SOUTHLAKE, TX — While pristine white cabinets are the foundation of this kitchen remodel in a home just outside of Dallas, the completed design is anything but plain. Dallas-based Kitchen Design Concepts was tasked with highlighting the client’s Vietnamese heritage and love of natural materials, while also incorporating clever storage and cutting-edge technology.
“The project required that we find a balance between an eclectic aesthetic while incorporating personal touches for the client,” notes Katie Bacon, residential designer for Kitchen Design Concepts. “The eclectic style was achieved through the incorporation of a blue range with copper hardware, a two-toned faucet and copper light fixtures.”
To accommodate the family of four and make the original angular space more functional, the design team opened up a wall and made plumbing adjustments.
Bacon reports that the project “incorporated blue tones to tie the kitchen spaces together.”
Hand-painted LiLi Tile from Vietnam adorns the walls, and the client’s love for nature prompted the choice of natural quartzite with shades of blue over quartz for the countertops. When some of the tiles arrived damaged, the design team color-matched and painted around the windows to ensure a cohesive finish.
The large windows situated over the range posed their own challenge, as the clients desired the natural light they provided but also wanted privacy.
“Our design team suggested the inclusion of Smart Film, which allows homeowners to switch between clear and satin finishes with a simple button click or smartphone command,” offers Bacon.
Playing on the exotic nature of the wall tile, arabesque- shaped tile is featured on the floor. The ceramic tile resembles concrete, and delivers a deep, rich tone that adds a rustic yet elegant feel, notes Bacon.
The family, which includes two young girls, requested appliances that fit their lifestyle. A microwave without a handle was selected to prevent wear and tear from frequent use by the children. The AGA 48″ induction range in blue with copper hardware integrates within the chosen color scheme. The refrigerator is hidden within a built-in cabinet, maintaining the aesthetic of the space.
The island includes a workstation sink, paired with a two-toned ombre faucet. “The Galley workstation was suggested given that the homeowners prepare many homemade snacks and meals for their girls,” states Bacon. “They saw the benefit of utilizing the workstation model to make an extension of the countertop.”
To maximize storage, the design team added angled roll-out trays in the cabinets, ensuring every inch is used efficiently. Woven baskets add a desired function to provide easy access to fruits and vegetables as well as other items.
- Copper light fixtures provide needed task lighting over the island as well as sparkle and color coordination
- The LiLi Tile from Vietnam steals the show in this kitchen design, nodding to the client’s Vietnamese heritage
- White cabinets provide a neutral backdrop, allowing the colors and designs in the space to shine through
- Seating at the island provides added function for this family of four
“It was important to incorporate the client’s Vietnamese heritage and source materials that aligned with the homeowner’s love for nature and natural elements.”
- The microwave is situated at a height that works for the children, and also has no handle to prevent wear and tear
- Clever basket storage provides easy access to fruit and other items
- The dark arabesque floor tile continues the eclectic theme
- The quartzite countertop showcases swirls of blue and adds a natural element
- The Galley workstation sink and ombre faucet aid in meal and snack prep
- When tiles arrived broken, the design team pivoted and painted the window surround for a custom look
- The window delivers copious amounts of natural light but can be obscured for privacy due to the inclusion of Smart Film
- Clever storage is featured throughout the kitchen, making use of every inch of space
- The blue AGA range with copper knobs ties into the overall color scheme