It's all in the details

Over the years, the kitchen has evolved from a utilitarian space focused solely on meal prep to the versatile gathering space it is today, often a vital element in an open floor plan where family and friends enjoy meals and each other’s company.

The recent renovation of Heather and Mike’s Cincinnati home exemplifies this point, as the upgraded kitchen serves as the heart of their home. “We do a lot of entertaining, and this is the gathering place for all of our functions,” explains Mike.

Recesses in the ceiling and walls are played up with paint and wallpaper in the entry.

Making a statement
The couple engaged Neal’s Design Remodel to handle the renovation, with Cyndi Kohler acting as lead designer. Cyndi confirms that a large island and large hood were must-haves for the couple. The island, comprised of stunning Calacatta Laza quartz, replaced the room’s original diminutive one. The long expanse that is the new island delights the eye with its dramatic veining and vertical waterfall edges which create a seamless look. The inclusion of storage spaces, a dishwasher and a microwave ensure it’s not only pretty but that it also performs.

To the left of the range area is the door to the pantry, and beyond that is a door leading outside.

In terms of the hood, adequate ventilation is vital, but this hood is also a design triumph, serving as the (other) centerpiece of the space. “Symmetrical, big hoods flanked by cabinets sitting on counters are very popular,” says Cyndi. This hood, with handy spice storage on either side, sits atop a Wolf dual fuel range with a double griddle, and takes its place alongside a Sub-Zero French door refrigerator, steam oven, warming drawer, and more. All the appliances make it easy for Mike, who thoroughly enjoys cooking, to elevate his culinary skills.

With the warm look of wood, but a touch more elegant, porcelain tile runs throughout most of the first floor.

Reworking the flow
Taking a step back from specific features, the remodel required a good bit of structural manipulation, including moving load-bearing walls, recessing certain sections, creating tray ceilings and generally opening everything up. The newly extended kitchen includes a true pantry (originally there was just a pantry shelf) and takes its place alongside other extended living spaces on the first floor.

A slatted wood accent wall adds an element of texture to the family room.

Porcelain tile runs throughout, and since a pool is right outside the kitchen, it’s ideal for indoor-outdoor use. With a resemblance to warm reclaimed wood and an elegant vibe, the large tiles sit in a herringbone pattern. A different three-dimensional tile creates a unique look within the walk-in pantry but it’s similar enough that the entire space feels cohesive.

An expansive island with a waterfall quartz countertop replaced a narrow, angled island in the previous kitchen’s layout.

Cyndi explains that the pantry, which is really a modern-day scullery, resides where Mike’s office once sat, with the newly renovated laundry room off to one side. Mike considers the scullery to be a personal favorite out of all the renovations. Containing a sink, icemaker, coffee maker and beverage fridge, it’s an incredibly useful extension of the kitchen, especially when the family hosts indoor-outdoor events in the summer.

Comfy counter stools invite guests to linger.

Specifically, the scullery backsplash is a ceramic hexagon tile in matte white, while the backsplash and countertops in the main kitchen are the aforementioned Calacatta Laza. “And for the cabinets we did a mixed look, with the white oak and dark finish,” explains Cyndi.

The mixed hardware creates more visual interest, as does the dark woodwork around the windows and the mantel in the living area. The feature wall contains a floating cabinet that complements the slats that form the backing on the wall. Tasteful interior furnishings from Diane Agricola of Agricola Redesign, round out the rooms.

A home office was replaced with this scullery which includes a sink, icemaker, coffee maker and beverage fridge.

Drama meets function
Heather admits that, as much as she loves her new kitchen, she finds her upgraded powder room to be a favorite spot. “I love the tile, the lights and how we changed the whole half bath into something a little more functional and very appealing to the eyes,” she says.

Brass accents are found throughout the home.

The powder room has its own two-tone color scheme, with a ribbed, reeded tile backsplash above a charcoal top. A white oak vanity, offset with brass hardware, creates a sense of drama.

Adding to the drama in the bath, Cyndi confirms that, in terms of trends, “Big dramatic kitchens are currently popular.” And in terms of color trends, people are leaning into dark woodwork in their living spaces, to include rich terra cottas. Ultimately, however, she reminds us that color trends change very quickly. “I always tell my clients to not worry about the trends but pick a color you really, really love.”

Playful light fixtures stand out on the charcoal tile backsplash in the powder room.

That’s exactly what Mike and Heather did, and of their new kitchen, Mike concludes, “It’s completely changed the way we entertain and the way we cook. It’s made everything much better.”

Zoey walks across the new porcelain tile floor in the family room.

RESOURCES Contractor Neal’s Design Remodel, Joe Williams, lead carpenter Kitchen design Cyndi Kohler, Neal’s Design Remodel Interior furnishings Agricola Redesign, LLC Cabinetry Green City Cabinetry, Neal’s Design Remodel Countertops and backsplash Calacatta Laza, KBR Sink Elkay Crosstown Single Bowl with Kohler faucet, Ferguson Appliances Cove dishwasher; Wolf 48” Dual Fuel range w/griddle; Sub Zero 48” Classic French Door refrigerator; Wolf steam oven, warming drawer and built-in single oven, all from Custom Distributors, Inc. Flooring Relive Montana 4×48, Florida Tile Walk-in pantry backsplash Dimensions Quasar in Matte White, Roca Tile USA