By Jennifer Shapira
Kelly Millspaugh Thompson, owner and designer of Falls Church based Stylish Patina, is currently working on two kitchen renovations for her family’s new home. Here are some of her thoughts on the process and her well-thought-out decisions.
Q: Tell us a little bit about the projects you’re working on.
A: We are renovating our primary kitchen but we also have a little kitchenette in the basement that we are going to gut and put in a fridge, microwave and sink area. In the basement we are planning on going a bit more retro. I actually would love to find a vintage fridge for the basement. I am looking at the new GE Artistry line as a modern alternative. They also make a matching retro microwave for movie nights in the basement.
Q: If there were no size or budget constraints what appliances would you want to put in your kitchen, and why?
A: I would do a Viking gas range. I don’t cook enough to justify it in our kitchen but the Viking line is amazing. If money were no option I would also do custom cabinet coverings for the fridge and dishwasher. I love stainless; however, if you have the money, a true custom kitchen is always a great investment in your home.
Q: What appliances are you planning to put in your new kitchen and how did you decide on them?
A: I decided on the Grab-N-Go™ French Door Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator for a couple reasons: 1) the 32-cubic-foot capacity we needed, 2) The French-door style I find to be the most functional if your kitchen can accommodate it, 3) The Grab & Go door is going to helpful with baby bottles and juice boxes as the kids get bigger, 4) I really like the bottom freezer with the slide-out drawers. I am doing all stainless in our kitchen and still feel it’s the best choice for kitchen remodels.
For the stove, I like the look of a slide-in range if you are not going to be doing a full built-in range, which we are not. I feel it gives a kitchen a custom look with all the knobs and buttons on the front of the stove vs. the back.
Q: How did you decide on the color scheme for the primary kitchen? And what colors will you use in the kitchenette?
A: For the kitchen, the scheme will be gray and white with pops of green (and if my hubby allows maybe a little pink). The cabinetry will be traditional style and the decor will have more modern elements. I decided on the cabinet color scheme primarily because I want something that will stand the test of time and not look outdated in a couple years. And the color scheme I wanted to be neutral, so over time I can play with the different decor elements. For the kitchenette/rec room area we will be going with a retro vibe, most likely with white or black appliances, and then light and airy decor.
Q: Do you think the retro look of appliances has become more popular in recent years? And why do you think that is?
A: Yes, I think vintage in general is becoming “cool” again whether it be furniture, clothes or appliances. People are enjoying the simple lines of the retro appliances and the fun colors they are available in allows customers to express themselves. Also the size in some smaller homes and apartments it’s what fits! I also find when people are renovating at times they like to stick with the era of the home and these modern-day retro appliances allow them to do that.
(October 2014)
