Makeover of the Week: How One Designer Modernized This Traditional Kitchen

“The process of renovating this stately brick Georgian’s kitchen began soon after this family of five found their forever home,” says interior designer Andrea Britt Pietragallo. “They wanted to keep with the traditional design of the house, but incorporate a more updated style that would include all the comforts of modern living.”

Before:

“We opened up a wall between the kitchen and the dining room to expand the kitchen area, creating clear sight lines on the first floor of the home,” says Pietragallo. “Off the kitchen we converted a third garage bay into a mudroom containing storage cabinets with mesh front doors and a butler’s pantry with an additional sink.”

After:

“The family likes to eat their meals at the island, so it had to be large enough to fit everyone,” notes Pietragallo. “The charcoal gray island, with its extra thick 3-inch marble countertop, is the show stopper in the room.”

What Changed:

• Color Theme:  Crisp white hues + cool shades of gray = a neutral, calming environment.
• Cabinets: A classic white shaker cabinet creates a timeless feel.
• Hardware: Bar-style cabinet pulls in polished nickel blend modern with classic design.
• Backsplash tile: An elongated glazed and crackled subway tile adds a fresh take on the traditional subway tile.
• Island chairs: The gray striped stools were covered in an outdoor fabric to resist staining.
• Curtains: Roman shades in a small-scale geometric print play off the gray in the room and add a softness and texture to the space. 
• Ceiling pendants: Two lantern-style antique nickel pendants, hung high to keep the sight lines open, are a nod to the home’s traditional architecture.
• Floor: The oak planks were matched to the existing floors throughout the home.
• Sink: Two sinks allow for extra prep and cleaning; the polished nickel bridge faucet on the island adds a sculptural element to the center of the room. 
• Stove hood: A zinc and polished nickel jitterbug hood compliments the stainless steel appliances.
• Molding: The six-inch crown molding was matched to the home’s existing trim work and painted in a bright white to coordinate with the cabinetry and walls.

Shop the Look:

Emtek Hardware Art Deco - 6" Centers Alexander Pull in Polished Nickel $17.00

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Circa Lighting Plantation Medium Square Lantern $1,739.00

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Tile Bar Santa Monica White 4x12 Subway Tile $7.00

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