Contemporary Shaker Kitchen

Mary Beth Hartgrove of Metropolitan Kitchen & Bath transformed a cramped kitchen with little aesthetic appeal into a transitional masterpiece. Mindful of the home's more traditional architecture, Mary Beth blended contemporary elements to complement the homeowners' taste.

Mary Beth shares how she achieved the perfect mix with new cabinetry, lighting and appliances.

What was on the homeowners' wish list?

The homeowners wanted a unique kitchen environment that was visually appealing with increased storage and accessibility within and around the space. They also wanted the design to incorporate smart plumbing and high-end appliances.

What issue did the design address?

A three-sided, angled peninsula with raised bar visually separated the kitchen from the adjacent breakfast room and family room. The new floor plan had to improve traffic flow.

How did you approach the design?

Style blending! The clients had more contemporary design taste but have an architecturally traditional home. Shaker cabinet doors, square molding, sleek appliances and glass pendant lights paired with the use of neutral contrasting tones make the space more contemporary.

How did the end result match your original vision?

The cabinet paint color was the biggest change from my original vision. Originally, I wasn't thinking of a white that was as creamy, but the homeowners wanted a change from the old stark-white cabinets. I love the look because it really adds warmth to the kitchen.

What are the hidden gems in the room?

I designed an intricate four-piece square crown molding with chamfered edges, which has cleaner lines than traditional molding. Also, the LED task lighting under the cabinets and the hanging glass pendants at the bar are standouts.

What lessons did you learn?

How to find a way to incorporate the homeowners' ideas and individuality into the design scheme without compromising design integrity. It's important not to lose the human element when it can be easy to get caught up in executing a design.