This has been a fun project to work with Lisa
(you would love her).
Today, I’m showing her black and white kitchen
renovation in the S.F. East Bay area.
There was much that Lisa wanted to
accomplish in time for her twin’s
graduation from high school
(look for other rooms in follow-up posts).
Now, they can have a relaxing couple
of months before the kids leave for college.
Here is Bruce (avid international golfer) from Discount Upholstery
in Concord installing the back of the new banquette with velcro
(made with indoor/outdoor Perennials fabrics).
But let’s start at the beginning…
The BEFORE…
Weird ceiling, dated but good cabinets
and glossy granite countertops…
This space felt crowded with high backed stools.
Since Lisa wanted dark countertops anyway….honing the existing granite gives it a newer look, and of course, the cabinets needed to be painted. The odd ceiling/skylight needed to be addressed…and the backsplash…yikes.
First, it had to be opened up. This is where Jim Brovelli, the architect/builder’s transformation starts to take place.
I suggested adding glass to the corner cabinets
and making the counter one level under the windows.
I suggested adding glass to the corner cabinets
and making the counter one level under the windows.
And here it is now thanks to Jim and his awesome team…
Appliance garage…
Notice how the glass and bead board
in the back lightens this area?
in the back lightens this area?
The ceiling looks so much better now!!!

See how the corner granite was cut to make it one level when the new stainless steel sink was installed? And the subway tile wraps around the newly trimmed out window.
I don’t have a before photo,
but basically this was a blank 11′ wall and narrow.
So, it made sense to install a banquette,
to make the best use of the space. Book shelves and horizontal planking were added for visual interest.
Jim worked his magic on this ceiling/skylight, too.
I love the stained the shelves and beam.
We looked at various kitchen tables and chairs…
but I strongly suggested refurbishing
their vintage one with Old English.
Beautiful family.
Many of the accessories are Lisa’s…
Lisa’s family had a fun graduation party!
The subway tile is from Home Depot.
New industrial pendants make a statement,
as well as the floor stained darker
in Minwax Jacobean.
Nice difference, huh? Without ripping out the whole kitchen!
This Thursday stay tuned for:
Project Design: Simple Summer Entertaining Tips
with six fab bloggers.
Steal ideas from a casual party
that we gave recently in my sister’s backyard in San Diego!
that we gave recently in my sister’s backyard in San Diego!
Love this banquette! Could you tell me the color and pattern you used on the seat? I’m trying to do something similar in my home. Thank you!
It’s a raffia by Perennials.