If there were two words to encapsulate this renovated space, they would be timeless and inviting. Purchased by a young couple, the home had undergone numerous renovations by the previous owners, resulting in a mixture of finishes that left it feeling disorganized. “With young children, we wanted a space that felt warm, inviting and lived in—not a showpiece we’d be afraid to use,” says the homeowner. Looking for a design company to guide them through each part of the renovation, they turned to Bailey Todd of White Cliff Studio to take on the project.
“This home was originally built for a handicap accessible owner, which provided really large spaces in each room, but a lot of the workspaces were set to lower standards for this specific reason,” Bailey says. “Our number one priority was to take these spaces from all being ADA accessible to a standard height.”
In the kitchen, this meant adding additional storage without drastically changing the room’s layout. Tackling the challenge of building custom cabinets that reached all the way to the ceiling, a unique build-up of crown and trim was created to make the height feel intentional. This intentionality carried into their decisions on what to keep from older renovations. For example, the kitchen’s original butcher block. “The built-in walnut butcher block was originally part of the old kitchen, but it would be a crime to get rid of it,” says Bailey. “We refinished it and set it into the end of the island to give this huge island a distinct feel.”
One of the homeowners’ goals was to add warmth, so soft cream cabinets, wood tones and a warm gray hue in the island were incorporated as a modern yet subdued touch. “One of my favorite features is the antique mirrored backsplash,” Bailey mentions. “With it being antiqued, this helps to camouflage any splatters that may get on there, so you don’t have to worry about it constantly looking dirty.”
Adding art pieces throughout the space was an additional small step that made a big impact. Worried that the off-white walls would make the rooms feel too empty, Bailey selected minimalistic but warm art pieces to add character. A still life of a pear hangs in the dining room, and a set of landscapes sits above a credenza in the living room—artfully tying each space together.
Outside the kitchen, arched entryways and wide windows fill the living and dining rooms with natural light and easy access between spaces. To improve the home’s cohesiveness, custom millwork and faux custom beams were added to create a more modern feel throughout the four rooms. “I came into the project not knowing exactly what I wanted, just that I wanted it to feel good to come home to,” says the homeowner. “The process felt collaborative and easy from start to finish, with both design and construction handled thoughtfully and professionally.”
Since the renovation’s completion, the family has made ample use of their new spaces. The large island in the kitchen is a fan favorite with the family gathering there at the end of the day to share stories and reconnect. “It’s warm, functional and truly feels like us,” the homeowner finishes. “I had worried that a beautiful kitchen might not be practical for everyday family life, but this space has proved the opposite—it’s as livable as it is lovely.”
Resources:
Granite: Pyramid Marble
