4. Rich and Creamy
Designer: Tonia Coleman of Le Belle Maison Interiors
Location: Frisco, Texas
Size: 546 square feet (51 square meters); 21 by 26 feet
Homeowners’ request. “My clients wanted an oversize kitchen where they could entertain large gatherings, but they wanted the space to feel defined between the kitchen and dining areas in an open concept,” designer Tonia Coleman says. “The homeowner envisioned a warm and inviting kitchen that marries the elegance of French Country style with a modern twist, perfect for hosting large gatherings.”
Warm and welcoming elements. Custom stained quartersawn oak island. Wood range hood detail. European white oak floors. Warm white cabinets. Creamy white zellige backsplash tile. Creamy white quartzite countertops. Brass details. “They wanted a space that feels timeless yet fresh, where traditional elements like the soft neutral tones, natural island with a mix of painted cabinets and the reclaimed-wood-wrapped hood coexist with the sleek, functional design,” Coleman says. “The open and airy spaces allow guests to flow effortlessly, with an oversize 12-foot island as the heart of the kitchen, designed to accommodate a crowd and serve as the perfect spot for entertaining.”
Other special features. Five-foot workstation sink with two faucets and integrated accessories such as cutting boards, colanders, drying racks and serving trays.
Designer tip. “For a unique, rustic touch, we used a reclaimed-wood skin wrap for the kitchen hood instead of a traditional beam cut to size,” Coleman says. “This design trick brought an organic, textured element into the space, echoing the charm of reclaimed-wood beams but with a lighter, more refined silhouette. The wrap adds depth and warmth, blending seamlessly into the modern
Country French style while highlighting the natural beauty of aged wood.”
“Uh-oh” moment. “We had an ‘uh-oh’ moment after the island was installed when the client realized she wanted a bit more room between the kitchen island and the range wall for added comfort and flow,” Coleman says. “Thankfully we were able to adjust and move the island, creating the extra space she envisioned. It was a reminder that even the best-laid plans sometimes need a little tweaking, and we were glad to make it work to ensure the kitchen was just right for her needs.”
Coleman used Houzz “to explore and refine our client’s design style,” she says. “Together we browsed through numerous inspirational pictures, discussing what elements resonated most with her and envisioning how they could come to life in her kitchen. This visual approach allowed us to align specific details, helping her articulate her vision and making the design journey both enjoyable and clear.”
Custom cabinetry plan: KBH Texas, Andrew Risinger, Kitchen, Bath and Home; cabinetmaker: Custom Wood Products; builder: Kirlin Custom Homes; reclaimed wood: Olde Wood; project photos: Stacy Markow Photography; wall and ceiling paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore
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Bathroom at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with kids at home and away at college
Location: Great Falls, Virginia
Size: 170 square feet (16 square meters)
Designer: Iva Saller of Four Brothers Design + Build
During the design phase of the project, the homeowners worked remotely with Saller. They flew in regularly for in-person meetings, while others were virtual. Saller mailed them samples when they couldn’t make it to see them in person. For important decisions like the countertop stone, they came back and visited the stone yard to pick their slabs. One of the reasons they were moving back was to be near family, so the design trips also doubled as family visits.
The primary bathroom is part of the new addition off the back of the home. “The site is very private, located off a winding gravel road,” Saller says. “There’s a steep grade change from the front of the house to the back, and all they see from the windows is the forest. Feeling open to nature was important to them.”
Including lots of windows and the glass door in the bathroom opens it up to the views and brings in light. The door leads to a covered balcony. The roof extension over the balcony protects the room from direct sunlight and offers protection from the elements when the homeowners want to step out for some fresh air.
Paint colors: White Opulence (walls) and Chantilly Lace (trim), Benjamin Moore
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