Spice Up Your Kitchen

Southern Living, Dec 2004 by Mercer, Amy Bickers

Talk about a turnaround. Cost-cutting creativity and warm colors remade this space.

When Brad and Aimee Laughlin remodeled their Austin home several years ago, they moved the kitchen to a new location. But what they didn't want was a new look.

By using various textures, rich colors, and unique accents, the Laughlins created a pretty yet efficient kitchen that you'd never think was brand new.

Color With Kick

The room's color scheme reflects the balance of hues found in nature. Matte mossy green on the cabinets pairs well with glossy brown granite countertops. An island, constructed from antique longleaf pine, offers a rugged contrast to the tumbled marble floors. Tumbled marble is buffed rather than polished for a softer appearance. The pine's natural red undertones keep the space from being overwhelmed by its green color scheme.

Material Assets

The room's mix of elements includes tumbled marble on the backsplash and floor and nickel-plated hardware on the cabinets. A row of sandblasted slate tiles forms a dark stripe along the neutral backsplash. The soft curves of the slate's etching mimic those found on the cabinet knobs.

Two chandeliers above the island are French antiques. Originally made to hold candles, they were wired for electricity to make them suitable for modern living.

Stylish Storage

An attractive plate rack is positioned over the sink, making it easy to put away dishes quickly. The island's deep drawers add ample room for bulky pots and pans. Smaller drawers on the opposite side provide more storage without stealing knee room from the line of barstools.

Plaster With Personality

A custom range hood is one of the best ideas in this kitchen. Best of all, the project was inexpensive. A hood liner is hidden behind a plywood cover. Gypsum plaster, applied to the plywood, is stained to look like worn stucco. Three of the same style slate tiles used on the backsplash add a coordinating detail on the rustic piece. The Laughlins had their builder complete the hood project during remodeling, but an experienced do-it-yourselfer could easily finish the job in a weekend.

AMY BICKERS MERCER