Charcoal, White, and Wood Tones Achieve Balance in a Timeless Kitchen

Sometimes new opportunities come from the most unexpected places! I wasn't aware at the time, but this particular client had followed me on Instagram for quite a while as she was considering a full kitchen remodel. She messaged me when she was finally ready to start her project. She had inspiration for the aesthetic she wanted in her space from others she had been following as well and shared those with me.  It was an exciting prospect to see where we could take this Insta-inspired project!

We based the design on a combination of her inspiration images, her family’s needs, and the parameters of the space. As you can see from this before image, it was an an-depth remodel - a full gut and redo - including all new cabinets, countertops, flooring throughout the main floor, relocating some appliances, and all-new fixtures. With a project as in-depth as this, it's important to have a great construction partner that can execute on all the details. We partnered with John Scheel at Haven Construction in South Lyon.  Together, our primary objective for this design was to achieve an updated, not white (yet not too trendy) kitchen that functioned better for the family.

I think we achieved some exciting design solutions. Color balance was important. Finding the right countertop and determining the right balance of wood, white and painted cabinets took a few tries to finalize. I did a few renderings to help her visualize different arrangements of color.  We selected Merillat Masterpiece cabinetry in the Martel door style, using the Riverbed paint finish on the perimeter and Maple Barley for the island, bar, and shelves.

A beautiful design needs to be functional too.  Tray dividers by the oven, swing-out shelves in the corner, double trash pull-out in the island, and ample power outlets in hutch cabinets provide convenient organizational touches in this kitchen. 

We went to Solid Surfaces Unlimited together with the cabinet door samples to see large slabs in person.  We eventually narrowed it down to Pompeii Quartz. The balance of wood with the painted cabinets and the contrast of charcoal and white just makes it all eye candy to me!

One of my favorite design elements is the full-height splash behind the range and how the white hood continues that theme, drawing your eye up.

We came up with a compelling combination of textures in the details of this remodel.  The texture on the hardware is so fun and you can’t go wrong with the organic touch of the Zellige Gesso tile.

It was delightful to work with a client that admired my design and sought me out when she was ready to complete her kitchen remodel.  The end result was a tasteful and elegant kitchen design featuring an engaging mix of darks, lights, and wood tones in its textures and finishes.

This project won the National Chrysalis Award for Kitchen Remodel Under $75,000 in as well as the Gold Award for Kitchen less than $75,000 in the Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards 2023!

Photography by Martin Vecchio Photography