Susan Taylor
project files

before & after: New Hope kitchen


A kitchen renovation is rewarding for all involved! The homeowner relishes the much improved function of the kitchen, and the fresh, updated design is a joy for the designer to bring to life, too. Of course, the contractor revels in the completion of the project, with pride at seeing the whole thing come together! Getting specialists involved in kitchen renovations is a point of wisdom and the payoff is always worth it. Our goal in all kitchen designs is #purestyle (yes, you guessed it!) and beauty along with function.

This kitchen was completed during the pandemic of 2020 and progressed a bit slower than we all wished, but the end result is a beautiful design with several specialty additions. Let’s start with some “before” photos!

The original kitchen cabinet finish was a rich medium stained finish. The island was a dated two-tiered design and all countertops were caramel and black granite—very popular in the day, but in need of updating. We actually began the update several years ago by painting the existing cabinets a favorite Sherwin Williams color, SW7069 Iron Ore. It’s a beautiful color…deeper than charcoal but not black.

When painted by a professional cabinet firm or experienced tradesman, your kitchen can be transformed using most and sometimes all of the existing cabinets. In this project, several new cabinets were fabricated during the final renovation with some very cool new additions!

Here is the kitchen in a partially updated design finished about two years ago. At that time, we did not take on changing the curved, two step island, granite, or flooring. Note the original hood and updated bar stools, which will change one more time with the final design!

A combination of painted cabinets, a solid handmade natural wood island and hood, as well as natural marble stone for the countertops and flooring was used in the overall design. The island has an inlay of marble, surrounded by a natural wood counter and waterfall. Fabulous natural elements come together to create beauty, function and style.

The custom hood continues the natural oak and marries the brushed gold accents used for hardware. This combination of rich brushed gold on the SW Iron Ore cabinets is simply stunning. You’ll note I’ve used long, dramatic handles on both upper and lower cabinets. Flanking the hood on either side, technology was added! On the left, a built-in iPad for recipes or a photo stream, and on the right a flush-mounted TV—entertainment for the cook as well as family and friends. Both are framed in the same brushed gold trim, and these cabinets lift for ease of use. Our kitchens have become the hub of every client home and with these fine appointments, technology is at your fingertips.

I spoke of the beginning of the renovation several years ago…we were able to salvage the custom window valances, which carry the color story from the adjoining family room of gray and chartreuse into the kitchen. The stylishly modern bar stools were recovered in this fabric (hot pink and chartreuse!) and note the brushed brass finish is perfection here.

On the far side of the room we added open shelving in the same blonde finish and a decadent cappuccino machine. Oversized glass pendants were selected by the stylish home owner and voila! All together, it’s #ohsosusan.

Note the honed marble floor design as well as the mosaic marble backsplash from counter to ceiling on two walls. Subtle, yet stylish and refined. The use of natural stone and wood creates a lovely and rich kitchen with a touch of organic charm. It’s a great example of what we see trending in finishes that pair natural lighter woods with rich dark contrast, all in the same kitchen.

A view from this side demonstrates the use of extra long 18″ handles as well as the inlaid marble workspace on the island. High end appliances make this kitchen a dream to work in and add longevity to the value of the design. Look closely to see one of my favorite finishing details in the kitchen faucet in satin black and gold! Sheer perfection!

Lastly, a shot of the kitchen leading into a custom bar. Additional floating shelves were added here. I’ll admit the homeowner is a cherished friend who has her own eye for #perfectplacement and you will see her skills in the styling of this kitchen. With purchases from the Black-eyed Susan home store, she has finished her kitchen with every detail needed for perfection. *sigh*

I simply love the SW Iron Ore, satin gold and natural finishes used throughout. The project was a joy and while there were several delays during Covid, we will cherish the beauty and renovation with fond memories.

Directly off the kitchen (after you pass through a fully furnished hall) is this dream pantry, totally designed for a houseful of happy, pampered kittens! With hidden cat doors, enclosed litter box and lined food bins in drawers, this room was custom designed for the cherished family pets, largely with the input of the homeowner! Let’s just say we were impressed. Note the pullout ledge under the sink that holds multiple food bowls with ease for filling and cleaning! Such attention to detail, and all with such beauty! We carried the kitchen hardware into this room and look closely to see a favorite wallpaper used to completely finish the room in style. Add the washer and dryer, paneled overflow refrigerator, the same mosaic tile backsplash, and this room makes everyday living a luxurious experience.

How delightful it is to pass through this small furnished rear hall on the way to the stylish and utilitarian “kitty, kitty” laundry room!

This settee was custom made with exact specifications to fit this room and the palette was inspired by a cherished piece of collected art. A subtle yet organically glamorous wallpaper was selected , adding warmth and beauty! The drama of a hip faux hide animal print rug is both practical and indicative of the family’s love and honor for animal rights—all without sacrificing an ounce of #purestyle.

I hope you enjoyed the delightful selections used for this update! We were honored to be involved in the design, and to manage the completion of this project, all while the owners were in sunny Florida for a few months!

If you like what you see, there’s more inspiration to come. Stay tuned for a progressive tour.