Introduction
When makeup artist Amy Nadine decided it was time to renovate the dated, cramped kitchen in her 1920s Los Angeles Spanish colonial revival home, she knew she wanted something bright and happy to suit her energetic personality. Working with designers Jake Arnold and Gibbs Smith, Amy created a gorgeous new space filled with vibrant blues, sunny yellows, gleaming whites, and pops of rainbow colors. Read on for a tour of this makeup maven’s stunning new cooking and entertaining hub.
Light and Bright Color Scheme
Amy desired a kitchen with lots of natural light and a color palette reminiscent of a sunny day. To achieve this, the design team knocked down walls to open the space up to abundant natural light. Crisp white cabinetry reflects the light while the backsplash and range hood provide lovely pops of blue.
Accent walls in a cheerful shade of yellow contrast beautifully with the blue. This color combo elicits feelings of joy and energy, perfectly reflecting Amy’s upbeat personality. To incorporate all the colors of the rainbow, pendant lights hang over the kitchen island providing a pop of whimsy.
Benefits of Light and Bright Kitchens
- Creates an uplifting, positive mood
- Makes the space feel more open and airy
- Reflects natural light around the room
- Provides contrast against white cabinetry
- Allows you to incorporate bold accent colors
“I wanted my new kitchen to feel happy, inviting, and reflect my color-loving spirit,” said Amy. “The light, bright palette we chose hits all those notes for me.”
Vintage Inspired Details
While Amy desired a fresh, modern kitchen, she also wanted to retain some of the vintage charm of her 1920s home. Several strategically chosen design details nod to the home’s history and add whimsical flair.
Hexagon tile in varying shades of blue and green cover the backsplash and island. This type of tile was popular in the 1920s and offers geometric interest.
Above the range, an antique-inspired hood provides old-world personality. Distressed wood open shelving gives the appearance of having been there for ages while providing charming display space.
The final vintage accent is the farmhouse sink. The generous size and gentle sloping provide a subtle nod to early 20th century design.
Benefits of Adding Vintage Details
- Pays homage to the home’s original character
- Provides visual interest and personality
- Offers a textural contrast to sleek modern elements
- Brings a sense of authenticity and charm
- Allows you to display treasured antiques or flea market finds
“I wanted to keep a bit of the home’s old Los Angeles charm since I love the style of the 1920s and 30s,” Amy said.
Multifunctional Island
One of Amy’s top requests was an extra-large kitchen island for cooking, prepping, and entertaining. The magnificent 11 foot long island provides ample counter and storage space. One side is open underneath for seating on stylish barstools.
Special features of the island include:
- White quartz waterfall countertop
- Two BlueStar ranges with ventilation
- Stainless steel prep sink
- Built-in electrical outlets
- Two trash/recycling pull out bins
- Abundant drawers and cabinet storage
With two sink areas, stove tops on both sides, and seating for four, Amy’s dream island allows multiple people to work and cook together. This makes it perfect for entertaining or prepping elaborate makeup workshops.
Benefits of a Large, Multifunctional Island
- Provides additional counter space and storage
- Allows for integrated specialized features like extra sinks
- Creates an informal eating/entertaining area
- Accommodates multiple cooks working together
- Maximizes work triangle efficiency
- Becomes the focal point of the kitchen
“I love how the giant island serves as the heart of the kitchen. It’s my dream workstation and entertainment central!” said Amy.
Stylish Open Shelving
One of Amy’s requests was open shelving to showcase her colorful dishware and serveware. The designers crafted custom ash wood shelving flanking the range that provides display space without cluttering up the countertops. The warm wood tones contrast beautifully with the crisp white cabinetry.
All the essentials are close at hand on the shelving unit. It includes:
- Daily use dishes and glassware
- Vibrant mixing bowls
- Candle holders
- Cookbooks
- Artisan pottery
- Decorative vases
The open design keeps items within easy reach while also providing personality to the kitchen. Amy changes out the styling frequently, reflecting the seasons or coordinating with kitchen appliances.
Benefits of Open Shelving
- Eliminates upper cabinet bulkiness
- Provides easy access to frequently used items
- Allows you to add color, texture, and personality through styling
- Gives the kitchen an airy, open feel
- Enables you to display treasured dishware or cookbooks
“I love being able to see all my beautiful dishes and glassware on the open shelves. It makes them feel like art,” said Amy.
Gallery Wall for Artistic Flair
No designer kitchen is complete without some personalized art. Amy worked with the design team to create a stunning gallery wall showcasing her favorite art pieces. The collection has a cohesive color story of vibrant blues, greens, and yellows that tie into the kitchen’s color scheme.
