7 minute read
Snapshot
Balancing BOLD
A classic color combination leads the way in this kitchen addition.
By Melissa Mauzy Photography by Megan Lorenz Kitchen Design by Alspaugh Kitchen & Bath Interior Design by Lauren Sweet-Schuler
Black and white is the quintessential color pairing that packs a powerful punch. For a young St. Louis family, the contrasting colors set the design direction for their new kitchen addition. The previous kitchen in their classic Colonial home was a small, confined space. The new addition, which would include the kitchen, a breakfast area and sitting room, would be much larger and open to a family room, and it was important to the homeowners that the new spaces would feel like a continuation of their existing home.
The homeowners came to their first meeting with kitchen designer Chris Paul of Alspaugh Kitchen & Bath and interior designer Lauren Sweet-Schuler armed with a design twist: they wanted black cabinets and a black La Cornue range in the new kitchen. What could be a daunting undertaking for some, Paul and Sweet-Schuler accepted the bold color palette with ease. “The new addition had expansive windows that allowed in ample natural light to balance the dark cabinetry,” Paul explains, noting that proper lighting and clean lines can help support the decision to use black and white. Paul made sure to include under-cabinet lighting and recessed can lights to illuminate the space during evening hours.
To maintain the balance of black and white, the designers sourced a white marble-inspired quartz for the countertops, full-height backsplash and waterfall edge on either side of the island. White-painted crown molding from the existing part of the home continues into the addition. To avoid a break in the crown above the black cabinets, the designers finished the
wall cabinetry independently with black crown, creating a double crown molding above the cabinetry. The white crown continues throughout the room while the black crown defines the cabinetry.
The designers incorporated neutral mid-tones to soften and warm the stark contrast of black and white. At the island, four counter stools are handcrafted from sustainably harvested Brazilian hardwood with faux leather seats for soft lines and easy maintenance for the young family. A custom banquette is built into the space to meet the family’s seating needs and is covered in a light neutral faux leather. The oak table is finished in black to complement the kitchen cabinets and is surrounded by three chairs in a similar style and finish as the island seating.
The brass details on the La Cornue range are thoughtfully repeated throughout the kitchen for a distinct look. The custom black hood is wrapped with two bands of brass, and Paul also designed the custom pantry to have brass capped feet for a furniture feel. Sweet-Schuler selected a Newport Brass faucet and Hinkley pendant lights over the island to continue the brass across the room. The breakfast area is finished off with an oversized black-and-brass pendant.
Bold and black, the kitchen is still balanced and bright for the young family, who love the functionality of the finished space and appreciate the designers’ imaginative approach to classic black and white. See stlouishomesmag.com for resources and additional photos.
DESIGNERS IN DEMAND
Creating beautiful rooms with cohesive styles is the key to making your home comfortable, fashionable and inviting.
Joni Spear Interior Design
314-614-9080 / joni@jonispear.com
Be it modern or traditional interior design, interior designer Joni Spear has been practicing for more than 20 years with a mastery of color combined with a chic and compelling sense of style. Joni’s approach includes layered and collected interiors that are stylish, yet never trendy. Her versatile firm specializes in new construction, renovations, executive relocation projects, kitchen and bathroom remodels, vacation homes and rentals. E-commerce and online services are now available. Joni is happy to once again be living and working full-time in St. Louis after completing a multiple-year project on the East Coast.
Rae Sutton, granddaughter of the late Jeanie Hood, is continuing the legacy at Three French Hens in Wildwood, MO. The showroom includes everything from staple to statement pieces that complement any style. Customers can shop in-store or work with designers to create a completely unique look for their home. Employing an original team of designers, clients can utilize Three French Hens for projects from total renovations to custom furniture to an accessory overhaul.
Alspaugh Kitchen & Bath
Christine Paul, B.A. Interior Design 314-993-6644 • glenalspaughkitchenscom
For twenty years Chris has worked as a designer for Alspaugh Kitchen & Bath with the goal of creating highly functional, beautiful spaces based upon her clients' personal needs. She brings her educational background in interior design to the kitchen and bath industry, providing a valuable and comprehensive perspective. Chris' passion for design drives her to explore current trends, keeping abreast of the latest innovations to educate and inspire her. Chris builds relationships with her clients, providing excellent customer service from the initial design process through installation.
Anne Marie Design Studio
annemariestudio.com • 636-821-3395
Anne M. Boedges, President and Designer of Anne Marie Design Studio, LLC has been helping clients fall in love with their homes all over the St. Louis area since 2001. She obtained her BFA in Interior Design from Maryville University in St. Louis, MO. She has previously taught the NKBA Bath Design Certification Course at St. Louis Community College. Specializing in Kitchen and Bath Design, Anne’s positive and down to earth approach helps clients feel anything is achievable, and her unique attention to detail distinguishes her work amongst the rest.
The Porch in Wildwood
636-273-3745 / www.theporchinwildwood.net
Our specialty is to create the environment within your home that you‘ve always dreamed of. We are passionate about creating character, depth, timeless elements and authenticity for your home. Nettie White Interiors and The Porch in Wildwood guarantee that your home will be cozy and comfortable with a flair that is all your own. Our vibe is full of design inspiration, offering the most beautiful accessories, furniture and unique decorating options to complement your spaces.
JE Design Group, LLC
Ellen Wortham, ASID 314-984-0003 • jedesigngroupstl.com
At JE Design Group we believe your space should be a reflection of you. We focus on your unique needs to create a space that perfectly melds style and life. We pride ourselves on creating beautiful, timeless spaces with attention to personal style, function and comfort while providing excellent customer service and lasting client relationships. Our extensive knowledge of the build and remodel process as well as our relationships with industry trade partners gives us the tools to provide our clients with expert design advice to successfully navigate any build or design project.
MJM Design Company
M. Joyce Mathis, Allied ASID, LEED Green Associate 636-288-1001 • mjmdesignco.com
From a one-hour consultation to whole house design (window treatments, flooring, paint color selection, space planning, green and sustainable, aging in place, upholstery), remodeling, kitchen and bath renovation, home office, room additions, and new construction. 25+ years in the design industry, where exceptional design and customer service go hand in hand. Finding You in every detail!
KH Interiors, LLC
Krista Howard, Allied ASID khinteriorsstl.com • 314-517-5502
KH Interiors, is an award winning design-remodel collaborative. We create interiors that are comfortably classic, rich and relaxed. Interiors that reflect your spirit and give you a place to call home. It begins with listening to our clients about their dreams of how they see themselves in their surroundings. We share how design can make their home flow more beautifully and give meaning to their space. Our team then gets to work instinctively to recreate the home they once knew into a haven that reflects their true essence. At KH Interiors, we ensure that every detail, every decision, and every moment is meaningful, intentional and gorgeous!
JCR Design Group
314-706-2727 jcrdesigngroupstl.com
Jenny has been serving Saint Louis as an interior designer for close to 20 years, and in 2011, founded JCR Design Group. Located in the Interior Design Center, the firm specializes in high-end custom interiors, renovations, kitchen and bath design and new construction collaboration. Together with her team, they work closely with homeowners, architects and builders to create distinctive and functional designs and interiors that are current yet timeless, and sophisticated yet comfortable.
