Gavin and Ginny Prier’s kitchen had been well loved and well worn, so when sister-in-law and interior designer Jessica Prier of Birmingham Design House got the call for some updates, she was happy to help. The goal: to usher in a timeless look while also meeting Ginny’s need for improved organization.
The first step was taking on the kitchen’s choppy layout. The refrigerator sat stranded on one side of the room, there was no real pantry, and the oven stood out for all the wrong reasons. To solve the dysfunctional dilemma, Jessica relocated the refrigerator and carved out space in the former laundry room for an actual pantry. She also overhauled the area around the stove, creating a stunning focal point by thickening the wall to accommodate a custom hood insert accented with an oak beam.
“We emphasized natural materials and classic details to give the kitchen a timeless feel, as if it has always been a part of the home.”
—Jessica Prier
The new layout allowed Jessica to supersize the island, providing ample workspace and seating for the family. The white oak island adds warmth and contrast against the painted cabinets (Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore). Jessica painted the walls, trim, and ceiling the same color. “I didn’t want to draw attention to different colors or sheens,” she says. “Instead, I wanted to draw the eye to the details.” Those details include unlacquered brass hardware, white marble countertops, and a polished nickel faucet. “We wanted the kitchen to blend with the rest of the house with simple yet sophisticated selections,” says Jessica.
Remodeling Tips for Cost and Beauty:
The stove and sink stayed put, which helped the budget.
Iron sconces from Visual Comfort offer a unique aesthetic for task lighting near the sink.
Removing upper cabinets simplifies the space so it doesn’t feel too busy or utilitarian.
Resources:
Interior Design: Jessica Prier, Birmingham Design House; Paint Color: Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore OC-23; Wolf Range: Ferguson; Cabinets: Cotton Woodworks; Countertops: Cottage Supply; Tile: Fixtures & Finishes; Sconces: Visual Comfort; Hardware: Brandino Brass; Faucet: Fixtures & Finishes; Oak Beam: Evolutia
