For a modern family looking to perfectly craft their "forever" home, Suzanna utilized existing formal spaces to create seamless and functional connections centered around a beautifully modified and updated kitchen.
Written by Wilson HackHaving outgrown their cramped bungalow, Suzanna's clients made a bold move to a 1950's colonial in Austin, TX, envisioning it as their forever home. The house, however, was far from perfect and required significant modifications right from the start. The entryway was flanked by stuffy formal spaces that felt disconnected from the rest of the house. On one side was a seldom-used dining room; on the other, an outdated office. Initially, the clients dismissed the idea of redesigning these spaces, assuming they wouldn’t be utilized. Suzanna, with her keen eye for potential, insisted otherwise. "Absolutely not!" she declared, seeing an opportunity to integrate these areas and create a cohesive, functional, and beautiful home. By reimagining these overlooked spaces, Suzanna aimed to breathe new life into the colonial, ensuring every corner of the house was both inviting and practical. Her vision transformed the home, making it a harmonious blend of style and functionality, perfectly suited for her clients' next chapter.
The original bar and pantry were removed to create a cased opening into the dining room, instantly bringing light into the previously dark space. The pantry was relocated near the laundry room, a smaller area but designed with specific storage compartments, making it more functional than the previous walk-in pantry.
A thoughtfully oversized island, painted in Farrow and Ball's cool Stiffkey, was added and designed with maximum storage. Working within the clients' budget, Suzanna and her team cleverly reused and refaced the existing wall cabinets, achieving a clean, modern look. The clients' cherished cookbook collection found a home in a delightful little library at the end of the island. Stools from Williams Sonoma complete the central seating, a favorite spot for the owners' two children. Elegant lighting from Urban Electric gracefully illuminates the space from above.
Custom floating white oak shelves were added by the sink and subtle green tile ties in with the almost undetectable soft blues and greens of the quartzite countertop. New flooring was added throughout the house and all the finishes and fixtures were replaced.
Completed nearly five years ago, the kitchen has become a cherished success. The clients were so thrilled with the final design that they kept all of Suzanna's original styling. "Every time I walk into the house, it's exactly how I left it," Suzanna laughs.
