Hi friends! I have to be honest, this is MY home. There, I said it! There’s something deeply personal about putting your humble abode on your website for potential clients to scrutinize. But this home has a lot of meaning for me. Without getting too deep, this house represents a place that is mine. My kids and I moved in here as a new adventure. I was so excited for a blank canvas, as many designers are.. But, where to begin?
Well, as is typical in many southwest Florida homes, this home had an open floor plan. Meaning, there is one “GREAT ROOM” that basically has to serve as four different spaces: Foyer/Entry, Living Room, Kitchen, & Dining Area.
When I looked at the model of this floor plan, one thing I loved was the giant kitchen island. I knew for our busy little family, this space would be the HUB. The open concept of this layout would allow me to entertain with ease, utilizing this huge island as a dining table, buffet surface, bar area, craft and homework center, you name it, it gets done on this beast! So, I knew instantly that this would be the focal point of not only the kitchen, but basically the whole great room- no pressure!
Time to use my creative brain. Now, I feel I need a disclaimer here.. There is nothing wrong with builder-grade speckled granite. I just simply prefer a more elevated, clean look, as I had a specific picture in my head. So I knew first thing, I would swap out this surface for something more my speed. I had a vision, you see, and it did not include this particular countertop… *Don’t worry, old granite did not go to waste!! I have big plans for utilizing the leftovers- stay tuned!!
Long story short, I worked with my skilled contractor who helped me make my vision come to life. We built out the island base to a complete rectangle, then they used a beautiful ship lap wood to create the herringbone pattern and trim. Then, as if that wasn't fantastic enough, I had the whole thing painted a stunning ebony color to make my new countertops pop.
Speaking of countertops, I chose a marble-like quartz with subtle gray veining for my island, and a clean gray quartz for the surrounding counters. My tile floors are also gray, so this was a nice way to tie it all in.. For the backsplash, I chose a picket-style white tile with even more subtle gray veining to keep things clean and crisp.. We swapped out all cabinet hardware to some sturdy, geometric brushed brass pulls that I love! Then I added the “jewelry”, my funky geometric hanging light fixtures. I knew because of the size of my island, I could get away with something significant here-TWO somethings! And I love the way they make the space pop! Bar stools are a clear acrylic sturdy enough for everyday use, but don't distract from the stunning island base. And the brass legs, well you see the trend here…
Take away…never settle for a vanilla space. It can be difficult to pull together all of the elements of your dream kitchen. Hey! That’s why I’m here! I LOVE this stuff, hence why I became a desire, and I would love to help you make your vision come to life! Who wants “basic” anyway? :) #lovewhereyouabide
Project Photos: Before
Project Photos: After
