STLOUISHOMESMAG.COM AUGUST 2019 63
of the project was the large amount of space they had to work with, nearly 600 square feet.
The old kitchen layout didn’t function right, and the work area was scrunched together. The
new design called for the area to breathe with a more large-scale layout.
To fill the square footage, Rebekah incorporated two islands into the kitchen. In one area,
a massive island with a wood top was made to feel more like a table than an island. With
chairs on all sides, it is a great place for the homeowners and guests to sit during meals or
entertaining. The second island is the husband’s spot because he is the cook in the family.
There is no lack of storage in the new design with tons of pull out drawers for pots and
pans. A coffee bar behind the oven wall includes doors to conceal appliances.
With the layout challenge solved, the next obstacle to tackle was ensuring the space was
balanced. “We had to figure out how to embrace the rustic qualities the homeowner wanted
while also marrying it to an industrial edge with touches of feminine charm,” Rebekah
explains.
For cabinetry, the designer encouraged the homeowner to think beyond stark white.
The tungsten perimeter cabinets are not white or gray but somewhere softly in between.
They are finished with contrasting dark hardware. The dark gray island cabinetry has hints
of distressing to soften the look and bring in rustic qualities.
Dark wood beams channel the rustic roots of the home and it's rural location; however,
they were almost left out of the project due to placement issues. “The overall look wouldn’t
be the same without the beams,” says Rebekah. Also complementing the rustic feel of the
home, the dark, herringbone floor tile has hints of wood tones that echo the wood beams
on the ceiling. The designer laid it in a herringbone pattern for a softer foundation against
the rest of the kitchen elements.
The stainless steel appliances have an industrial vibe and bring in a more contemporary
edge. For the feminine flair, the homeowner fell in love with the show-stopping backsplash
mosaic tile that has hints of flower designs in contrasting dark colors that pick up on reflective
mirror tones. They sparkle every so slightly in certain light to complement the stainless
appliances. “The mosaic is so unique, and pictures don’t do it justice,” Rebekah says.
The backsplash is a favorite aspect of the design for both homeowner and designer, but
Rebekah also loves the amount of natural light that spills into the space, and the view into
the backyard is breathtaking. “You feel really serene and calm in this kitchen,” she says. “I am
proud of how it reflects the homeowner’s taste and how proud she is of this space.”
As for the homeowner, she says picking a favorite part is tough. Beyond the backsplash,
she also loves the “beautiful combination of different materials” in the space. “Functionally,
I love the amount of cabinet space that Rebekah worked into the design,” she adds. “For
once, we have plenty of room to store everything!” See stlouishomesmag.com for
resources and additional photos.
Before
Cabinetry by
Mouser Cabinetry.