Our clients were looking to make this home their forever home and to create a warm and welcoming space that the whole family would enjoy returning to every day. One of our primary goals in this project was to change how our clients moved through their home. We tossed aside the existing walls that blocked off the kitchen and introduced a butler’s pantry to connect the kitchen directly to the dining room. Contrast is king in this home, and we utilized a variety of light and dark finishes to create distinctive layers and lean into opportunities for accents. To tie the space in this home together, we introduced warm hardwood flooring throughout the main level and selected a soft grey paint as our primary wall color. Kitchen- The heart of this home is most definitely the kitchen! We erased every trace of the original builder kitchen and created a space that welcomes one and all. The glorious island, with its light cabinetry and dramatic quartz countertop, provides the perfect gathering place for morning coffee and baking sessions. At the perimeter of the kitchen, we selected a handsome grey finish with a brushed linen effect for an extra touch of texture that ties in with the high variation backsplash tile giving us a softened handmade feel. Black metal accents from the hardware to the light fixtures unite the kitchen with the rest of the home. Butler’s Pantry- The Butler’s Pantry quickly became one of our favorite spaces in this home! We had fun with the backsplash tile patten (utilizing the same tile we highlighted in the kitchen but installed in a herringbone pattern). Continuing the warm tones through this space with the butcher block counter and open shelving, it works to unite the front and back of the house. Plus, this space is home to the kegerator with custom family tap handles! Mud Room- We wanted to make sure we gave this busy family a landing place for all their belongings. With plenty of cabinetry storage, a sweet built-in bench, and hooks galore there’s no more jockeying to find a home for coats. Fireplace- A double-sided fireplace means double the opportunity for a dramatic focal point! On the living room side (the tv-free grown-up zone) we utilized reclaimed wooden planks to add layers of texture and bring in more cozy warm vibes. On the family room side (aka the tv room) we mixed it up with a travertine ledger stone that ties in with the warm tones of the kitchen island. Staircase- The standard builder handrail was just not going to do it anymore! So, we leveled up designed a custom steel & wood railing for this home with a dark finish that allows it to contrast beautifully against the walls and tie in with the dark accent finishes throughout the home.