Bold Contrast and English Style Refresh a Dated Kitchen
Walnut cabinetry, aged brass accents and carefully planned storage create a functional, timeless space
When these parents of two bought a Colonial home in Bethesda, Maryland, they knew the dated kitchen would have to be remodeled as soon as possible. Architectural designer Talha Gursoy helped them create a space that honors the home’s traditional architecture while capturing the English kitchen aesthetic they envisioned. A striking two-tone mix of stained walnut and soft-white-painted cabinetry delivers bold contrast, while thoughtfully planned storage keeps countertops free of clutter.
Before Photo
Gursoy organized the kitchen into distinct zones, with the sink on the left, the range alcove on the back wall and the food storage area to the right. The arrangement also creates an efficient work triangle, with generous prep space along the left-side countertops and the centrally located island.
The two-tone cabinetry pairs stained walnut with creamy cabinets. While the walnut makes the strongest statement, the lighter cabinets and their glass doors reflect natural light from the window.
Cabinets: Crystal Cabinets; cabinet paint: Sand Dollar, Benjamin Moore; walnut cabinet stain: Wheaton, Crystal Cabinets; island lighting: Christine pendants, Mitzi
The two-tone cabinetry pairs stained walnut with creamy cabinets. While the walnut makes the strongest statement, the lighter cabinets and their glass doors reflect natural light from the window.
Cabinets: Crystal Cabinets; cabinet paint: Sand Dollar, Benjamin Moore; walnut cabinet stain: Wheaton, Crystal Cabinets; island lighting: Christine pendants, Mitzi
Because the homeowners have both an adjacent breakfast room and a formal dining room, they chose to maximize the island with storage rather than seating.
Three small drawers near the entry provide a dedicated place for mail, keys and other everyday items. The drawers help keep the countertops clear, while the shelves below display cookbooks and decorative objects.
Three small drawers near the entry provide a dedicated place for mail, keys and other everyday items. The drawers help keep the countertops clear, while the shelves below display cookbooks and decorative objects.
The homeowners were drawn to walnut because of the way it’s used in English kitchen design. Aged brass pulls and knobs add warmth, while oversize traditional hardware and matching railings on the open shelves reinforce the room’s English character.
Cabinet hardware and shelf railings: Rejuvenation
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Cabinet hardware and shelf railings: Rejuvenation
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The cabinetry is fully custom and built more like long pieces of furniture than individual cabinet boxes. By eliminating dividers between units, Gursoy created a clean and uniform look that maximizes storage space. On the left side of the kitchen, pocket doors add versatility to a countertop cabinet.
When open, the pocket doors slide completely out of sight to reveal a walnut-lined display area. If the shelves begin to look cluttered, the homeowners can simply close the doors for a tidy appearance. The lower shelf was sized specifically for small appliances and includes an integrated outlet.
At 400 square feet, the kitchen offered enough space to store everything the homeowners needed without covering every wall with upper cabinets. “These open shelves were put here for the convenience of grabbing everyday glasses and dishes without having to open a cabinet door,” Gursoy says.
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The countertops, backsplash shelves and window trim are all Taj Mahal quartzite. “We already had a lot of drama happening in this room with the contrast and hardware and didn’t want a crazy veining pattern that would compete,” Gursoy says. “We also chose quartzite because it’s incredibly durable.”
The cleanup zone includes the kitchen sink and panel-front dishwasher. Overhead, beadboard paneling extends the walnut to the end of the wall.
The workstation sink includes accessories such as a cutting board to simplify meal prep. Brass accents continue with the faucet, soap dispenser and filtered-water spout.
Workstation sink: Ruvati; faucets: Acqui in Italian Brass finish, Rohl
Workstation sink: Ruvati; faucets: Acqui in Italian Brass finish, Rohl
The kitchen’s generous footprint allowed for a range alcove anchored by an oversize hood. Dedicated to cooking, this wall is surrounded by cabinets and niches customized for herbs, spices, oils, cooking utensils and pots and pans.
48-inch dual-fuel range: Wolf
48-inch dual-fuel range: Wolf
Walnut niches on either side of the range keep essentials such as salt and a garlic press within easy reach. Countertop cabinets with frosted fluted-glass doors also flank the range, creating an airy feel while partially concealing the contents inside. A charging drawer on the right keeps personal devices tucked safely away.
The right side of the kitchen serves as the primary food storage zone. Its location allows the kids to grab snacks without entering the cooking, prep or cleanup areas. To maintain the room’s furniture-like aesthetic, separate refrigerator and freezer units are concealed behind custom cabinet panels.
The walnut header above the dining room doorway visually connects the refrigerator and freezer units with a large pantry cabinet.
The walnut header above the dining room doorway visually connects the refrigerator and freezer units with a large pantry cabinet.
Next to the pantry, Gursoy tucked in a coffee station with glass-front upper cabinets that also serves as a bar. The station is conveniently located beside the breakfast room, just beyond the cased opening on the right.
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Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of four
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Size: 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Design-build firm: Boss Design Center
Although the house was a classic Colonial, several previous renovations had left its style feeling disjointed from room to room. The kitchen was dated, with varying countertop heights and a cooktop on the island. “Our clients were not interested in anything trendy or generic,” Gursoy says. “They wanted something bold and English-inspired.”
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