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Accents in blue pop against shades of gray

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A Saunderstown Colonial’s kitchen gets reimagined for busy family life

Homeowner Christine loves to bake, so when her kitchen started to crumble faster than a cookie, it was time to consider some upgrades. Her family of four has made a Colonial in the North Kingstown village of Saunderstown their home for nearly a decade. Built in 1999, the four-bedroom house has served them well, but original cabinets and flooring made of lower-grade materials were beginning to break apart. It was time to call in a pro.

An undermount sink saves countertop space

“When I met with Christine and Jason, they stressed how important a familyfriendly kitchen was to them,” says Michelle Parenteau, interior designer and owner of Johnston-based Michelle Lee Designs. With that directive, Parenteau began by making some structural modifications to give the busy space a better flow: this included installing a peninsula to create seating. Unlike a freestanding island, which generally sits in the center of a room, the peninsula is like a table that extends from the countertops; it provides open space for three custom white wood stools and adds surface area with a light footprint. Distressed cabinet fronts help hide fingerprints and smudges

Home goods repeat the colors of the tilework

Knowing her clients’ adoration of their Ocean State location, Parenteau was sure to infuse some blue. A cabinet was removed and in its place, navy blue shelves float over a backdrop of blue and white tiles. Vases holding everything from pasta to flowers along with stacks of cookbooks, plants, and artwork contribute warmth, color, and charm. Along with barely-there window treatments, plenty of lighting, and buttery yellow walls, the kitchen feels twice its size.

“The new kitchen layout works so much better for me and the rest of the family,” says Christine. “It’s so much brighter and lighter!”

Cambria countertops provide a durable surface

GET RHODY STYLE

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

DESIGN LOCAL Michelle Lee Designs assembled the following vendors and resources for this project: The Blind King, Providence; East Coast Countertops, Cranston; J and K Lighting, Johnston; Jason Thomas Construction LLC, North Kingstown; Lubrano Electric LLC, Rehoboth, MA; Rhode Island Design Center, West Warwick; Rhode Island Tile, Cranston; and Supply New England, Warwick.

SHOP NK The homeowners cite these as their goto small businesses around North Kingstown: Beauty and the Bath, Jitters Cafe, Spring Pottery, and Studio 460 Gallery.

AUTUMN JAUNT There is much to discover in the Saunderstown Historic District, including Casey Farm, Willett Library, and the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum (open Friday-Sunday through October 9). Discover more “Living History” information at SouthCountyRI.com

Want your home featured in So Rhode Island?

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more

Team Tokarz TALKS

DR. VALERIE TOKARZ, DO, FAAD

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At our office, not only do you receive your consultation and treatment with Dr. Valerie Tokarz, Board Certified Dermatologist and Laser Expert, but also our welcoming staff is very well- educated on all of the services we provide and can help answer your questions and put you at ease before you meet with her. Our customer service and personalized approach with every patient is second to none. And by the way, we answer the phone!

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

BEFORE AFTER

Why should I see a Board Certified Dermatologist for my cosmetic injections and laser treatments?

The many cosmetic procedures you read about, such as Botox®, Fillers, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), and various Laser procedures, were all pioneered by dermatologists. Scientific research led by the dermatology profession studying the pharmacology of injectables and tissue interaction of lasers is how safe and e ective practice principles were established. However, all of these treatments carry a risk, and you should understand about recovery and potential for injury. Therefore, be diligent when choosing which kind of medical professional performs these procedures on you and in what type of o ce you’re being treated.

What procedures does Dr. Valerie Tokarz most commonly use for wrinkling?

Botox® and Fillers are two of the best medications we use to gently improve the e ects of aging. Botox® will help reduce wrinkles caused by angry, squinty, or frown movements and Fillers can help with volume loss leading to excessive frowning or puppet lines.

What works best for most patients?

Combination treatments and maintenance is key! There often isn’t one solution to improve our aging appearances. You’ll do best to understand that using some Botox®, Filler, PRP, and Laser gives you the most natural overall benefit. AND that you should maintain this with regular interval treatments because we don’t stop aging.

What are your latest favorite treatments?

We’ve been doing many more PRP treatments for under eye hollows and darkness. PRP works by naturally stimulating your own collagen to help brighten under eyes and improve texture. Dr. Tokarz loves this natural approach as opposed to using filler in this area. Another favorite is a combination laser treatment. The first portion of this procedure helps reduce dark spots and redness and improves overall tone. The second resurfacing portion helps treat aging and rough texture by stimulating underlying collagen. Another favorite is for our rosacea patients who, after going through laser treatments, happily wear less makeup, reduce their need for pills to control flares and are no longer embarrassed by facial flushing. It’s a great drug-free way to manage a frustrating condition.

What products should patients use on a regular basis?

You don’t need a medicine cabinet full of lotions and potions to maintain good skin health. The best anti-aging go-to’s are sunscreen and retinoids! Adding vitamin C and a good moisturizer is also very beneficial.