When a family in Baton Rouge, La., was in dire need of an update to their kitchen and primary bath, they turned to interior designer Rachel Cannon after following her firm on Instagram and loving the work they saw. The wife, who previously owned a bathroom renovation company, was the point person for the kitchen and bath transformation project and was open to the whole design process. According to Cannon, it was not tough to sell the client on any of her ideas – she was easy to work with – and she was excited to incorporate all the materials she loved.
A Complete Kitchen Transformation
The former space was dark and had outdated elements like a raised bar and staggered cabinets. In the new layout, Cannon brought the white cabinetry to the ceiling, which prevents dust buildup and adds more storage space. She transformed an awkward, unused L-shaped corner into a coffee station with a bank of drawers that pull out for access.
To add some pops of color, the designer chose a backsplash tile in a mosaic pattern of seafoam green and charcoal navy. The quartzite countertops also incorporate the same colors, as well as gray. The light-colored engineered wood flooring carried throughout the home blends well with the dark navy island, which features custom paneling detailing.
“I’m so glad we decided to go darker with that piece,” said Cannon. “I don’t think the room would have the same impact without it.”
She specified brushed brass for the faucet and hardware and says the finish blends well with the stainless-steel appliances because they both read as neutrals. The bar stools are the same seafoam green shade as in the backsplash and countertops.
Since the appliances were in good shape, Cannon opted not to replace them, which helped maintain the project budget for the kitchen and bath transformation. She was also able to keep the pretty arched window, which brightens up the kitchen with natural light. There was no light source over the island in the previous space, so Cannon added two pendants and incorporated plenty of canister fixtures and under-cabinet illumination. The levels are controllable, depending on if they are being used for overhead, task or ambient light. So as not to interrupt the backsplash, the designer always conceals electrical outlets and switches in the upper cabinets.
Bath Goes from Basic to Beautiful
The former primary bath was what Cannon described as “not current or timeless in any way.” The vessel sinks caused splashing, storage was lacking, and there was a dead corner. The design team detailed all the new cabinets and drawers according to the clients’ needs. The footprint is the same, but Cannon decided to use volume vertically with some cabinets on the countertops. The vanities house more drawers than doors for easier access and a more custom look.
For the color palette, the designer wanted a complete departure from what was there before. The chevron mosaic used on the floors in the main space and in the shower reflects sunlight, achieving the bright look the couple desired. The brushed-brass plumbing and light fixtures play off the faint gold in the floor tile and add warmth to the primary bath. She chose white for a timeless, classic look for the cabinets and marble countertops.
“We are picky about recommending marble for our clients,” said Cannon. “They have to show they are responsible about caring for it and agree to clean it the way they are instructed.”
The two renovations went off without a hitch, and the designer said nothing threw a wrench in any of their plans.The client was very patient and followed along throughout the process.
“I am very proud of how the new spaces look and how functional they are,” said Cannon. “Good design improves the homeowners’ quality of life, and this kitchen and bath transformation was a next-level improvement.”
