CALIFORNIA DREAMING

When this St. Louis designer set out to remodel her own kitchen, she wanted a colorful space that would be a bright spot in her 100-year-old Webster Groves home.

The striking blue hand-glazed backsplash tile was the jumping off point that inspired the rest of the design.

A timeless color, blue reminded the designer of her hometown of Huntington Beach with its vivid coastal ocean views. When she moved to the Midwest 10 years ago, she brought with her the modern eclectic flair reminiscent of chic, yet relaxed, California style.

In the new kitchen layout, she relocated the kitchen to the dining room. The dining room had a larger footprint and great casement windows that are now a focal point in the new kitchen.

The details in the kitchen are a perfect mix of past and present. The custom white hood is finished with century-old-reclaimed barn wood while the over scaled brass light fixtures are from Kelly Wearstler’s new line with Visual Comforts. The hardwood floors are original to the house and just needed a little TLC to bring them back to life. Contemporary wood counter stools balance out the transitional design.

Not afraid to make bold choices, the designer brought to life the vibrant kitchen she envisioned. The personality-filled space is the cheerful heart of her home that she shares with her husband and three young children.