When smoke damage from a fireplace prompted a Lexington family to rethink part of their home, the project quickly grew. If they were already replacing the fireplace and repairing the surround, why not address the adjacent kitchen, too?
For the young French family of five, the existing kitchen was not keeping up. It was dark, oddly angled, and crowded with a closed pantry wall, refrigerator, and stove competing for space. “They cook a lot, so it wasn’t functional,” says designer Mariette Hedeshian, who worked with Scavolini on the kitchen design.
The homeowners wanted something cleaner and more open—European in spirit, with minimal color, no visible hardware, and as little visual clutter as possible. Hedeshian answered with a light gray-and-white palette, integrated appliances, slab surfaces, and a large island that became the organizing force of the room.
“At first they were surprised that such a big island would work,” Hedeshian says. But with the right floor plan, it allowed for generous storage, easy circulation, and enough room for the husband and wife to cook together. Seating wraps around the corner so the parents can sit while keeping an eye on the kids, and the drawers below help compensate for the absence of upper cabinetry.
Just as important was the coffee station, a must-have for the couple. Open walnut shelving warms the otherwise minimal palette while creating a dedicated place for cups, cookbooks, and daily rituals. By the table, a slim wall-mounted bar keeps entertaining essentials accessible without adding bulk.
That flexibility matters. The homeowners host often—sometimes as many as 50 people—so the kitchen needed to feel polished but also easy to use. Durable quartz counters were chosen over marble, and a workstation sink with integrated accessories makes prep and cleanup more efficient.
Throughout, Hedeshian kept the details quiet: white-oak floors, walnut accents, clean-lined Scandinavian seating, and sculptural pendant lights that add a subtle black note. The result is smooth, minimal, and relaxing—exactly the kind of kitchen the family wanted to spend time in. CLICK HERE to read the article online.
Builder McDonald Contracting
Interior Designer Designers Touch
Kitchen Designer Scavolini
The Details
Cabinetry
Scavolini “Flint Grey” blond oak
Counters
Quartz
Lighting
Papillons LED pendants by Sonneman Lighting
Wall Color
“China White,” Benjamin Moore