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I have just completed a project in Marion that began with a torn page from a magazine and the wish for a “castle-like” atmosphere. My Clients fell in love with the grand mantle piece in their inspiration photo (see below) and had to have it in their home. Here’s where my job begins! I needed to bring their dream kitchen, shown in the magazine photo, to life.
First step: Identification
I did a bit of research and the inspiration kitchen featured a deep stained cherry cabinetry with a heavily-detailed, traditional-style, raised panel door. As for the countertop, the display kitchen appears to have used a green marble (which we all know is not rated for use in a kitchen, right?).
Second step: Product Selection
While touring the Client’s beautiful, waterfront home, I discovered that there were existing mahogany built-ins and architectural details in other areas of the home. This guided me to the obvious choice of suggesting a richly stained mahogany (from our custom Plain & Fancy line) in the new kitchen to keep with the style of the home. The mahogany definitely lends the same “feel” as the cherry in the inspiration picture, but creates a uniqueness that sets their kitchen apart. The clients and I also poured over a ba-zillion granite samples trying to find one that would create the same drama as the green marble, without the maintenance nightmare. We stumbled upon Kerala Green, which worked perfectly!
Third step: The Details
Creating a grand kitchen space is ALL about the details. For example, I custom designed the 7ft. mantle to imitate the design from the inspiration kitchen. This mantle is not only a show-stopper visually, but also discreetly houses the super-powerful ventilation system and pull-out spice storage. I also specified several custom hand carved decorative pieces (placed strategically throughout the kitchen), beveled glass cabinetry, paneled appliances, and beautifully curved countertops.
Finally: Voila!
A phenomenal space fit for any castle and (in my opinion) more breathtaking than the inspiration! Our clients are in the process of moving into their newly re-modeled home and we hope to visit them again for a professional photo shoot. More photos to come!
Kitchen and Bath Details
Our "Allen's Point Castle-Like Kitchen" client graciously allowed us to visit her home with photographer, Phil Mello of Big Fish Studio, to shoot some more photos of this stunning kitchen.
She is so thrilled with her kitchen and expressed how much Tena exceeded her expectations with the design. Her inspiration photo not only came to life, but it turned out much better! 
After hearing about ABC’s “Made in America” program, I started thinking about our business and product offering. What is “Made In America”?
I have great news! With the exception of some of our decorative hardware and plumbing companies, EVERYTHING we offer is MADE IN AMERICA!!!
From Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry to SubZero & Wolf, we can literally make your entire kitchen and/or bathroom out of products made right here in the United States. What a great feeling to support OUR country!
So, next time you go to make a purchase, think about where it's made. You can make a difference and support our country too!
Our fabulous SubZero and Wolf distributors, Clarke Corp, has featured one of Tena's kitchen designs on their website. Click here to check it out!!!
As kitchen designers we are repeatedly asked, what are the benefits of working with a designer rather than a stocked box company? The most important and most clear reason, in my opinion, is customization. Renovating a kitchen is a big investment and we understand that. So, in the process, why not make your new kitchen the space of your dreams?! For this "On The Water Addition" my client had a few specific needs that had to be met in the re-design of her kitchen.
First was space. There needed to be plenty of seating for her family and friends to sit comfortably while she was busy cooking up a storm in her new kitchen. There also needed to be enough counter space so that the prepared food could be served from a spot in the kitchen other than her work areas. In order to accommodate that, we configured a large asymmetrical island that provided enough space for everyone to sit. Then, we designed a long, easily accessible, built-in buffet. With the windows above, it really becomes the focal point of the room.
Third, the importance of recycling was expressed to me. She needed a place to keep her cans and bottles organized but, at the same time, out of sight. So, designed into the floor plan and disguised by the cabinetry is a base cabinet that allows the family to send cans and bottles to the basement. There the cans and bottles can be sorted into their correct bins.
And last but not least... coffee! My client wanted to make her morning routine of coffee making easier and less of a hassle. Her Keurig was going to be decently far from the sink areas. So rather than having to bring the Keurig to the faucet across the kitchen, we designed a faucet specifically for the Keurig itself. Now, no more spilling water on the floor!
I guess my point is that if you're going to be investing your time, money and energy into such a large project, the choice is clear! Work with a professional and make your new kitchen a unique space built just for you!
Bethany Gardner, Designer for Kitchen & Bath Details
