This Sunny, White Kitchen is the Result of an Amazing Makeover
This white kitchen is the end result of an amazing transformation. Check out the before and after shots, and learn the thought that went into the new design.
She likes the color blue, he wanted a coffee bar β¦ in the give-and-takeΒ of marriage β and interior design β the goal is for everyone to be happy.Β Atlanta interior designer Julie Holloway recently tackled the remodeling ofΒ this circa-1986 kitchen in Norcross, GA, so homeowners Ashley and Eliot UsherΒ could gain a lighter, more up-to-date space.
Since Julieβs design firm is called Milk and Honey Home β with aΒ specialty of creating creamy, cottage-y interiors β itβs no surprise that theΒ Ushers ended up with this sunny, white kitchen. βI think of this kitchen asΒ classic with a touch of French cottage,β says the designer. The soft blue islandΒ as the focal point came about naturally: the designer had noticed a blue frontΒ door on their house, and then Ashley produced an inspiration photo with aΒ blue island, confirming it was a happy color for her.
Julie completely gutted and changed the layout of the kitchen toΒ maximize the homeownersβ wish list. One clever move: creating a cozyΒ banquette eating area at a sunny window, which had once been in front ofΒ the kitchen sink.
The designer chose Shaker-style kitchen cabinetry, painted a timelessΒ Benjamin Moore White Dove, which she calls βa perfect creamy white. I say you can never go wrong with white, but my personal opinion is youΒ always need to then add black in a room for contrast β such as the lanternsΒ over the island β along with the warmth of wood floors,β Julie explains.
To further distinguish the space, the designer chose glass subway tile for theΒ backsplash. βThe glass backsplash gives it a touch of bling,β Julie says.Β AΒ mix of shiny/matte, light/dark and smooth/textural materials is a hallmark ofΒ Milk and Honey Home interior design.
Built-in cabinetry along one wall resembles a large piece of furniture,Β particularly with its open shelves and marble top. Thanks to lift-up doors inΒ the middle of the cabinet, the designer was able to tuck away an espressoΒ machine and other appliances to reduce countertop clutter. These kind ofΒ custom touches are a must for todayβs kitchens, but require advanceΒ planning. βWork with your contractor to plan accordingly for electrical andΒ water while youβre still in the design process,β Julie advises. The unitΒ also houses a baking station, where Ashley keeps all of her measuring cups,Β bowls and cake stands.
The end result merges form and function in a colorful, classic way and ensures everybody in the family has something to call their own.
The interior designer on this project is Julie Holloway ofΒ Milk and Honey Home. And special thanks to Jennifer Kesler for todayβs beautiful photography.
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