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Lighten Up Kitchen Update

Designer Suzanne Kasler rescues a dark and dated Atlanta kitchen with a timeless white palette and her signature inviting style. | Story by Zoë Gowen
Country: United States
Daughters go to college—that's typical. But when they come home for the summer to find their parents now living in the neighbor's house? Not so typical. That's exactly what happened to Sue and John McKinley's twin daughters when their parents downsized to a house just two doors down. "We were...
Lighten Up
To create an elegant, light-filled look, Suzanne painted the walls and cabinetry the same creamy white and then continued the less-is-more palette with white marble countertops, a white tile backsplash, and linen barstools.
What They Did
Furthering her plan to enhance the room's architecture, Suzanne turned one corner of the kitchen into a cheery dining area with an L-shaped built-in bench that mimics the cabinetry. To keep the dining nook cozy (not restaurant-like) she surrounded the metal bistro table with slipcovered armchairs...
What They Did
Suzanne mixed open shelves (for cookbooks and dishes) with closed cabinets in the walk-in pantry. A wine fridge and countertops offer extra storage and prep space. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living
Floor-To-Ceiling Storage
High-gloss lilac adds unexpected color above, while a Dutch door and built-in dog beds keep the McKinleys' pets contained and comfortable in the laundry room. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living
Painted Ceiling
The overscale 6- by 9-inch tiles by Waterworks have a textured glaze for an understated-chic look. "They remind me of something in an old French bakery," says Suzanne. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living
Elegant Backsplash
Designed more than 115 years ago, this classic Shaws Original apron-front sink (rohlhome.com) is simple without being boring, and it's extra deep for washing pots and pans. Photo by Erica George Dines for Southern Living
Farmhouse Sink