Brooke Dando
Brooke Dando is the Design and Sales Manager of KSI's Macomb Design Center.
Brooke Dando is the Design and Sales Manager of KSI's Macomb Design Center.
When this couple came to me for a kitchen, laundry, and powder remodel, their style inspiration couldn’t have been more split – he liked light, she liked dark! Could I deliver a beautiful, functional design that brought light and dark to each of their spaces? Challenge accepted!
From Cluttered to Clean Lines in the Kitchen
Old wallpaper, a busy backsplash, large rectangular floor tiles, laminate cabinets and wood-lined countertops – this dated kitchen had it all! The clients lamented that they would entertain more often if they just had a more cohesive space. We wanted to bring clean lines and timeless style to the kitchen while also creating better organization.
We selected Inspira Cabinetry’s Aspen door style with an Accessible Beige painted finish, Cristall Quartz countertops, and Zellige tile from Virginia Tile to keep the space bright.
We contrasted the light tones by replacing the dated tile flooring with dark stained hardwood, and we utilized walnut on the interior drawer boxes.
We moved the range to be positioned opposite the sink wall, creating a dedicated cooking zone which makes a statement with a full height splash and a custom hood fabricated by Simpson Builds LLC. The hood features a brushed gold accent that really pops while tying into the Rook Collection faucet by Brizo, Monogram range knobs and hardware throughout the space.
Bringing Functionality and Dark & Moody Style to the Laundry
The original laundry room had an old washer and dryer with a plastic sink in the middle, taking up a lot of valuable real estate in a tight space. We suggested removing the old sink completely since they didn’t use it. We then routed the drain outside and installed a stackable washer/dryer combo to maximize counter space and allow for a spot to hang damp clothes.
The original space was dominated by floor-to-ceiling built-in lockers that felt very heavy. The client really wanted to add a more useful drop zone/boot bench to the space. We made a combination of a boot bench and locker storage, which opened up the space while still giving them all of the storage they needed.
For a dark and moody look, we used Inspira Cabinetry in the Pendar door style with Urbane Bronze painted finish, paired with natural walnut wood top and seating surfaces and matte black hardware. The end result really pops while providing a much more functional space for the client!
Creating Drama in the Powder
The clients wanted a dramatic look for their powder room. We achieved this with a natural walnut cabinet from Inspira Cabinetry in the Aspen door style. We paired the vanity with a light top and brushed gold Invari Collection faucet by Brizo. Wallpaper in a soft fabric plaid creates a statement while a Kohler mirror and lighting complete the space.
Providing a White-Glove Remodeling Experience for the Client
As a full-service kitchen and bath remodeling company, we provided not just the design but also the materials and labor for the three rooms that encompassed this project. Everything from moving the appliance locations to the final hanging rod in the laundry room.
One of the nice things about overseeing the whole project is the ability to stay ahead of challenges and keep everyone informed with clear communication. Multi-room, multi-component jobs can be a challenge with so many working parts. Managing the entire process from start to finish allows us to provide our clients with a remodeling journey that is as seamless and hassle-free as possible – even when dealing with complex challenges like lead paint or asbestos remediation!
Balancing Dark and Light with Trending Color Combinations
Looking at design trends heading into 2025, we’re seeing colors become both softer, with more natural wood tones as accents, as well as dark and moody vibes. This project fits right in with both of these trends! The Accessible Beige finish on the kitchen cabinets really play into the softer color trend, while the laundry and powder evoke a dramatic, moody feel. Warm wood tones carry through all of the spaces with walnut accents throughout. It was a pleasure to bring on-trend palettes to this light-and-dark remodel!