TKS Design Group
77 Reviews

Farmhouse Fabulous

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This much-loved modern farmhouse is home to a professional couple who raised their family here. However, after many years their needs and style changed, and they were no longer enamored with their simple, straightforward décor. Instead, the couple wanted to update and refresh their space with a more sophisticated and edgy vibe. A place where they could lounge and entertain. Our Lead Designer, Stephanie Cole, worked with the homeowners to capture the ambiance they craved.

Initially, the plan was to remodel the kitchen and powder room. However, to give them a cohesive design, Stephanie and the homeowners decided to update the adjoining living and dining rooms as well. We started the design process in the kitchen by replacing the flooring and backsplash, creating a larger island for seating and storage, designing an eye-catching hood, incorporating a large sink, and adding open shelving. Our client was certain that she wanted a fresh, more contemporary feel for her modern farmhouse and was willing to step outside of her current gray aesthetic to accomplish this. She trusted us to enhance the “moodiness” of her space while easing her slightly out of her initial comfort zone.

Without any architectural or structural changes, we were able to completely transform the spaces by working with elements of design to balance the interior. As requested, we changed the flooring from an outdated checkerboard pattern to a dark charcoal porcelain tile with matching grout, creating a striking contrast to the lighter hues in the room. The existing perimeter cabinets were painted in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, a soft white that pairs beautifully with the Benjamin Moore Steel Wool used to emphasize the island and additional pantry cabinetry. The new island provided ample space for a large Galley Workstation, along with room for three comfortable stools that guests can enjoy while socializing over food prep. Complimentary dining chairs around a classic, minimalistic table were selected in the eat-in kitchen to complete the look.

The new backsplash is a stunning concrete tile. The blue tile is whimsical, providing a perfect backdrop for the custom birch wood floating shelves and coordinating waterfall countertop. Good lighting can never be underestimated and that includes the fixtures. We kept the existing electrical plan but updated the fixtures with beautiful modern black pendants over the island, kitchen table, and at the windows. The contemporary design and darker lighting palette create an attractive focal point not accomplished by the original translucent glass fixtures common to modern farmhouse design.

The living room was already a good size with a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a view of their lovely backyard. But it felt a bit lifeless. Stephanie brought the room back to life by painting the walls a soft greige, adding all new furniture in a modern style and incorporating a stunning wall covering as a backdrop to the open shelving. The newly styled room centers around two charcoal gray sofas made of a rich textured fabric placed on a soft grey graphic rug. We chose striped colorful pillows for the sofa and then expertly layered neutrals so as not to overwhelm. To maintain an organic feel, we incorporated round shapes when selecting many of the accent pieces. The juxtaposition of clean lines and curves is engaging to the eye and evokes interest in the inherent form of the space.

In the dining room we drew inspiration for the room from a beautiful wall covering. The delicate design of intricate, interlocking circles creates an interplay between lines and curves, a theme that is carried throughout the design. The wallpaper’s dark shades and the elegant metallic tones provided a sexy palette to inspire the sophisticated lighting, artwork, upholstery, and decorative pieces incorporated into this loungy space. We used a dark teal velvet fabric on the existing dining chairs, which pairs well with the existing walnut dining table. The room now boasts striking gold and brass accessories, including a spectacular round chandelier, creating a gorgeous focal point. The dining room with its edgy, nighttime feel is now their favorite space in the house.

Similar to the rest of the house, the design of this space paid homage to the modern farmhouse aesthetic. The room has great architectural details such as a layered crown, tall base moldings, and a focal wall adorned in a Shaker-style panel. Since there was no construction involved in this portion of the project, we focused on palette and texture for a true transformation. The bedroom was designed to feel like a respite at the end of the day. We updated and enhanced the homeowners’ space by integrating a serene color scheme and capitalizing on rich textures that elicit a sense of comfort and relaxation. We set the mood by painting the walls in Sherwin Williams Argos. The feature wall was intensified with a slightly darker shade of gray, Sherwin Williams Cityscape.

The homeowners wanted to keep their bed and nightstands, so we worked to accentuate these foundational pieces. Blending layers of satin and velvet, we replaced the existing bedding with a lush bedspread in a medium gray. The strong blue undertones evoke a sense of tranquility and peace. The solid-toned bedding and drapery were thoughtfully paired with the subtle patterns and subdued hues reflected in the new rug and abstract artwork. New lighting was selected that anchored the space. A large drum pendant hangs from the center of the room while two sconces in matte black flank the bed. This straightforward transformation shows that with a calming palette, sumptuous fabrics and attention to form and pattern, a true nighttime sanctum can be achieved without a major overhaul.

Never underestimate the power of expert interior design. The powder room, foyer and mudroom went from being passersby to showstoppers. The powder room was a complete cosmetic renovation, changing out all surfaces and fixtures. It now reflects their new contemporary style and blends well with the rest of the home. The foyer maintains the circa-linear theme with an angular entrance table anchored by a round beaded mirror in gilded gold. The mudroom has wonderful bones and was simply in need of a refresh, which included new flooring, refinished wooden surfaces and fresh paint.

* PHOTOGRAHY BY MARGARET RAJIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Project Year: 2022
Country: United States