Sophisticated White and Gold Kitchen with an Artful Flair
Your living space should reflect your personal style, and this couple in Highland Park, IL loves natural light, simplicity, and art. This white and gold kitchen design delivers, while also reflecting the modern design of the home, centered around a minimalist hood and backsplash ledge design that makes a quiet, yet impactful statement on the range wall.
“The homeowners wanted lighter and brighter with gold accents throughout, but the drama of the range wall is the star of the show,” says Normandy Designer Kathryn O’Donovan. “We worked through many different design ideas before we landed on an understated hood and full-height quartz backsplash with a ledge.”
The drywall hood is finished with a subtle sheen, while the heat-rated quartz material and induction cooktop (which emits minimal heat) allows for the unique backsplash ledge which showcases some of the homeowners’ personal touches, adding to the artistic feeling of the design.
To complete this bright new look, the darker cabinetry was swapped out for a light custom color on the perimeter – with a darker neutral on the island for a dramatic pop – and the former slab door design was replaced with a slim shaker-style design, along with improvements to the interior cabinet organization.
“The existing architecture definitely influenced the design choices,” Kathryn says. “The house is more modern in style, so having a cabinet detail that had clean lines was a natural progression.” The updated door style puts this kitchen design more on the modern-transitional spectrum, Kathryn adds.
The appliances file seamlessly into this clean-line design with a paneled refrigerator and dishwasher, below-counter microwave, built-in coffee machine and steam oven. The plumbing finishes are a beautiful satin brass, while the cabinet hardware is brushed golden brass.
The kitchen layout remained the same to minimize flooring impact. But the adjoining mudroom space was revamped by merging it with an area that formerly housed the washer and dryer, which were relocated upstairs. The new, larger mudroom not only provides more pantry storage and seating, but doubles as a butler’s pantry with open shelving over the sink, which the homeowners styled with unique splashes of color.
“This couple was driven by style, and that is reflected in every detail of this design,” Kathryn says.
No matter your design preference, Kathryn can assist in creating a kitchen that checks all the boxes. Set up a consultation with her to begin discussing your ideas. In the meantime, curate your look from the projects we share on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know.