City life to country air

When you hail from the city but move your family to the suburbs to give the children room to grow, you're likely to want to bring a little urban modernity along with you.

The owners of this kitchen did exactly that, leaving the excitement of the city for a 100-year-old suburban retreat. As part of the remodel of their new home, an extension was added, accommodating a new kitchen downstairs and a master bedroom upstairs. The space planning, interior design and kitchen were all by designers Sally Wilson and John Kelsey.

After moving from a townhouse to the country, the owners wanted to balance respect for the century-old home with their love of the vibrant city life they had left behind, says Kelsey.

"Gestalt, or a concept of wholeness, drives most of our projects and played a key part in working this request into a cohesive design," he says. "Color, texture and a sense of visual balance and lightness all played their part in the design. At the same time, we wanted to ensure the space would be highly functional, and would reflect a lighter aesthetic suited to entertaining."

To this end, classic elements that reference the home's age are teamed with light transitional cabinetry paneling and eye-catching elements with a more contemporary sensibility.

"On the traditional side there are thick granite countertops, a farmhouse sink and pristine white cabinet finishes," says Wilson. "The modern elements include the glittering glass tile backsplash almost a pixilated version of the granite work surface opposite. At the end of the room, an open cabinet is fitted with glass shelves held in place by stainless steel clips."

Vibrancy comes from the colorful fabrics on the bar stools and also on a sofa that forms part of a casual seating area next to the windows.

"The patterned materials cotton on the stools and faux leather on the sofa create the feel of a living area rather than a cooking space," says Kelsey. "French doors open to the porch, maximizing natural light and a sense of space."

A large pantry is set off the hallway, to help keep the kitchen free of clutter.

Story by: Trendsideas