks and performs like a champ through it all.  But shouldn’t our kitchens be more than just our work horse?  Doesn’t most of LIFE happen in the kitchen?…from social gatherings to family meals to homework to bill paying?  And since everyone ALWAYS ends up in the kitchen, shouldn’t your kitchen not just function but look really awesome too???  I think yes!

My latest renovation clients had a perfectly fine kitchen before they called on me for some assistance. It  was definitely handling the daily duties of their busy family of five.  But the homeowners knew their kitchen space could be better; that it could be  less “builder cookie cutter” and much more custom and befitting of their personal style. I’m so glad I was called upon to help them dream about the possibilities for their kitchen and then execute that dream into reality.  The result is a bright, fresh and airy kitchen that is sophisticated without being stuffy or formal.  Let’s take a look…

BEFORE PHOTOS…

AFTER…

KITCHEN PROJECT KEY POINTS:

• A fresh coat of cabinet paint brightens and updates.
• Wall color gets painted a misty blue/grey
• An expanded island is now in proper scale with the room. 
• Upper cabinets beside window were removed completely and replaced with open shelving, creating more light and space in the kitchen.
• Pendants were added over island (Wayfair) and under cabinet lighting was introduced throughout.
• A microwave over the stove was moved to newly expanded island and custom hood installed in its place.
• A new pantry door was installed.  I love the way the carpenters mimicked the lines from the door in moldings and finishing work on cabinets.  Details, details, details!
• Refrigerator was moved to the left to allow for proper function (door was never able to fully open with prior placement) and better aesthetic (refrigerator should never be smashed against an angled pantry door).  Upper cabinets over refrigerator were moved forward, creating the custom fit you now see.  Winning Big!
• Kitchen desk and cabinets were replaced with counter height cabinets to make way for the wine/soda bar.  A dual functioning wine/soda cooler was installed, as well as glass front cabinets, creating a very attractive bar and buffet serving area.

 

ISLAND BEFORE AND AFTER.  THE NEW ISLAND IS NOW IN PROPER SCALE W/KITCHEN.

One of the things I like to do at the end of a renovation is surprise the homeowners with a little “Peach and the Willow” styling.  I bring in items that I think will look great in the space and the homeowners decide if they take them or leave them.  One such surprise was the wall hanging above the pantry door.  It’s a simple thing really.  I found one random “yum” placemat in a local shop and decided that, once framed, it was the perfect little graphic for this kitchen and its personality.  I mean, I’d definitely describe this kitchen as “yum”!

I had such a ball designing this kitchen renovation with the homeowners!  A big thank you to Anne-Mary and Pete for allowing me to blog about their project and reveal their beautiful kitchen to you!  You guys are the best!!!

Cheers!  ~Sabrina

PS…Easter is just around the corner!…which means Easter eats!  Remember my favorite pound cake from last year?  If you missed it, here’s the link to my recipe…CLICK HERE.