Date: September 26, 2019 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Lauren Cerrato |
Marie Jeffery helps a Rogers homeowner renovate her kitchen from floor to ceiling
When Vivian Dunnaway’s children called their friend Marie Jeffery, they were looking for the perfect gift. “They said their mom was renovating her home, and I was going to be her Christmas present,” the designer recalls. Marie, who started her design business five years ago after spending 17 years teaching elementary school, was eager to help. “The same nurture aspect that I loved about teaching has carried over into my passion for design,” she says. The two women talked extensively about plans in preparation for the room’s complete overhaul.
BEFORE
The former kitchen was closed off with a floor plan and cabinetry that limited conversation between the cook space and the dining area. Marie also recalls a yellow-and-white plaid wallpaper, worn linoleum floor, and dated countertops, all of which she says were done well at the time they were installed but in need of an update.
Marie and Vivian not only discussed function and aesthetics but also the overall feel of the space. “She wanted her friends to feel comfortable here—like they could sit down and stay forever,” Marie says, noting Vivian’s personal style is a blend of traditional and eclectic that lends itself to this.
A huge island, opened doorways, a pantry, and a current yet timeless palette of white and blue were all boxes on the wish list. “Blue is a favorite color for her. At first, we only had the island in blue (a shade custom to the cabinetry company), but then she decided to go a little bit further and do all of the base cabinetry, too,” Marie says. Lighter shades of the color are found in the three applications of backsplash tile, including a herringbone pattern behind the range, a tri-color penny tile on the bar and around the sink window, and a classic subway that bridges the two.
The end result also features numerous contemporary touches—from the linear lanterns to the gold and champagne seen on the finishes—while still keeping Vivian’s style at the forefront. “She really stepped out of her comfort zone in this renovation and found new looks she loves,” Marie says.
Inset In Style
Vivian liked the look of glazed pottery, so Marie found light and airy tiles (Glazzio’s “Octave Breeze”) that feature a similar treatment to use on the backsplash behind the range.
Current & Clean
The champagne finish on the hardware is a tone repeated throughout the home, while the pulls’ clean-lined simplicity is echoed on the cabinetry and the pendant lanterns.
Fresh Fixture
A single-level pull-down faucet that also features touch technology is easy to use even when the cook’s hands are full. The finish coordinates with the hardware as well as the light dusting of champagne on the appliances.
Perfect Pairing
Cambria’s “Swanbridge” quartz countertop is a light-colored, durable option that coordinates well with the textured subway tile.
Design Resources
Contractor John Ward, Homes by Ward Interior Design Marie Jeffery, Marie Jeffery Design Appliances Metro Appliances & More Cabinetry Kitchen Distributors Countertops New Century Countertops Fabrics and Wallpaper Selah Design Studio Flooring and Tile Flooring America by Carpet Smart Furniture Abide Furniture and Selah Design Studio Lighting Lighting Emporium Millwork Quality Millworks Paint Sherwin-Willliams
