HOME: An elegant kitchen makeover in Cranston

The joyful Mendez emigrated from the Dominican Republic to the US in the late ‘70s. When she was ready to buy a house, she went online and did a simple but targeted search for a three-bedroom single family with a fireplace in her growing brood’s specific price range. A 1926 Colonial in the quiet-meets-convenient Auburn neighborhood of Cranston popped up immediately. “It was meant to be,” she recalls. “I fell in love the moment I saw it. Right after we moved, I found out I was pregnant with my second daughter.”

Mendez notes that she was particularly drawn to the home’s original wood features and fireplace. After taking ownership, the kitchen was remodeled “from floor to ceiling.” A main structural change was removing the wall between the kitchen and dining rooms, resulting in an open floor plan. Fast-forward nearly a quarter century later, and Mendez was ready for some updates. She was in the midst of renovation and hit a few snags – that’s when Michelle Parenteau, interior designer and owner of Johnstonbased Michelle Lee Designs was brought on.

“When I met with my client, a demo in her kitchen had begun, but she was having trouble with creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment,” explains Parenteau. “To create more wall space, we walled up one of the windows and moved the stove to a more central part of the kitchen. She also needed more storage and more seating so a peninsula was installed with seating for three, and a huge pantry was added for more food storage.”

Brushed gold appears in a wave of flecks in the backplash, custom stools, and iridescent cushions

Metallic hardware elevates the simplicity of the apron sink

And, of course, it all had to be pretty. Mendez is a devotee of shabby chic, a style known for an appreciation of worn finishes and faded pastels and shades of white, punctuated with elegant fixtures like chandeliers. “I’ve tried earth tones and enjoyed that decor, but with this new remodel, I’m going back to my roots,” says Mendez with conviction. “The new Cambria countertop in my kitchen reflects the ocean waves of our beautiful beaches.”

With the renovation behind her, Mendez describes herself as head over heels about the new kitchen. “My home inspires me to decorate because I like coming home to a space of peace,” she says with a grin. “Who finds peace in an ugly home?”

GET RHODY STYLE

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

CUSTOM MADE Here’s a tip from Caren Mendez: Bespoke suits at Aldo’s House of Formals (685 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston). “Many people don’t realize that Aldo also makes tailored womenswear,” says Mendez, who is a longtime customer.

AROUND TOWN In Cranston, Mendez enjoys Garden City Shopping Center, T’s Restaurant, The Lunch Box, Bistro 22, and Spain. When heading into nearby Providence to dine, her number one choice is Los Andes.

RHODY RESOURCES “Michelle Lee will work with you to get an Ocean State vibe or vibe of your choice. If you dream it, she can make it happen,” says Mendez of the designer who used the following local businesses to make her client’s dream kitchen a reality: EastCoast Countertops, Lighting & Design by J&K Electric, Rhode Island Design Center, Sherwin-Williams Paint Store and Supply New England (various locations). Learn more at MichelleLeeDesigns.com

Want your home featured in Providence Monthly? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more Photography by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs