When I first walked into this home, I immediately noticed a ton of wasted space between the garage, side door + kitchen. The location of the slider REALLY wasn’t doing the room any favors. Here is what I was working with:
With two boys, a tiny pantry + absolutely nowhere to throw jackets + shoes when coming in from the garage, I proposed transforming this space into a mudroom + walk-in pantry. I also expanded the kitchen + completely opened it up to the dining room, adding a stone fireplace + adjacent bar.
To avoid moving a window + door on the front exterior + completely messing with the home’s structure, my design morphed into the final version you see below. I love that this new space will simply make this wonderful family of four’s life easier + more enjoyable. This project was a total reimagining of the main floor… my FAVORITE when it comes to designing.
24″ Hood Classic Pendant with 12″ Clear Globe Shade in Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Quantity: 2
With light cabinetry, countertops + hardware, I wanted to introduce a finish that complemented the walnut hutch top without feeling too heavy. I’ll be adding a good pick for bulbs soon!
Small Sophia Flush Mount in Natural Brass
The mudroom isn’t walled off, but centering this pretty lighting fixture on the cabinetry will make it feel more like its own space!
28-3/4″ Berkshire 6-Arm Chandelier in Oil Rubbed Bronze with White Linen Shades
This is the first item I chose for the space! Although not overwhelming [with lots of natural light + creamy walls], a variety of dark tones adds depth + complexity to the space. This chandelier vibes well with the other deep accents throughout.
Right Angle Double Sconce in Hand-Rubbed Antique Brass
This sconce brings me so much joy. It’s the final touch the pantry needed. Although it will mostly act as decor since we’ll have recessed lighting installed, I feel it’s just as necessary. I’ll be adding a good pick for bulbs soon!
I wanted something on the darker side to play off the hutch top + really anchor the dining area. It seats six comfortably + eight for entertaining. Handcrafted of solid elm, this table ranks high on the durability scale. I’d say it’s pretty easy on the eyes too!
I like to sprinkle coastal elements throughout a seaside home so it feels natural + not overly “beachy”. This one-of-a-kind seagrass piece will be placed adjacent to the stairs + function as a foyer console. The open design is a necessary balance to all of the closed cabinetry we have going on in the space. Negative space, the “breathing room” between contents of a space, is just as important as the contents themselves!
Williamsen Counter Stool, Quantity: 2
A room should feel collected, not decorated. I achieve this mainly by repetition + balance. These counter stools couldn’t be a better fit with the design scheme. These are super affordable + have the cutest snap detail on the back!
Clark Dining Chair, Quantity: 2
Comfy armchairs at the head of a dining table is a look I’ll always love. It’s an easy way to elevate or soften a space.
Reeves Chair, Quantity: 4
The main dining chairs have a great traditional profile.
*Increase quantity to 6 if pulling up mismatched chairs for a larger group is going to drive you bonkers!*
I wouldn’t want to see anything else centered under the mudroom window! My original pick sold out, but this bench is roomier + reintroduces the beautiful seagrass texture I designed into the space [my clients decided against the foyer console… they have a buffet they’re reusing instead]!
Sonata Round Knob with Star Backplate in Dark Antique Bronze, Quantity: 6
I wanted this hardware to be unique because it’s one of the first things you see when entering the home. I’m loving this subtle nautical touch. These will be installed on all doors, as well as the drawers that will hide everyone’s footwear! [Ordered locally].
36″ Oval Closet Rod in Dark Oil-Rubbed Bronze
This will be trimmed + mounted inside the double-door section of the mudroom closets! Nicer coats + jackets will be hung here. [Ordered locally].
Elements Double Wall-Mount Hook in Brushed Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Quantity: 6-12
These will be installed inside the single-door section of the mudroom closets. Backpacks, lunch boxes, sweatshirts + bags will live here.
Ascendra Pull in Honey Bronze, Quantity: Varies By Size
These pulls will be installed on all kitchen drawer fronts. [Ordered locally].
12″ pull: 1
7″ pull: 6
6″ pull: 6
4.5″ pull: 9
Original pick: Large Massey Drawer Pull in Unlacquered Brass
1-1/4″ Cumberland Knob in Honey Bronze, Quantity: 13
Complementary knobs will be installed on all kitchen cabinet doors. [Ordered locally].
