When Yena Jung of Larchmont, N.Y.-based By Yena Designs purchased a 1928 Tudor-style home, it was ripe for renewal; its most recent refurbishment was in the 1970s.
The designer’s initial intent was to focus on updating the kitchen and creating a basement play space for the kids. However, as so often happens, reality intruded. Discovering a substantial amount of rotted framing triggered a change of plan, and Jung ended up redoing the entire first floor and all the bedrooms. The project – including a new HVAC and upgraded electrical systems – took about seven months to complete.
Neutral Yet Novel
A single tile sample inspired the look of the kitchen. With a graphic, large-scale, botanical motif and an accommodating color scheme of white-brown-black, the Angela Harris Wilder Autum Leaves Mural pattern appealed to both Jung (a former event planner and floral artist) and her husband, a landscape designer.
“It’s hard to find something that has both qualities of being interesting in its design but also holding the tones and character of a classic neutral element that stands the test of time,” said Jung of the tile.
With the backsplash confirmed, determining the color for the cabinets came next. The designer experimented with mixing stains, then had her cabinetmaker test three combinations of two colors to find the best complement to the tile’s tones.
“It’s much easier to know what a client’s likes and dislikes are,” said Jung, comparing the experience of designing for herself versus for a client. “I have seen so much and like so many different design elements that it was extremely hard for me to narrow down what my own personal likes were for the kitchen design.”
Experience = The Best Teacher
An oversight in dimensioning the tile and wood floor led to a last-minute, on-site fix around the base of the peninsula.
“The lesson learned: It’s not enough to measure it out three times,” said Jung. “You have to measure again and make sure your contractor or colleague checks your measurements. Sometimes you are too close to the project to see the missing inch or two that can make all the difference.”
Sources
Design: Yena Jung, By Yena Designs Landscape: Andrew Sliwa Photography: Kirsten Francis KITCHEN Cabinet Hardware: Rejuvenation Cabinet Inserts & Cabinets: PDR Cabinetry Countertops: Academy Marble Dishwasher, Range & Refrigerator: Thermador Faucets: Newport Brass Flooring: Blossy Construction Lighting: Alhora, Shades of Light & West Elm Paint: Benjamin Moore Seating: Perigold Sinks: Elkay Tile: TileBar Vent Hood: Thermador & Blossy Construction Wine Cooler: XO DINING AREA Cabinet: Anthropologie Chairs: Hernest Paint: Benjamin Moore Bench: Perigold Window Treatments: Anthropologie, Gotcha Covered & Two Pages Curtains