The small acrylic paintings and prints are intentionally hung in an asymmetrical arrangement at slightly different heights and angles. Some are in brightly hued frames for added intrigue. This gives the gallery wall a dynamic, organic look.
Benefits of Gallery Walls
- Provides personality and visual interest
- Allows you to display a collection of art or prints
- Brings color from artwork into the overall kitchen design
- Adds texture and depth through framing choices
- Gives the eye places to rest among the uniform cabinetry
“I’m passionate about supporting emerging artists, so the gallery wall was the perfect way to incorporate their amazing work,” Amy said.
Stylish Yet Functional Lighting
Task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting team up to make Amy’s kitchen shine. Sconces flanking the decorative hood provide focused light for stove top cooking. Undercabinet lighting illuminates the counters and sink areas perfectly.
For ambient lighting, the team selected two orbs of clustered pendant lights to hang above the kitchen island. The colorful glass globes cast a warm, inviting glow. Over the table sits a handmade forged metal chandelier that scatters artful shadows.
Finally, accent lighting comes in the form of strategically placed recessed LED lights. These highlight the gallery wall art and illuminate the glass front cabinet displays.
Benefits of Layered, Stylish Lighting
- Provides ideal illumination for different kitchen tasks
- Sets a warm, welcoming ambience
- Highlights decor and architecture
- Offers opportunity to add unique fixtures
- Enables you to adjust brightness for activities and mood
“The right lighting was key to making my kitchen both gorgeous and totally functional,” Amy explained.
Spacious Walk-In Pantry
Amy’s new kitchen remodel extended into unused space to create the ultimate chef’s dream: a large walk-in pantry. Floor to ceiling shelves line the walls, providing abundant storage for everything from oils and spices to small appliances and table linens.
The spacious pantry has special organizational features including:
- Deep pull-out drawers for pots and pans
- Tiered spice racks backlit for visibility
- Built in refrigerator and freezer drawers
- Slide-out trays for small appliances
- Adjustable shelving with handy hooks
- Charging station for kitchen tech
The extensive storage options allow everything to have a designated home. Amy appreciates being able to find ingredients and tools easily when cooking elaborate meals and says the pantry has been a game changer.
Benefits of a Large Walk-In Pantry
- Provides copious organized storage for kitchen items
- Gets bulky appliances and cookware out of prime counter space
- Allows you to buy ingredients in bulk and meal prep
- Keeps kitchen looking tidy since everything has a place
- Provides a staging area for catering and cooking
- Adds resale value and desirability
“I never realized how dreamy life with a walk-in pantry could be until now,” said Amy.
Style Meets Function
For Amy, it was important her new kitchen not only look gorgeous but also function flawlessly. By working closely with designers who listened to her needs, she achieved the best of both form and function. Some of the carefully planned features include:
Optimal Work Triangle
The refrigerator, range, and sink are positioned for maximum efficiency. This allows Amy to effortlessly glide through cooking tasks with minimal steps.
Complete Cooking Station
The spacious island houses two sinks, two stove tops with ventilation, abundant counter space, and essentials like oils and spices within arms reach.
Intuitive Organization
Frequently used items are placed for easy access while appliances and specialty cookware is stored logically in the walk-in pantry.
High-End Appliances
Top-tier appliances like the Lacanche range and SubZero refrigerator offer beauty and performance.
Durable Surfaces
Quartz countertops and porcelain tile stand up to Amy’s culinary creations and cleanup is simple.
“When planning the new kitchen, I was adamant that it be just as functional as it was beautiful. I use this space hard, so durable beauty was key,” said Amy.
Environmentally Friendly Features
In keeping with her earth-friendly lifestyle, Amy requested her new kitchen incorporate green materials and energy efficient appliances. Some of the sustainable elements include:
- Recycled glass countertops: Made from upcycled glass, these eco-friendly counters offer beauty and durability.
- Energy efficient appliances: Appliances like the refrigerator and dishwasher are EnergyStar certified for high-performance and conservation.
- Reclaimed wood accents: The open shelving and window valances utilize reclaimed barn wood, giving it new life.
- Water reducing fixtures: Dual flush toilets, low flow faucets, and water efficient appliances help conserve.
- LED lighting: LED bulbs use significantly less energy while lasting longer. Natural light is maximized with more windows and skylights.
- Non-toxic materials: Zero VOC paints, stains, and adhesives ensure healthy indoor air quality.
