A dream kitchen doesn’t always start from scratch – sometimes it begins with a spark of inspiration. For these homeowners, that spark came during a visit to our award-winning Northville Design Center, where they fell in love with a display kitchen’s inviting style and thoughtful details. They envisioned a similar space in their own home – one that felt brighter, warmer, and infused with personal touches that reflect their love of cooking and timeless design. The result is a stunning remodel that blends French Country charm with modern functionality, creating a kitchen that feels as welcoming as it is beautiful.
When I first met with the homeowners, they were immediately drawn to one of our showroom kitchens, shown above. They loved it so much they essentially wanted to recreate it in their own home – with a few personal touches, of course. She has a soft spot for French Country style, and it was important to her that the new kitchen felt warm and welcoming, yet still complemented the rest of their home.
They didn’t want to change the layout – just brighten up the space, bring in more storage, and say goodbye to their early 2000s cherry cabinets. The goal was to make it feel softer, more timeless, and much more “them.” That really comes through in the details: the alder wood island with its natural knots and character, the chimney-style range hood tucked under the soffit, and the combination of classic and rustic materials throughout.
I mixed natural wood tones with warm white cabinetry, then layered in classic touches like the warm brass hardware and the legs on the black étagère cabinet. We added rustic charm with glass pendant lighting, a pop of color with the range, and extra function with a pot filler and double oven. The chimney-style hood anchored the design while seamlessly tying everything together.
One of my favorite features is the black furniture-style cabinet – what I like to call the “étagère.” The homeowner loves to cook and bake, and already had a shelving unit in that spot, so we used it as inspiration to design something more custom and functional. It now houses her extensive cookbook collection and a few meaningful travel finds.
We treated the étagère like a true furniture piece, complete with interior lighting and beautiful brass feet that I sourced after lots of searching. I ended up finding them from Fittings Metal Collection – ordered a sample, added it to the mood board, and once the client saw it, she was all in.
Beyond the design itself, what made this project so special was the clients. They were easygoing, collaborative, and a joy to work with. What I’m most proud of is how personal the final space feels – it reflects their love of cooking, their travels, and their appreciation for timeless design. It’s warm, functional, and full of thoughtful touches that tell their story.
This kitchen would be perfect for anyone who wants a space that feels timeless but not overly formal – someone who loves to cook, entertain, and be surrounded by meaningful design. It’s the perfect blend of traditional charm and modern comfort.
Whether you’re inspired by a KSI showroom kitchen at one of our award-winning design centers or have a vision all your own, our designers can help you bring it to life. Contact KSI Kitchen & Bath today to schedule your free consultation and start creating a kitchen you’ll love for years to come.