Family favorite

The original decor and design style of a home need not influence the final outcome of a remodeling project. In fact, when it comes to renovating, almost anything can be changed, making it quite possible to recreate a house in a completely new style.

The owners of this home, Kevin and Jacqueline Rose, bought a 1960s style ranch house, but really envisioned something that had a more old-world, European country look.

Architect Ken Rich was commissioned to redesign the house, making it larger and more family friendly. Extensions to the house included space for a new kitchen, as well as an adjoining family breakfast room. The new kitchen has a better outlook and is further from the bedrooms. The Roses then approached designer Matthew Quinn to plan the new kitchen.

To create the style the owners were after, Quinn took his lead from the interior scheme in the renovated parts of the house, which feature lots of exposed, antique beams, barrel-vaulted and wood ceilings, and old stone floors.

"I wanted to find a kitchen style that matched the look elsewhere in the house," he says. "We started by creating a focal point for the space, which is a big Scagliola stone ventilation hood. And, because the kitchen is large, there was space in the center for a island with seating for four."

From here, the designer and homeowners worked together to source materials with texture, color and decorative detailing that created a warm, family kitchen in a rustic style.

Raised ceilings finished with recycled wood beams and stained planks set the tone for the space. Cabinetry around the perimeter of the kitchen is in a dark, custom-stained knotty alder, which has a worm-eaten, scratched and distressed look, while the island and the butler's pantry are finished in a creamy-colored custom glaze.

"The lighter glaze on the island cabinetry complements the creamy tones of the limestone floor and ensures the island doesn't overpower the kitchen," says Quinn.

To add interest to the kitchen, the designer has broken the line of the perimeter cabinets by varying the depth of the countertop to give the range and sink more prominence in the space.

In fact, most large, flat surfaces in the kitchen are broken up with relief provided by details such as the plate racks in the overhead cabinetry close to the range, and molding on drawer and door fronts. To enhance the traditional style, these are beaded and paneled, then finished with distressed antique handles. Traditional detailing is also found on the chunky, turned legs of the island and on the columns supporting the range and main sink.

A large, square window over the farmhouse sink is framed by an arched niche that is lined with mosaic tiles. To introduce texture, the cupboard doors below the sink are inset with wire mesh.

Walls are finished in a warm, gold-colored wash that matches the tones of the mosaic tiles behind the sink and around the cooktop.

"I wanted a warm, smooth, seamless look, so we used a gold wash on the walls to blend with the color of the tiles. The same tones flow on through the Tuscan Gold granite countertop to the limestone floor," says Jacqueline Rose.

The needs of the owners' three children are also incorporated into this kitchen. A drawer in the island provides a place where each child can store homework, craft items and other treasures. Opposite the main sink, away from the main preparation area, is a second countertop and sink, where the children can get a drink or wash their hands. Next to this a pocket door conceals a toaster, microwave, coffee maker and a television, and below are refrigerator drawers for snack food.

Story by: Mary Webb