When I first met with my client, she told me she wanted a warm and comfortable kitchen – a space that felt welcoming, functional, and connected with the rest of her newly purchased home. She had fallen in love with the idea of a statement finish in Evergreen paint for the kitchen island, which she would coordinate with her décor to create a sense of cohesion throughout her living spaces. It was a far cry from the existing stark white kitchen, and I was excited to help her realize her vision!
The homeowner was also working with Interior Designer Rebecca Tauber on spaces throughout the home, so we collaborated on materials to ensure the kitchen flowed seamlessly with the rest of her first floor. The finished space is warm, cohesive, and tailored to the client’s lifestyle – a kitchen that feels like home.
To complement the green island, we chose stained maple cabinetry on the perimeter. My client didn’t care for the stark white cabinetry or heavy use of glass doors in the original kitchen; stained wood cabinetry was the perfect balance of warmth and timeless appeal.
For the countertops, a light quartz provided brightness with subtle veining that ties beautifully into the cabinetry color. To keep the design bright and inviting, we paired the countertops with large subway backsplash tile in a soft neutral tone, accented with a decorative patterned inset behind the cooktop that introduces character and a touch of charm.
Floating shelves near the coffee area offer a place for display while preventing the cabinetry from feeling too heavy, and an open-shelf cabinet near the seating area provides easy access to cookbooks – one of my client’s favorite passions!
To balance design goals with budget, we mixed Merillat Autograph and Masterpiece cabinetry lines – a smart solution that provided high-end details where needed while keeping the overall investment practical. We also kept the soffits intact to manage budget and timeline while still delivering a beautiful result.
What makes this project exceptional isn’t just how it looks, but how it works for the homeowner. We included thoughtful storage features such as corner drawers, a spice pull-out, baking sheet storage, and a trash pull-out. These details make daily tasks easier and keep the kitchen highly functional – exactly what the client wanted.
The original kitchen featured white cabinetry with black countertops, a small island footprint, and glass-front cabinets that didn’t match the client’s vision. While functional, it lacked personality and warmth.
Now, the kitchen is a completely different space – warm, inviting, and full of character. The combination of stained wood cabinetry and a statement island in Evergreen paint creates depth and richness, while the quartz countertops and backsplash bring light and balance. The result is a kitchen that’s both timeless and uniquely personal.
If you’re ready to reimagine your kitchen with warmth, functionality, and style, connect with us at KSI Kitchen & Bath! Our designers are here to help bring your vision to life.