The homeowners of this Churchville, Maryland, residence couldn’t resist its Georgian-style architecture, but the dated 1980s kitchen was in need of a refresh. They called on Arianna Pannoni and Kasey Bedford of Baltimore-based firm Winsome Interior Design to reimagine the space. The result is strikingly elegant and in harmony with the structure’s traditional bones.
What were the project mandates? Our clients wanted the kitchen to feel lived in, cozy and historic. They are casual people, but they also like a bit of formality.
Tell us about the major design elements. We kept the existing brick range niche but limewashed it and added more grout to give an older appearance. The cabinets are a simple, elevated shaker style that has been around for hundreds of years. We designed the island to look like a piece of furniture since kitchen islands weren’t a thing back in the day, and we also incorporated hand-distressed ceiling beams. The open shelving acts as a display area for the client’s collection of vintage china.
What other details lend to the charming feel? Hanging wood and copper pots adds warmth, while a new milk-glass fixture exudes a vintage ambiance. We also used finishes that will only get more beautiful with time: the unlacquered brass will develop a patina and the marble will gain character as it stains.
In keeping with the revamped kitchen, Pannoni and Bedford also turned their attention to the home’s mudroom and powder room, replacing dated elements to highlight the abode’s historic feel. “We wanted to have some fun in these spaces and bring out the drama,” Bedford says. They enveloped the mudroom—including the walls, trim and ceiling—in a deep oxblood shade from Farrow & Ball and carried it through to the adjacent powder room trim.
Meanwhile, a whimsical wallpaper from Osborne & Little featuring birds and lush foliage enhance the striking red tone. “The vintage-inspired console sink harkens back to Georgian style, the classic floret penny tile is also a nod to old-world design, and the antiqued brass touches tie to the kitchen finishes,” Pannoni notes. “Our client allowed us the creativity to think outside the box,” Bedford adds. “Every space is dramatic in its own way.”
