Ask A Designer™
Ask A Designer™: Gillian Atkins’ Best Advice For Bringing Character To A Builder-Basic Kitchen
Published on January 6, 2025
Feature photo by Photographie Intérieure Co., design by Blanc Marine Intérieurs
In this Ask A Designer™ column, Gillian Atkins of LRDS shares advice for adding character to a builder-basic kitchen.
Q: I’d like to restore some of the old farmhouse feel to my kitchen — the house was built in the 1850s. I’ve already redone the floors, and now I want to get rid of the grey walls and mosaic backsplash. I’m not sure what to do with the cream cabinets. I also like the idea of adding wood beams, but I’m not sure if that’s possible with my budget. Any suggestions? — S.R., Hantsport, N.S
A: Your new floors look great,and you can keep some of the cream cabinets. I suggest removing the uppers and the corner unit on the range wall and getting a new drawer microwave. Install a simple plaster vent hood like the one in the inspiration shot. I also love the green colour used behind the range in the inspo. Try achieving this look with a light green zellige tile.
Remove the rest of your mosaic backsplash, including the sink wall, leaving just the grey stone backband. Repaint your dark grey walls a warm white, such as Benjamin Moore’s White Dove — it’s my go-to, not-too-bright white. Keep your charming dish rack and glass cabinets flanking your sink but add a traditional bridge faucet; it will automatically feel more old world. Swap out the white metal cabinet hardware for aged brass that’s not too bright and replace the light fixture over your island with a simple brass dome.
Warm things up by restaining the butcherblock a darker shade. Finally, add rustic stools around your refreshed island. You may find you don’t need the beams but, if you still want them, consider the faux version — they look more realistic than you think!
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