A few changes redefines a French kitchen.
Several years ago, Jane featured the charming Mother Daughter Rustic Kitchens [below] belonging to Houston designers Pamela Pierce and Shannon Bowers. I instantly recognized Pierce’s not-so-rustic retreat in the current issue of Veranda [top]. Having grown tired of the decor, Pierce mixed contemporary pieces with the existing antiques, even in the kitchen. A marble-topped charcuterie table has been replaced with a custom stainless steel island. The over-sided lantern that has become so trendy was deleted, but the 19th century French butcher shop steer remained. Pine plank cabinet doors were traded for a clean slab door with simple knob. The cabinet surrounds and whitewashed plaster walls were painted a bright white.
The wooden sliding shutter-style panels on the wall of steel doors were removed, exposing more windows and garden beyond. Stone tile counters were displaced with white marble. The original unvarnished wood beams and 18th century cathedral flooring provide texture, contrast and rustic country appeal.
While researching, I ran across yet a third island featured in Western Interiors. After changes were made, but before the custom island was ready, Pierce used a wrought iron as the centerpiece for the room. While it is a pretty piece, it’s not quite right. Perhaps because it’s visually heavy and too close in character to the steel windows.
Also featured was the kitchen’s fourth wall, with shallow open shelves above a second sink. It’s nice to see how the kitchen has evolved over the years and shows a little revamping goes a long way.
Design in flux. Love it. I also love the new result. Key pieces mixed in, but overall, a cleaner, brighter look for today. It seems more authentic and honest to admit, through the design, that it’s a new kitchen and not such a contrived look.
I agree, RHome. The original Veranda article featuring her home was in 2006, when the flouncy gray slipcovers and gray paint were coming into vogue in the states. She’s replaced most of her upholstered pieces with stark white modern – a bit jarring.