Doodle Home // February 2014
The beauty of this space traveled all the way from England to this humble abode in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The homeowners wanted to bring a piece of their home with them when they picked up and moved halfway across the world. To avoid feeling completely homesick, they brought in interior designer Margaret Presti of Margeaux Interiors Inc.
Presti had her hands full when she walked into a kitchen that was dark, crowded and heavy. During the renovation, they discovered that part of the soffit in the existing layout was structural, and needed to remain. Thinking on her feet, Presti painted the soffit to match the new cabinets and added molding, transforming the soffit into part of the cabinetry.
BEFORE
The goal was to create a modernized, “unfit, but fit kitchen”. As opposed to the closed-in nature of the existing kitchen, the renovation would be bright and open. Mixed finishes, recessed doors, a table for an island, and furniture-like cabinetry were brought in to create the feeling Presti and the homeowners desired. Quite a few elements specifically reminiscent of England were added:
“The ivory finish harks back to the English countryside with AGA appliances – a true design icon, originating from the UK. Also incorporated into the space: a ‘farmhouse’ fire-clay sink (circa 1897), from Rohl-Shaw.”
AFTER
Presti achieved the perfect balance with soft-gray walls, white ceiling and accessories, and alabaster white trim to complement the soapstone countertops. A mixed gray and white limestone/marble backsplash ties the contrasting colors together.
“Above the contemporary dining table, the rustic orb bronze cage and crystal chandeliers add sparkle,” Presti noted, “while not interfering with the historic map of London.”
