Summer 2024

Echo and Flow

A two-toned kitchen blends warm woods, black accents and a stunning wall of glass cabinets.

Words by Meghan Craig  |  Photos by Matthew Anderson

S

isters Emily Contrucci and Elizabeth Van Maanen of Little Black Dresser Interiors created a bold yet timeless kitchen and bath in this Overland Park home.

Blending warm wood tones and monochromatic colors into the space made it feel unique while maintaining its classic, cozy vibes. However, the real show-stopper of the kitchen is the custom wall of glass-front cabinetry, complete with a stained wood backer.

“Glass cabinets can scare people off, but literally [any] everyday functional item can be staged in a way that looks like art,” Emily says.

The addition of black cabinets added interest to the space without compromising the iconic look. Pairing them with the lighter-toned island and backsplash allowed for a light, bright and airy feel as well.

“I’m especially fond of the kitchen’s two-toned design, which is complemented beautifully by the marble countertops,” says the new homeowner and fashion influencer Egreis Gjergjani of
@thestilettomeup. (She’s hired LBD to customize some spaces—like the closet, of course—so stay tuned for updates on this house!)

“We could either play it safe and stick to the light, bright, white kitchen, which is beautiful and timeless, or make a bold statement but still do it in a timeless way,” Elizabeth explains.

The cabinets offer functional storage for displaying special or sentimental pieces. Additional storage can be found along the side cabinet wall, adjacent to the paneled refrigerator/freezer and coffee bar.

The design elements echo and flow throughout the kitchen, forming a cohesive space that feels equally elegant and authentic. The backsplash coordinates with the waterfall island, while the grasscloth wallpaper on the ceiling adds texture to the space. Elements of exquisite woodwork carry into the floating shelves and custom butcher block within the prep pantry.

The spa-like primary bath also achieved an elegant and cohesive design. A variety of textured tiles work together to create an impressive and unified statement. An important consideration when achieving this flawless look was the bathroom layout itself. Placing the shower directly in line with the tub, for example, allowed for a marble mosaic to be visually centered on the floor.

Black 3-D subway tiles installed vertically extend three-quarters of the way up the vanity wall, creating a dramatic niche for the freestanding bathtub. Black was also painted onto the ceiling and arched storage nook.

In the shower, chevron-patterned tiles imitate the appearance of a solid-wood wall behind the wall-spanning stone bench, pairing nicely with the Zellige tile on the remaining shower walls.

White-oak cabinets with waterfall countertops, brass hardware and bubble pendants make this luxurious bathroom an impeccable counterpoint to the kitchen—a private retreat that can energize and renew a weary soul.

 

Interior Designer: Little Black Dresser Interiors, @littleblackdresserinteriors

Builder: Starr Homes, @starrhomes

 

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