Tile Inspired Kitchen Remodel

DESIGNED BY MICHELE MERRITT, NANDINA AIKEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELLY MARSHALL SCHMIDT

Avid entertainers of both friends and family, my client's desire for a truly functional kitchen was their top priority. With an extensive extended family and many grandchildren close by, the ability to maintain a wellstocked, functional kitchen with plenty of counter space for snack making and project creation and ample storage for appliances was key. The focus of the structural portion of the renovation was to incorporate the adjacent family and living rooms to create a seamless transition while ensuring no one would be left out of any activities.

I was given a detailed list of “his and hers” specifics, which attributed to a successful relationship from the start. Our first priority was to really give the entire space not only a functional face lift, but an aesthetic one as well. They also had collected many treasures over the years that they wanted to make sure were prominently displayed. Equally important was to create enough storage for the less visually desirable items to be hidden, yet easily accessible for frequent use.

We chose materials and styles that were classic, but with modern appeal, to marry the feel of the adjacent rooms with the new design. The backsplash tile, a beautiful marble mosaic with gold inlay, drove the selections and it in itself gives an elegant nod, serving as both a “show stopper” and a seamless palette. The addition of natural wood in select areas created a kitchen that is the best of both worlds; dressy and casual, perfect for this vibrant and active family.

The tile acted as the inspiration, and functioned as the jewelry of this perfectly coordinated ensemble of a kitchen.

BEHIND

the design

A successful kitchen remodel depends on the melding of form and function. Having clients create a specific list of must-haves in the space is a great starting point. Kitchens are the heart of the home, so they have to be well-stocked with spacious prep areas and plenty of room for entertaining; they must also be inviting and beautiful. This couple has a large extended family with grandchildren, so a large island with plenty of seating and counter space for after-school snacks and projects was a must-have element.

Our first priority was to really give the whole space not only a functional facelift but an aesthetic one as well. To this end, we went with classic materials and styles but with modern appeal.

The backsplash tile, a beautiful marble mosaic with gold inlay, drove the design. The combination of a warm marblestyle countertop and the addition of natural wood in select areas created a kitchen that is the best of both Scan to view worlds, dressy and casual. more of my work.