Benefits of an Eco-Friendly Kitchen
- Preserves natural resources by using recycled and sustainable materials
- Reduces energy and water consumption through efficient fixtures
- Improves indoor air quality by avoiding harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Supports ethical companies and practices
- Saves money long-term through energy and water conservation
- Has less environmental impact from materials and operating energy
“Creating an eco-friendly kitchen aligns with my values and reduces this space’s footprint,” said Amy.
Key Takeaways
Amy Nadine’s new kitchen remodel proves you can have a space that is gorgeous, highly functional, and reflective of your personal style. Key lessons from this stunning makeover include:
- Select a color scheme that reflects your personality. Amy chose cheerful blues, sunny yellows, and fresh whites.
- Incorporate vintage elements to provide character and texture. Hexagon tile, reclaimed shelving, and a farmhouse sink give Amy’s kitchen charm.
- Include a multifunctional island tailored to your needs. With seating, ample counter space, and specialized features, Amy’s island is the heart of her home.
- Add artful flair with a gallery wall displaying cherished pieces. Amy’s wall brings in color and allows her to showcase emerging artists.
- Use stylish yet functional lighting. Amy’s kitchen layers ambient, task, and accent lighting for beauty and purpose.
- Don’t forget spacious, organized storage. The walk-in pantry provides a place for everything away from prime counters.
- Seek timeless beauty and durable materials. Quartz counters, porcelain tile, and enameled appliances can withstand active use.
- Consider green design features. Energy efficient appliances, reclaimed materials, and non-toxic paints align with Amy’s eco-friendly lifestyle.
The end result is a kitchen that suits Amy’s cooking, creating, and hosting while reflecting her colorful, artistic spirit. This bright, happy space is sure to inspire many gourmet culinary creations and gatherings filled with laughter and connection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bright, Happy Kitchens
Kitchen remodels that incorporate bright colors, natural light, and cheerful details are on trend. Here are answers to common questions about creating a joyful, sunny kitchen space:
What colors evoke a happy, uplifting feeling?
Shades like sunlight yellow, sky blue, leafy green, and creamy white emanate brightness. Combine these with pops of rainbow hues in accessories.
What design elements maximize natural light?
Knocking down walls, adding more windows and skylights, reflective surfaces like glossy cabinetry, and light colored materials help reflect and diffuse light.
How do you incorporate vintage charm into a kitchen?
Hexagon tile, subway tile, farmhouse sinks, exposed wood beams or open shelving, and distressed metal accents provide vintage appeal.
What makes a great multifunctional island?
Size and layout are key. Islands at least 6 feet long with seating, storage, multiple sinks, counter space, and specialty features like integrated cooktops allow you to get the most use.
What should you display on open kitchen shelving?
Showcase visually appealing everyday dishware, glassware and serveware. Integrate decorative or personalized pieces sparingly. Keep things tidy looking.
How do you design an artful gallery wall?
Choose cohesive framed artwork in coordinating colors. Arrange the pieces asymmetrically at slightly different heights for visual interest.
What are the best environmentally friendly kitchen features?
Recycled materials, energy efficient appliances, low flow plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, and zero VOC paints and finishes align with eco-friendly goals.
Final Thoughts
The stunning Kitchen of the Week remodel proves that your cooking space can have it all: beauty, functionality, smart storage, artistic flair, and eco-friendly materials. Amy Nadine’s new kitchen reflects her colorful personality while also standing up to her enthusiastic use.
When dreaming up your perfect kitchen, identify your needs, taste, and lifestyle. Select design elements that are attractive, durable, environmentally friendly, and a joy to use. With thoughtful planning your kitchen can be both gorgeous and highly functional while expressing your unique spirit. A space this special deserves to be shared with loved ones through home cooked meals, baked treats, and sparkling conversation.
References:
[1] https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/house-interiors/g1546/colorful-kitchen-design-ideas/
[2] https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/cabinets/tips-techniques/open-kitchen-shelving-ideas/
[3] https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/islands/design-pictures/large-kitchen-islands/
[4] https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/kitchen-planning/kitchen-layouts/small-kitchen-layouts/
[5] https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-a-gallery-wall-1824863
[6] https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/kitchen-design/kitchen-design-planning/kitchen-pantry-design-ideas/
[7] https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/kitchen-design/kitchen-design-planning/kitchen-layout/
[8] https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/planning-design/kitchen-lighting-design-tips/
[9] https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-design-an-eco-friendly-kitchen-4077428