Original pick: Massey Round Cabinet Knob in Unlacquered Brass
2″ Latch in Honey Bronze, Quantity: 4
How darling are these cabinet latches to switch it up on the hutch?! Due to the style of these, you only need one per set of doors. [Ordered locally].
Original pick: Large Oval Cupboard Latch in Unlacquered Brass
Tabor Knob in Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Quantity: 6
I wanted a hint of bronze somewhere in this pantry! Hardware is small, but usually spread out, so it’s a great way to introduce a finish into a space. The unique shape of these knobs really caught my eye.
Tabor Pull in Oil-Rubbed Bronze, Quantity: Varies by Size
The matching transitional pulls will be installed on all pantry drawer fronts. Transitional = a mix of modern + traditional!
6″ pull: 4
8″ pull: 3
Cloe 2.5×8 Ceramic Tile in White, Quantity: 3 boxes
With large-scale veining in the quartz + the kitchen being 100% open to the rest of the space, I didn’t want anything too loud or sterile. This tile’s varied soft white hues creates an organic, yet put-together feel.
Don’t forget to grab one length of Schluter trim in “White” to finish off the exposed edges!
Original pick: Cloe 5×5 Ceramic Tile in White
BNY-02 Moss/Stone in 7’10×10’2
This rug for the dining area has EVERYTHING I needed it to have: creams, blue-greens + touches of brown. It even has hints of yellow that tie in the brass. I couldn’t have dreamed up a better rug for this space.
Restock on 2/10/21 [not available for pre-order].
43″ Thomas Round Mirror in Bronze
This beauty will be wall-mounted above the console. It will look just right paired with the lighter tone + fun texture of the furniture.
84″ Maple Tree in Azina Medium Planter
Every space needs some life + dining rooms are one of my favorite places for an oversized, lively tree. I can only keep my dog alive, so I like this faux option, but a real one is even better! Either way, the planter is perfection. Don’t forget your planter filler!
More affordable tree + planter option here.
20″W Shiatook Rattan Basket, Quantity: 4
These will live atop the shelving installed inside the mudroom closets. Each family member will have their own bin for winter hats + gloves! This super cute liner will keep your knits safe from pulls.
Blue Mist Floral Pillow Cover in 24×24
This pillow will look gorgeous on the mudroom bench opposite the “Waterfall” cabinetry. Purchase this 26×26 pillow insert [I size up for fullness + choppability]!
Green Vintage Striped Pillow Cover in 14×22
This lumbar will sit in front of the larger pillow. Such a pretty combo! Purchase this 14×24 pillow insert.
Custom Outside-Mount Roman Shade
This will be installed over the kitchen’s triple window! Details TBD [operating or faux, fabric + size]. I can see a patterned fabric like this to add interest, a more streamlined moody gray/green linen or a beautiful woven wood to add texture!
84″ Emery Linen Curtain in Oatmeal, Quantity: 4
These curtains will pop against the ivory walls + really pull the dining room together. Although I recommend custom curtains [professional installation included], you don’t necessarily require a custom height or width for this area. These panels would work great.
Also purchase:
1. 1.25″ Diameter Large [60″-108″] Curtain Rod + Wall Bracket in Antique Bronze, Quantity: 2
2. Large [1.75″ Diameter] Round Rings [Set of 10] in Antique Bronze, Quantity: 4
3. Endcap Finial [Set of 2] in Antique Bronze, Quantity: 2
My original picks for this kitchen [plumbing fixtures + hardware] were unlacquered brass. Unlacquered brass is a living finish, meaning it darkens + ages with time. The fixtures arrive looking like polished brass, but in 1-2 years, the once shiny surface develops into a beautiful aged brass. Although it takes time, the end result is stunning + unlike any finish on the market. Julie Blanner has a great article on it. My clients weren’t sure about unlacquered brass, so they opted for luxe gold. Luxe gold comes in a satin finish + will stay that way throughout its lifetime.
Odin Square Spout Pull-Down Faucet in Luxe Gold
Thanks to COVID, quality brass kitchen plumbing is extremely difficult to obtain in a whole suite. Currently checking with my vendors on current stock! [Ordered locally].
