Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2023 - 37

Along with the plumbing issue, she encountered the usual quirks of
an older home - walls out of plumb and a ceiling that was not level. The
kitchen had an L shape based on the exterior walls, which White said was
an awkward shape for a kitchen, but they had to make it work.
She incorporated a former breakfast area into the footprint, and now
the refrigerator sits on the shorter part of the L near the garage door, so it
is not visible from the main living area. This keeps the focus on the island
and seating, playing up the entertainment theme.
HONORING CLIENT WISHES & MODERN STYLE
Deciding on the design for this renovation took a bit of compromise. The
wife is a fan of a celebrity designer known for farmhouse style, while the
husband liked a modern look. White also wanted to honor the home's
South Florida location. She agreed to work in hints of farmhouse design,
like the apron-front sink, wood beam and open shelves, but leaned into a
more timeless style.
The designer gave her clients the two-tone kitchen they asked for
with white cabinets and a large gray island, perfect for gathering. From
this base, she added eye-catching elements like the green barstools and
chose a mix of black and brass for the fixtures. One feature that took
some convincing is also the kitchen's most dramatic - the 3D gunmetal
tile backsplash.
" That was the most agonizing decision in the entire kitchen, " said White.
" But when they entertain now, everyone is obsessed with the backsplash. "
LOOKING AHEAD IN THE GUEST BATHROOM
This space, which is now a child's bathroom, had an interesting quirk. The
previous owners had triplets, so the bathroom was home to three narrow
vanity-sink units. Removing the trio gave White plenty of space with which
to work a good 40 inches or more for the new vanity. Other than a leak in
the ceiling, there were no structural issues in the bathroom, and the layout
remained the same.
Knowing that the space was planned for children, White kept it simple
with a tub, toilet and spacious vanity with storage. But simple did not mean
boring, so when the budget called for a cost-effective subway tile, she had
it installed in a fun herringbone pattern.
The cool tones of the tile and blue metal wall color are paired with the
warmth of a wood vanity, which has black hardware, coordinating with the
faucet and shower fixtures. Above, the industrial frame on the mirror is a
nod to the new pipes throughout the house. Because of those pipes, White
now includes a contingency clause for plumbing in all projects.
" Right away with an older home, we tell the clients there is a 90% chance they
will have old plumbing, " she said. " It's never fun to put money underground. "
However, her second takeaway from this renovation is much more
enjoyable. An existing closet in the living room served no real purpose, so
White converted it to a wine closet complete with a wine refrigerator and
storage. Visible behind glass doors, this wine closet is now one of her firm's
most requested features by new clients.

SOURCES: DESIGNER: Nicole White, CEO/Principal Design, Nicole White Designs Interiors; PHOTOGRAPHER: Gloribell
Lebron ● KITCHEN APPLIANCES: Jenn-Air; BACKSPLASH: Nabi Harlequin; BAR STOOLS: Cassie Velvet Green; CABINET
HARDWARE: Southern Hills; CABINETS: Jarlin Cabinetry; FLOORING: Silent Blue; HOOD: Zephyr; LIGHTING: Desiree; POT
FILLER: Kingston Brass; SINK: Vigo; WOOD BEAM: Ekena Millwork ● BATHROOM: ACCESSORIES: HomeGoods; FAUCET: Delta;
FLOORING & SHOWER TILE: Floor & Decor; LIGHTING: Savoy House; MIRROR: Design Craft; TOILET & TUB: Lowes; VANITY:
Home Decorators Collection; WALL PAINT: Behr; WINE REFRIGERATOR: Zephyr
KBBONLINE.COM
37
ABOVE The guest bathroom,
which is now a child's
bathroom, features a simple,
transitional style with hints
of fun like the herringbone
subway tile, nature-inspired
wall art and an industrial
mirror.
RIGHT Three vanities
accommodated the home's
previous owners, but after
a decade of living with this
guest bathroom, White's
clients knew it was time for a
change.
RIGHT An unused closet is now
a wine storage area, a perfect
solution for these clients who
love to entertain.

Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2023

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