Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW The homeowners built their traditional Colonial style home 17 years’ ago. It was in great shape but needed some updating. Over the years, their taste had drifted into a more contemporary realm, and they wanted our help to bridge the gap between traditional and modern. We decided the layout of the kitchen worked well in the space and the cabinets were in good shape, so we opted to do a refresh with the kitchen. The original kitchen had blond maple cabinets and granite countertops. This was also a great opportunity to make some updates to the functionality that they were hoping to accomplish. After re-finishing all the first floor wood floors with a gray stain, which helped to remove some of the red tones from the red oak, we painted the cabinetry Benjamin Moore “Repose Gray” a very soft light gray. The new countertops are hardworking quartz, and the waterfall countertop to the left of the sink gives a bit of the contemporary flavor. We reworked the refrigerator wall to create more pantry storage and eliminated the double oven in favor of a single oven and a steam oven. The existing cooktop was replaced with a new range paired with a Venetian plaster hood above. The glossy finish from the hood is echoed in the pendant lights. A touch of gold in the lighting and hardware adds some contrast to the gray and white. A theme we repeated down to the smallest detail illustrated by the Jason Wu faucet by Brizo with its similar touches of white and gold (the arrival of which we eagerly awaited for months due to ripples in the supply chain – but worth it!). The original breakfast room was pleasant enough with its windows looking into the backyard. Now with its colorful window treatments, new blue chairs and sculptural light fixture, this space flows seamlessly into the kitchen and gives more of a punch to the space. The original butler’s pantry was functional but was also starting to show its age. The new space was inspired by a wallpaper selection that our client had set aside as a possibility for a future project. It worked perfectly with our pallet and gave a fun eclectic vibe to this functional space. We eliminated some upper cabinets in favor of open shelving and painted the cabinetry in a high gloss finish, added a beautiful quartzite countertop and some statement lighting. The new room is anything but cookie cutter. Next the mudroom. You can see a peek of the mudroom across the way from the butler’s pantry which got a facelift with new paint, tile floor, lighting and hardware. Simple updates but a dramatic change! The first floor powder room got the glam treatment with its own update of wainscoting, wallpaper, console sink, fixtures and artwork. A great little introduction to what’s to come in the rest of the home. The whole first floor now flows together in a cohesive pallet of green and blue, reflects the homeowner’s desire for a more modern aesthetic, and feels like a thoughtful and intentional evolution. Our clients were wonderful to work with! Their style meshed perfectly with our brand aesthetic which created the opportunity for wonderful things to happen. We know they will enjoy their remodel for many years to come! Photography by Margaret Rajic Photography

Powder bath with bold leaf wallpaper and quartzite counter top.

New build modern prairie home

Builder: Michels Homes Interior Design: Talla Skogmo Interior Design Cabinetry Design: Megan at Michels Homes Photography: Scott Amundson Photography

Powder room - jewelry box. Mosaic tile backsplash with integrated sink of natural stone.

This estate is a transitional home that blends traditional architectural elements with clean-lined furniture and modern finishes. The fine balance of curved and straight lines results in an uncomplicated design that is both comfortable and relaxing while still sophisticated and refined. The red-brick exterior façade showcases windows that assure plenty of light. Once inside, the foyer features a hexagonal wood pattern with marble inlays and brass borders which opens into a bright and spacious interior with sumptuous living spaces. The neutral silvery grey base colour palette is wonderfully punctuated by variations of bold blue, from powder to robin’s egg, marine and royal. The anything but understated kitchen makes a whimsical impression, featuring marble counters and backsplashes, cherry blossom mosaic tiling, powder blue custom cabinetry and metallic finishes of silver, brass, copper and rose gold. The opulent first-floor powder room with gold-tiled mosaic mural is a visual feast.

This luxurious powder room update included replacing the countertop on their current vanity, new wallpaper, changing the lighting from overhead to wall sconces. Though the size of the space didn't change, the room was transformed with these changes.

www.genevacabinet.com - luxury kitchen in Lake Geneva, Wi designed with cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, Inc. This is the Inovea frameless cabinet in natural maple veneer, countertops are Quartzite

Teenage girl bathroom with light blue tile and beveled mirror Photographer: Costa Christ Media