When a burst pipe unleashed about 200,000 gallons of water damage to this house in Lake St. Louis, not one room escaped unscathed. A massive remodeling effort included the kitchen, presenting a design opportunity that doesn’t come around every day. “It’s not too often you take something down completely to studs and get a clean slate,” says designer Emily Castle.
The previous kitchen enjoyed a rustic aesthetic with heavy timber touches throughout. While the darker look complemented the light and airy views from the lake, the remodel was an opportunity to reimagine how light flowed in the space. The new color scheme of cool grays and whites augments the light outside, integrating the natural lake setting in a different way.
The original footprint of the kitchen was expanded to include the bar height countertop and a built-in banquette. The seating options and high-end appliances conveniently accommodate two things this gourmet kitchen has in abundance and that typically go hand in hand: lots of family members and entertaining them.
From a lighting standpoint, one of the biggest design challenges to contend with was the low, 8-foot ceiling. Castle knew she wouldn’t be able to add pendants or any light fixtures hanging from such a low ceiling. In order to give lighting interest in another way, she installed recessed lighting to softly and unobtrusively illuminate the space while ensuring the space wouldn’t feel small.
Two oversized sconces from Visual Comfort are standout features in the kitchen. Flanking the kitchen hood, the sconces are made from mercury glass and aged black iron. Castle created continuity by repeating the black iron on the cabinetry hardware.
The discerning materials in the remodel help to create textual interest and sophistication. Such touches include two-toned cabinet drawers that are white with a deeper gray inset. A backsplash made with Polarstone Calacatta Vagli quartz blends seamlessly with the classic subway tile on either side.
The end result shows how a blank slate can yield an inspired space full of modern elegance and functionality.
Resources
Contractor: Greg Terbrock Design + Build
Architect: Schaub + Srote Architects
Interior Design: Castle Design
Tile Supplier/Installer: Virginia Tile, Stone Fabricators
Plumbing fixtures: The Kohler Store
Decorative fixtures: Locks and Pulls Design Elements
Appliances: AUTCOhome
Lighting: Castle Design
Painter: Greg Terbrock Design + Build
Shutters/Blinds: Hilson
Window Treatment: Sew Soft Drapes
Glass/Mirror: Superior Home Products
Woodworking/Cabinetry: Greg Terbrock Design + Build
Accessories: Castle Design
