Written by: Abby Weingarten/Photos by: Johan Roetz
Signs of possible greatness already existed in Tom and Sandy McLain’s Tampa kitchen—structural elements such as the window above the sink and the French doors.
But it was not until George Gobes of Park Avenue Designs altered everything else around these two features that the kitchen began to fully reanimate—with white cabinets, chic and smooth countertops, a textured backsplash, and stainless steel appliances.
The kitchen redo in the 2,233-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1951-built home began last spring and took seven months. The new space was designed to accommodate the McLain couple as well as Sandy’s mother, Delores Amoriello (also the home’s previous owner). The McLains’ two daughters, a son-in-law, god daughter and granddaughter often join them for family meals.
“I knew I wanted the lighter cabinetry, a buffet for entertaining and an island that would seat six people. I have Sunday dinner here a lot with at least six of us,” Sandy says.
“I have the light cabinetry and the gold fixtures and the stainless appliances, so it was a chore to find a backsplash that would pull everything together. But it even pulled in the aqua color of the walls. George’s work is impeccable and timeless. I wouldn’t have worked with anyone else.”
Gobes describes the McLain kitchen as traditional, with its finely crafted cabinetry, textured accents and general livability. While it may be chic and sleek, the room is anything but cold. Sandy especially loves the white cabinetry’s cashmere finish, which complements the golden hardware.
“This is the type of kitchen that has plenty of traditional elements as well as a lot of warmth. My favorite features of the space are definitely the walnut bar and the custom hood; they are particularly unique,” Gobes says. “It was a pleasure working with Tom and Sandy again. I designed their last kitchen 15 years ago. I am confident they will enjoy this space for years to come.”
Resources: Residential design: Dion Design; AllTech Structural Engineering, Inc.; Contractor: Terra Construction; Kitchen designer and cabinet supplier: George Gobes, Park Avenue Designs; Lighting: Kichler, Ferguson Enterprises; Flooring: Turlington/Gunstock, ProSource; Countertops: Cambria Windermere, Granite World; Backsplash: Glass tile, Omicron Granite; Backsplash installation: Ceiba, LTD; Appliances: LG dishwasher, refrigerator and oven; Jenn-Air cooktop, Bosch microwave drawer, Ferguson Enterprises; Sinks and faucets: Kohler, Ferguson Enterprises; Plumbing and gas: McLain Plumbing & Mechanical