Behind The Calming Kitchen Scheme We’re All Craving Right Now

Christopher Peacock and his design team created custom cabinetry, hardware and paint for this Edwardsville, Illinois, kitchen project; the interior design was by Jessie D. Miller. (PHOTO: MEGAN LORENZ)

Kitchen designer Christopher Peacock weighs in on the heart of the home. 

What was the inspiration for this serene palette? A big, beautiful picture window decorates the kitchen, and we didn’t want the rest of the space to compete with that focal point, so there was a conscious effort to keep the colors more earthy and muted. We went with a two-tone paint effect for the cabinetry: a lovely olive or sage green on the island and then a warmer gray on the perimeter.

Walk us through the rest of the design. The scheme was about making it simple and quiet while keeping it spacious. There wasn’t a strong desire to fill the walls with unnecessary cabinetry; rather our focus was on the materials and finishes. A handmade subway tile with varying shades makes for a beautiful backsplash that provides subtle movement; we avoided anything too shiny and went with brushed and satin nickel hardware.

How did you approach scale? This is a very large kitchen with a barreled ceiling. So we grounded the environment with a large island featuring cutting blocks at both ends and a custom pewter-and-nickel metal hood that anchors one wall. The island table developed into a multifunctional element with storage and seating, as well as a place to work, prepare food and entertain.

GET THE LOOK:

Zellige Silver Tile, cletile.com

La Jolla Scone, paulferrante.com

Danby Marble Tile, artistictile.com

Wood Farmtable Plank, hudsongracesf.com

Juxtapose Pot Filler, kallista.com.