There are plenty of practical reasons to renovate a kitchen, and this one presented its fair share. But for Ashley and Matthew Pierce, the spark was something far more irresistible: Cristallo quartzite. “I saw it one day while shopping for a different space, and I just fell in love,” Ashley shares of the countertop piece she discovered at Surface One. “I knew I had to have it.”
Already working with designer Mackin Thompson on another project, Ashley says the special find prompted a conversation to move up the kitchen renovation. Rather than reinvent the footprint, Mackin refined what was already there, shaping the kitchen around the family’s desire for significantly more storage. The existing layout remained intact, while a larger island was carefully scaled to seat the family of four as their primary dining spot without sacrificing storage below.
A Hardworking Layout
A hardworking zone to the left of the range conceals small appliances, keeping countertops clear but essentials within reach, while cabinetry stretches to the ceiling to house less-frequently used items above. “Storage is everything for this family,” Mackin says. “The goal was to get as much as possible while keeping the space open and easy to live in.”
“Storage is everything for this family. The goal was to get as much as possible while keeping the space open and easy to live in.”
– Mackin Thompson
A Quiet, Confident Palette
With function firmly in place, the aesthetic unfolded. Mackin kept the palette intentionally light with Farrow & Ball’s ‘Slipper Satin’ to create a clean backdrop and allow the Cristallo quartzite to remain the quiet focal point. Color is introduced with restraint: celadon-blue lanterns from Visual Comfort hover above the island, their glass echoing the cabinetry’s glazed details, while patterned upholstery from Lee Industries adds more interest.
The adjoining pantry and bar take on a more playful spirit. Cabinetry painted deeper blue—’Debonair’ by Sherwin-Williams—draws from the Lulie Wallace ‘Blue Hydrangea’ wallpaper. The contrast is intentional, resulting in a space that’s cohesive and full of character. “It’s classic but also incredibly functional,” Mackin says, “and that balance is what makes it really shine.”
Mackin’s Top 3 Kitchen Essentials
Function first. A well-planned layout allows for ease of movement while still feeling open and inviting—encouraging people to gather, linger, and live comfortably in the space.
Layered lighting. Good task lighting is essential, but it’s the softer, ambient layers that makes the difference in how the kitchen feels. From overhead fixtures to the glow of lamps, thoughtful lighting allows the kitchen to shift throughout the day, adding warmth and depth.
Storage that delivers. From the expanded island—complete with deep drawers for pots and pans, a warming drawer, and concealed storage beneath—to a dedicated appliance zone and cabinetry that keeps everyday essentials within reach, every inch is designed with purpose. A fully outfitted pantry and bar neatly stores essentials while ensuring they are easily accessible.
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Resources
Interior Designer: Mackin Thompson Various Accessories: Odette and Design Supply
