kitchen

The new gray porcelain tiles are fit seamlessly throughout the space and into the courtyard. The more open kitchen now has a wall of built-in storage and an oversized island with both walnut and a brightly-colored siding.

To maximize light, Dana opted for white surfaces, from the custom cabinetry to the Silestone countertops. “You can’t put a lemon or a Popsicle down on marble, so we got quartz, which is virtually indestructible,” she says.

Kitchen

The interior design is very much part of the home’s identity, with some of the furniture built into the property and designed by the artist-homeowner himself to reflect and complement the surrounding landscape.

Be selective about splurging. One of the hardest, yet potentially most satisfying, parts of staying on budget is learning where to save and where to splurge. There are certain items or pieces that are worthy of spending more on, whether it’s a sofa that will last you a decade or kitchen countertops that will really help improve the value of your home. Your contractor or other design professional can advise you on locations or pieces where a higher-quality product is important versus something more basic.

The kitchen's white palette allows the bright blue cabinets and gold hardware to stand out.

The couple wanted a home where they could relax, cook meals, listen to music together, and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.

The original cast-iron supporting columns have been painted black to provide a striking contrast to the warm wood.

kitchen details

After: kitchen

Clean, white, and warm interiors are punctuated by darker accents.

When they took on the renovation of one such home for a family of five, they reconfigured the internal layout to bring more natural light deep into the common living areas, and better connect them to the surrounding landscape.

Within the kitchen is a discreet, built-in pantry that disappears when not in use.

The kitchen was updated with high-end finishes and a sleek contemporary style.

Longer lead times are common when you buy large items like sofas and couches, whether in person or online, but you’ll really need to read the fine print before ordering if you’re purchasing online.

View of kitchen, outdoor porch, and roof deck above by Low Design Office