‘Functionally, the client desired a semi-open concept more conducive to entertaining,’ explained Kate Chlebowski, founder of Vernacular, and the designer behind the new kitchen ideas. Chlebowski worked to transform this Tennessee kitchen from a dark, crowded room into a light-filled, open space, with alterations ranging from new cabinets to major structural changes to this room and the living spaces beyond. We took a tour of the kitchen with Chlebowski, who shared with us how she reinvigorated the dated space into one that will be loved for years to come.
1. Embrace a love of color with patterned tiles
‘Aesthetically, our client absolutely loves color and having fun with pattern and textures,’ said Chlebowski. ‘She enjoys traveling, and desired a space that reflected her fun-loving lifestyle.’ Along with the island’s blue cabinetry painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Refuge, color has been injected into the space through hexagon mosaic-style kitchen tile ideas, sourced from American Restoration Tile in tones of teal and the occasional rhythmic fleck of orange. ‘We started with the backsplash, which was a custom color design, and kicked off from there. Once we had that element in place, everything else followed.’
2. Let the light in
Undoubtedly the biggest changes to the space were the dramatic kitchen remodel ideas. ‘Lighting was also a huge desire,’ said Chlebowski. ‘The kitchen ceilings are only eight feet tall, but the adjacent living spaces have amazing vaulted ceilings with skylights. Those spaces received tons of natural light that could never reach the kitchen space with the existing dividing wall.’ ‘After we removed the wall and basically redirected the entire kitchen, it received tons of natural light and a more functional flow.’ This change allowed the kitchen’s smaller windows to become pleasant vignettes that can host pot plants and ornaments on their sills, rather than needing to be kept clear as the sole bearer of natural light.
3. Balance a scheme with natural elements
The classic combination of white and blue lends a refreshing aesthetic to the kitchen color ideas, but Chlebowski was sure to soften this with more muted tones. ‘The backsplash is the obvious star of the kitchen, but I think the natural wood elements, like the display cabinet and open shelves, really bring the kitchen into balance,’ she said. ‘I don’t think painted cabinetry is going anywhere anytime soon, but I do believe there’s a new interest in adding natural textures and finishes to add warmth and dimension to a space. I don’t think the kitchen would have hit home without those elements.’ Alongside the wooden storage fixtures, the kitchen lighting ideas feature pendant lampshades from Selamat that have been woven with jute twine, and a distressed vintage runner that helps add a rustic edge to the crisp aesthetic.
4. Indulge a love of cooking with cordon bleu appliances
For anyone who loves being the host with the most, it is essential that a kitchen doesn’t just look good, but feels good too. ‘The client also loves to cook and entertain, so we opted for [Caesarstone] quartz countertops, two sinks, and an undercounter refrigerator in the island for guests,’ explained Chlebowski. Packing functionality into the kitchen island ideas helps with the functionality of the space, while the importance given to high quality appliances, including a double refrigerator and full range from Kitchenaid, makes it a space that is pleasant to cook in.
5. Add personality through open shelves
While the kitchen backsplash ideas were the first step in stamping the client’s personality onto the project, the opportunity for unique details didn’t stop there. ‘The open shelving created an opportunity to display collected items that are both interesting and functional,’ said Chlebowski. This corner is also a space that the owner can re-personalize on a whim, using it to showcase new season tableware and decor as well as old favorites. Interior Design / Vernacular (opens in new tab) Photography / Ruby & Peach Photo (opens in new tab)
