What does one do after 42 years of hard work in a demanding career and as a mother?

My amazing, inspirational mother took up cooking and baking. It became her passion shortly after I left for college in 2005. Quickly, I began bringing glorious macarons and truffles back to my dorm and fed decadent meals upon my less than frequent visits home. Every phone conversation I had with my mother had to do with what new cooking class she was taking or what she learned from her favorite new food publications. Did I mind? Of course not. I quickly became her favorite royal food tester.

While her passion for cooking and baking grew, she outgrew her non-functional kitchen. This kitchen had no counter space, no storage space, outdated appliances and was overall functionless. And worst of all - not particularly attractive.

In 2013, it was finally time to do away with her kitchen of 25 years. Months of research and planning went into this, all from my mother. She sadly had very little help from her youngest (and also laziest) daughter. My mom custom designed every square inch of the kitchen by herself. I offered some technical aid, as I worked for an Interior Design Firm.

She carefully chose cabinet arrangements and insisted on a kitchen island. I was hesitant about the island as the kitchen is approximately 12x12. However, she made it work. She designed a custom island for that tiny space that fits 4 stools and has 9 drawers. Every inch of space in that room was used for storage and functionality. Aesthetics were very important too. My mom decided that a paper towel roll was an eyesore so she cut a hole into the underside of one of the cabinets, installed a grommet and now, we just pull the paper towels out from underneath the cabinet. Additionally, use of 2 different color wood veneers help distinguish between prep areas and the convenience area.

We chose a neutral palette for the kitchen and a streamlined look while keeping an eye on small details. Red is the accent color of choice, found in a variety of details throughout. The cabinet pulls added some texture to the room while a flower arrangements brought the outside, in. Frosted glass cabinets added some warmth and an elevated microwave kept the counter space at it’s maximum. Careful planning and placement was applied to the contents of the drawers and cabinets. State of the art appliances were utilized for optimum output. Fabric covers for the stools added warmth and a China cabinet-esque convenience area was meant to add elegance to a streamlined space.

After 3 long months of construction with a slightly less than adept team of carpenters, the kitchen was finally completed. My mother had successfully and solely designed a kitchen that is highly functional, beautiful and best of all - perfect to entertain in.