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The large-scale transformation of turning a cramped, outdated kitchen into an airy, modern space may seem daunting to some, but Lauren Sweet-Schuler, founding partner of Studio Sweet Schuler, is up to the challenge. I stood up to.
“The original kitchen was the smallest we had ever attempted to renovate,” Sweetshuler says. “However, the original floor plan included a small kitchen, as well as a separate small breakfast room and a secondary back staircase separating the kitchen from the dining room, which was rarely used or needed. This allowed the architects to remove the back staircase, do away with the breakfast room, and create a large kitchen that opens onto the dining room.”
Sweet-Schuler says the white inlaid cabinetry, courtesy of Accent on Cabinets in Chesterfield, was the aesthetic starting point.
“The beauty of the lines and streamlined feel of this classic kitchen cabinet style was intentionally mixed with perfectly imperfect handcrafted backsplash tiles,” says Sweetschuler. “The aesthetic is inspired by classic, traditional details combined with organic elements that give the space a sense of comfort and serenity. The new space is inspired by the existing classic colonial home style. It was important that it felt like a continuation of the.”
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What makes this space so great is the beautiful blend of organic elements and formal details.
“Examples of this combination include handcrafted tile behind a custom stainless steel and brass hood, or a quartzite countertop paired with a cast iron sink set on a walnut board. “It's about how well they're mixed together,” Sweetshuler says.
But of all the elements, Sweet Schuler says her favorite part of the renovation was customizing it specifically for her family, who love to bake.
“One of my favorite components of this kitchen is the small cabinet used to store specialty flours, sugar, and pasta,” she says. “One corner of the kitchen was a bit difficult to design, but the result was very beautiful and perfect for the space. The inside of the white-painted cabinets is finished in walnut to match the island, and the hardware is decorated with brass. Finished with classic Clemon bolts, this is a great detail that the homeowners had in mind.”
Studio Sweet Schuler, 314-484-0903, studiosweetschuler.com
