You Wouldn't Guess the Cabinets Stayed the Same in This Kitchen Transformation
Words by Morgan Goldberg
The After. Photo courtesy of the client.
Nenu Singh didn’t have the budget for new cabinets in her San Diego kitchen, but she still wanted to overhaul the outdated space.
The hiccup: the first full-service interior designer she attempted to work with said that wasn’t possible and simply didn’t understand her vision for a low-lift, high-impact renovation; while the second one she hired didn’t align with her natural, minimalist style. It wasn’t until she discovered The Expert and connected with Carol Estes that she made any progress.
“I can't believe what she did in one hour,” Nenu raves. “I paid so much more for the other designers and we didn't move forward this much.”
During the consultation, Carol approved of the durable quartz counters, greige cabinet paint, and terracotta backsplash tiles that Nenu had already chosen, then suggested other colors, materials, and textures that would make the place come together. She also offered some key construction advice that completely changed the kitchen. Let’s take a closer look.
Working With What You’ve Got
The Before. Photo courtesy of the client.
The Before. Photo courtesy of the client.
The After. Photo courtesy of the client.
Just because Nenu opted not to replace the dark mahogany cabinets—they were installed in 2008 and still in great condition—didn’t mean she couldn’t get rid of some of them. Carol recommended that she rip out the upper cupboards that flanked the stove to open up the space and create an airier vibe. Full walls of terracotta tiles would feel more contemporary instead.
Carol also drew up plans to update the existing range hood, which included removing some of the traditional beading and building curved sides with recessed niches for spices and oils. The result is perfectly transitional and extremely functional for Nenu, an avid cook who loves to whip up her favorite Indian dishes on the regular.
Focusing on Floors
The After. Photo courtesy of the client.
When it came to the floors, Nenu couldn’t stand the big square travertine tiles that screamed early aughts, so Carol introduced her to engineered white oak planks as an earthy substitute. “It's a very natural-looking wood,” Nenu says of the warm, blonde surface. “I'm absolutely in love with it.”
Adding Special Touches
The After. Photo courtesy of the client.
The After. Photo courtesy of the client.
Nenu’s favorite recommendation was the lighting and hardware from beloved English kitchen brand deVOL. “Carol introduced me to this amazing brand,” recalls Nenu. “So my pendants are from there, my faucet is from there, and my brass cabinet knobs and pulls are from there. Everything is from there.”
Finally, Carol chose Railings by Farrow & Ball, a soft black paint with blue undertones, for the island. The inky hue provides contrast against the light counters, floors, and perimeter cabinets, while pulling out the charcoal in the Tabarka tile backsplash behind the stovetop. It’s the perfect piece to complete the puzzle of Nenu’s new modern kitchen.
Want personalized design advice from Carol Estes? Book a consultation.