Original pick: Georgian Era Bridge Kitchen Faucet With Cross Handles + Sidespray in Unlacquered Brass
Disposal Button in Luxe Gold
Disposal buttons look much nicer than a wall switch + your guests won’t get it confused with your sink light! [Ordered locally].
Classic Shaker 30″ Single Bowl Undermount Fireclay Kitchen Sink in White
I was debating stainless, but white will look stunning with both the countertop + brass faucet. Don’t forget your trusty sink grid! [Both ordered locally].
Disposal Flange + Stopper in Luxe Gold
Fireclay sinks require an extended flange because the material is super thick + heavy duty! Brass fittings in white sinks makes so oh so happy. [Ordered locally].
We tucked this smart oven away in the island, right across from the cooktop. Unless you’re working in the kitchen, it’s virtually invisible! [Ordered locally.]
With the addition of a walk-in pantry came more space for luxe appliances! This 24″ beverage cooler fits 13 wine bottles + 84 12-oz. cans! The 3-color LED accent lighting sounds like a pretty cool nightlight for a midnight snack. [Ordered locally.]
Another appliance hidden in the pantry is this 30″ microwave drawer. For optimal ease of use, if a microwave is placed under the counter, it should ALWAYS be a drawer. [Ordered locally.]
Not all high-end refrigerators are 84″ tall! I love that Thermador has a standard-height refrigerator in their line-up. Internal filtered water + ice makes for a streamlined, uninterrupted exterior. [Ordered locally.]
Did you know that Thermador’s signature star-shaped burner creates a perimeter 56% longer than a traditional round burner? This allows for the inclusion of more flame ports + a superior flame spread resulting in less cold spots + more even heating! [Ordered locally.]
Since the oven is in the island, it felt right to panel the dishwasher, so the perimeter had completely no stainless on the face of the base cabinetry. I already know I’m going to love how clean this looks! [Ordered locally.]
Pro tip: installers won’t be the happiest of campers if you order a wood hood for your client + don’t specify that the venting come pre-installed. It doesn’t hurt that this hood liner is manufactured by the leaders in the kitchen ventilation industry! [Ordered locally.]
Kitchen: Crystal Cabinetry Full-Overlay in “Alabaster” [Delano Door]
Some houses just don’t say “crisp white” to me + this was one of them. We decided on this beautiful off-white for the kitchen cabinetry, including the island + hutch. The addition of the hutch gave us the feel of a u-shaped kitchen with an island… the most ideal configuration in my opinion. [Ordered locally.]
Pantry: Crystal Cabinetry Full-Overlay in “Perfect Beige” [Delano Door]
We wanted something different, but still neutral, for the pantry. The quartz we selected has gray/brown veining, so this shade made perfect sense. This walk-in pantry has it all: a pocket door to close when things get messy + a window to brighten the space + make it feel more like an extension of the kitchen. With two appliances + massive amounts of counter space, it will definitely function like one! [Ordered locally.]
Mudroom: Crystal Cabinetry Full-Overlay in “Waterfall” [Delano Door]
This soothing coastal color is the first to greet you when you enter the home! This quickly became my inspiration to mix in blues + greens as accents throughout the space. [Ordered locally.]
Silestone Ethereal Glow Quartz 3cm
When laying out samples during our selection meeting, this countertop material was the clear winner. It contains both gray + brown veining, providing the warmth that most marble-look quartz lacks. With soft white cabinetry in the kitchen + taupe in the pantry, this suits both! [Ordered locally.]
Natural American Black Walnut 4cm
I don’t think walnut will ever NOT be my favorite. It’s difficult to find a wood that’s naturally rich in grain + color with minimal undertones + walnut does it every time. I’m confident my clients will love their hutch top for years to come. [Ordered locally.]
Oak Hardwood
Already in the areas we need to it be, the existing hardwood will be patched where walls are demoed + refinished as a whole. I alwayssss recommend color-correcting to a neutral beigey-brown like this + getting rid of the existing orangey-yellow tone. I also highly suggest using a matte sealer for a more natural look, instead of a glossy poly.
Benjamin Moore Ivory White in Matte or Eggshell
I haven’t seen the large sample I ordered in the house yet, but this is a definite contender. White is the best wall color for open-concept spaces. For this home in particular, I wanted something warm + extra creamy. It will lighten + brighten the space, but still feel cozy + inviting.
