Enlarged and Updated

Southern Living, May 2004 by Doyle, Alice Welsh

Taking space from the dining room and removing a lowered ceiling gave this kitchen its open feel, perfect for a family of six.

Patience has its rewards. After almost five years in a dark, crowded kitchen, Lisa and Stewart Horsley now have an ideal one with room for their four children and their friends.

Stealing Space

The Horsleys decided to carve out space from their dining room and a hallway to enlarge the kitchen. They also had some cabinets removed, which created a wonderful seating area for the family. While renovating, they added a butler's pantry that connects the kitchen to the dining room and provides much-needed storage.

New Ceiling

Fortunately, the Horsleys didn't have to raise their roof to get higher ceilings; they just took out a dropped ceiling covered in fluorescent lights. The space above was then covered with gypsum drywall, resulting in 9-foot ceilings. Structural beams, cleverly wrapped in reclaimed cypress, became stylish accents. Recessed fixtures brighten the area.

Fresh and Light Decor

Lisa wanted a fuss-free and airy look for her kitchen, which she achieved by working with Jackson, Mississippi, designer Ann Carter. "This is a dark house, and the kitchen was not very bright. We added the butler's pantry to let in more light and got rid of any doors that weren't necessary," Lisa says. The stained cabinets were removed and repurposed in an adjacent laundry room. The glazed ivory cabinetry instantly opened up the room.

For the countertops, Ann chose a green Mexican tile that was used for the backsplash and over the window as well. The new island has a granite top and space for seating at one end. Brick floors add warmth and color.

Multitasking Nook

The newly created eating space gets lots of use. Ann and Lisa liked the idea of a banquette so an extra guest can squeeze in if needed. Wood, sanded and finished with a green-tinted glaze to tie in with the Mexican tiles, forms the banquette. Traditional chairs from Stcwart's grandmother were stripped and given a green wash; they look new around the pedestal table.

Black-and-white photographs of the Horsley children, framed in cypress, adorn the seating area walls. Lisa says, "They show such happy faces and capture our children perfectly." Because the two benches are not the same length, the one horizontal picture helps with proportion.

ALICE WELSH DOYLE