A Kitchen Fit for a Restaurateur

by Lisa Fremont

Ti Martin of Commander’s Palace fame, daughter of icon Ella Brennan and most recently, the recipient of the coveted 2018 James Beard “Who’s Who” award along with her cousin Lally Brennan, wanted to enhance her beloved mid-city residence with a kitchen upgrade. More importantly, she wanted an in-home bar.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

Ti called upon her very talented friend architect William Sonner and expressed her desires. “Nothing elaborate; just a place to gather with friends.” William suggested they call in a designer as well, so Ti called her childhood friend Trudy Hurley. Before long, demo started and walls were coming down. What began as a simple repurpose to incorporate a bar turned into a full-blown renovation to give Ti the kitchen and bar merited by such an accomplished restaurateur.

The navy and teal backsplash from Stafford Tile & Stone adds modern interest behind the stove.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

The first stop was Stafford Tile & Stone. There, Ti fell in love with a very “mod” opaque glass tile in shades of navy and teal. That tile was to become the focal point that would drive the rest of the room. John Lagarde of Classic Cupboards matched the darkest blue in the tile and produced cabinetry in the most gorgeous hue of midnight.

The bar side of the kitchen boasts antiqued mirrored tiles, beautiful glass-fronted cabinets and a drink blender that rises from underneath the countertop as if by magic.

The sitting area in the kitchen is comprised of repurposed furniture pieces from Ti’s mother, Ella, and her aunts, Dottie and Adelaide.

photo: CANDRA GEORGE mycreativereality.com

The sitting area in the kitchen comprises repurposed pieces from Ti’s mother Ella and her aunts Dottie and Adelaide. Hurley had Keith Guy lacquer the bamboo furniture pulled from storage. A few added pieces, like the contemporary Tulip chairs from DWR, add a touch of modern whimsey, which is Ti’s true vibe.

“All I wanted was a bar....really. That first Blood and Sand cocktail I made was the world’s most expensive cocktail ever,” shares Ti. “All of Trudy’s ideas were too good to pass up. I just eventually gave her the keys and told her to go for it. I highly recommend this strategy.”