Date: May 24, 2021 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Stephanie Maxwell Newton |
Before & After: Space reconfigurations and a dose of color reenergize a 1980s kitchen
Abundant storage and seating for the whole family were top priorities when Rachel and David Stafford hired Shine Interior Design’s Natalie Biles and Stacey Breezeel to reimagine their kitchen. “They love to entertain and host gatherings, and they wanted to get more from this space,” Natalie says. One of the biggest problems was shallow-depth cabinetry that could not hold the couple’s dishes. “They were using the walk-in pantry to store all their dishes and cookware, and that was eating into their food storage,” Natalie says. To solve this problem, the kitchen was gutted and new cabinetry that extends to the ceiling was installed. On the base cabinets, Rachel opted for roomy drawers—which allow her to see all of their contents easily—for pots, pans, and plates. A cramped island was traded for a more spacious version with room for barstools as well as an uninterrupted workspace for meal prep, craft projects, and homework.
Perhaps the most surprising move of the renovation came in eliminating the walk-in pantry—the room’s biggest storage space. In doing this, Natalie and Stacey were able to relocate the refrigerator to that wall and create a built-in pantry near the stove. This also allowed for a larger expanse of cabinetry around the refrigerator as well as a designated space for the microwave.
Of course, it’s hard not to notice the kitchen’s style at first glance. “Stacey and I had carried around this swatch for a while, thinking of how perfect it would be on kitchen cabinets,” Natalie says of the green paint color. She shared it with Rachel, who decided to go for the bold yet cheerful hue. The blue seen on the wishbone barstools was used in the nearby laundry and repeated here to connect the rooms. “We were delighted to work on this project and with how it turned out,” Natalie says. “They trusted us so fully, and I think when you trust your designer you get an outcome that is stunning.”
Fueling Station
A designated coffee space was a must-have on David’s wish list for the renovation. Custom wood shelves that match the trim on the hood provide storage and bring character to the design. Extending the backsplash all the way up the wall brings visual interest.
“They let us look at the space from scratch and then redesign it as a fresh start.”
—Natalie Biles, designer
Island Glow
A trio of metal pendants over the island are a contemporary take on traditional schoolhouse-style fixtures.
Clean & Classic
Contemporary chrome finishes were used throughout the home, including the pulls seen on the kitchen’s doors and drawers.
On the Counter
Quartz countertops in “Calacatta Classic” are a low-maintenance option that also provide durability for food prep and everyday life.
Traditional with a Twist
Square tiles with a hint of shimmering gray texture were selected as an alternative to an all-white subway backsplash.
Design Resources
Interior design Natalie Biles, ASID, and Stacey Breezeel, ASID, LEED-AP, Shine Interior Design Studio Cabinetry and millwork Jimmy Sobzak, Elite Carpentry Countertops Linco Countertops Flooring Floor & Décor (Memphis) Furniture, lighting, and rugs Shine Interior Design Studio Paint Sherwin-Williams Tile Acme Brick & Tile
