Bold and Beautiful Kitchen Design, Hale Navy!

Text by Lesley Harris Colvett
Photography by Kristen Elizabeth Photography
Photography styling by Alexandra Lauren

ALEXANDRA LAUREN INTERIORS: BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL KITCHEN DESIGN – HALE NAVY!

At Home Memphis & Mid South: How would you describe the style of this kitchen?

Alexandra Lauren: This client in Jackson, Tennessee, was SO much fun to work with. Our Hale Navy kitchen remodel is bold and beautiful, and full of functional details. When designing a kitchen function is equally as important as form.

AHMMS: Can you briefly talk about the design elements of this kitchen?

AL: Islands continue to be popular and are a great way to add informal seating, as well as extra prep space and storage, to a kitchen. In addition to a flat expanse of countertop, this island also houses a six-ring stovetop gas range and open, movable shelving for easy access to cookbooks along one side. Another unique feature was the addition of a pop-up electrical bar which allows multiple appliances to be used at any angle on the island.

We replaced dated floors with a rich walnut hardwood flooring. We chose bi-colored Shaker-style cabinets all the way to the ceiling to maximize storage. White subway tiles and brass hardware complete the look.
AHMMS: What is an element that every great kitchen should have?

AL: Light. We were very lucky that this kitchen was drenched in natural light pouring in through two French doors and a large window seat by the kitchen table.

For a kitchen to function properly it must be well lit; which means layering and blending task, ambient, accent and decorative lighting. We included undermount lighting on all the upper cabinets to ensure the countertops were well lit, overhead lighting, and lighting inside the glass cabinets, coffee and breakfast bar, and mixing station. Our decorative pendants are from School House Electric.

AHMMS: What colors do you like to decorate with in the kitchen?

AL: For this kitchen my client chose to go with a true marble. My favorite countertop to use is white quartzite with gray veining—it’s a designer’s dream. It wears like granite but resembles the look of Carrara marble. The edge you select on your countertop has everything to do with the look. For this kitchen we used a straight edge to go with our clean, modern look. For a more romantic or classic style I would suggest a 2.5-inch ogee edge. It completely depends on the overall look you’re trying to achieve.

No two projects are exactly alike. Color is always considered on an individual project basis. Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore was the staple color for this kitchen and everything else was designed around it. The “cleaning-up” station contains a farm-style sink, Kohler faucet, drain hardware and bi-color cabinets. We painted Hale Navy on the lower cabinets, which contain a double dishwasher drawer set. The upper cabinets were done in white with brass hardware. A lovely rug from Surya at the sink creates warmth, comfort and reduces fatigue.
AHMMS: What trends are you seeing in kitchen designs?

AL: Copper interiors are here to stay. It makes sense as the last few years interiors have been ga ga for gold. With new products being launched all of the time it’s worth updating a few accessories to bring a copper glow into your home. Cabinet hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen. The hardware we chose was brass, but it also looks wonderful in silver, gold, and even glass. If you are looking for a simple update to a kitchen, changing your hardware is the easiest component for a redo.  Pick a beautiful backsplash! A backsplash is the perfect place to make a statement. For this kitchen I chose white subway tile with a beveled edge from Ceramic Tile Warehouse in Jackson.

Caly Johnson Channell

Inside Sales, Ferguson

AHMMS: What are trends you are seeing in kitchen design?

Caly Johnson Channell: Whether contemporary or traditional, kitchen design trends will be evolving tremendously this year. While we will forever see the “safe” design choices, we’ll also notice pops of color being integrated into fixture finishes, lighting and even appliances. More and more companies are starting to incorporate bolder color options into their products that will make homeowners stop and think about how good that would look in their home.

AHMMS: Tell us the latest in appliances. Any special items or features?

CJC: Homeowners are bringing in a more commercial looking appliance that can be paired with both modern and classic-inspired trends. Almost every appliance manufacturer offers two styles of handles, professional and euro-style, for ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc. Some manufacturers offer the option for their appliances to be integrated with the cabinets, giving off a sleek, contemporary look.

AHMMS: What colors are trending in kitchen design?

CJC: In addition to selecting plumbing fixtures, lighting and appliances homeowners have the ever-difficult (and sometimes intimidating) choice of wall color and decor. Neutrals will always be in style. Grays, beiges, greiges—they’re all very popular and probably always will be. Whether you live in a high-rise loft downtown or a nice family home in the suburbs, neutral colors will always be your friend.