Well Loved, Once Again

Interior Design by M.Steffens Interiors | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Ross Group Creative

When a young couple with four small children was house shopping 33 years ago, the kitchen was one of the main selling points that drew them to the East Memphis house they’ve called home ever since. It was all brand new and spiffed up.

Years go by, though, needs and styles change, and the kitchen that originally wowed the homeowners was in need of a refresh after constant use by a busy family. Local designer Missy Steffens stepped in, along with architect Charles Shipp, to give the couple an updated space without the hassle or expense of a major addition.

The couple couldn’t be happier with their new kitchen. Both Steffens’ design and Shipp’s guidance score high marks with the homeowner. “Charles is wise and he believes in not overdoing where it’s not necessary. We trusted him; everything he does is always in proportion,” she says, adding that Shipp dissuaded them from the idea to do away with their breakfast room in favor of a major kitchen expansion. Instead Steffens spruced it up, adding both flair and practicality.

We sat down with Steffens, owner of M. Steffens Interiors, to hear her thoughts about the key elements she employed in this stunning kitchen transformation. 

1. Efficient Floor Plan: “They have an efficient layout, so we kept the appliances in their current locations. Smaller kitchens can be a challenge to design, though.” she says, “to find a place for everything. For me it's always about fine tuning and getting the cabinetry really symmetrical. Getting those lines of sight and vignettes right makes the day-to-day feel nice and buttoned up.”

2. Moved Microwave: Formerly placed over the range, the microwave is now undercounter, making way for a custom vent hood built by Posey Hedges of Old City Millwork, who also constructed the custom cabinets.

3. Tall Cabinets: Steffens removed soffits and opted for full-height upper cabinets to increase storage and create a more streamlined visual effect. To further simplify the lines, she chose integrated panels that match the cabinets to cover the dishwasher and built-in refrigerator.

4. Classical Color: “We went with a really soft color of paint for the cabinets; we tried to move into almost a putty color to match the countertops, not crisp white. I wanted a hint of gray in it to keep it fresh.”

5. Window that Wows: The new plan removed a wooden valance over the top of the window and replaced the original 16-pane window with an updated six-pane model. Although Steffens would have liked to increase the size of the window, a roof gable above prevented that. Instead she cleverly placed a Roman shade to give the illusion of a taller window. Decorative sconces mounted on the cabinets’ side faces give the work station symmetry and style.

6. Farmhouse Sink: Steffens replaced the double-bowl stainless sink with a porcelain farmhouse model. The homeowner loves how large and deep it is.

7. Mixed Metals: The decorator chose unlacquered brass cabinet knobs and handles. “I love the patina of them,” she says, noting that they were bright and shiny when they were installed, but with use they’ve aged to a mellow finish. Alongside, polished nickel sink fixtures blend perfectly, adding interest to the palette.

8. Minimized Materials: Taj Mahal quartzite countertops have movement without busyness. Steffens opted for the same stone for the backsplash and carried it to full height for simplicity’s sake. “Since it’s a smaller kitchen I used fewer materials to keep the look clean,” she explains.

9. Without Worry: While some kitchen renovators shy away from hardwood, Steffens encourages her clients to use the classic floor covering, with a condition. The finish must be polyurethaned to protect from spills and scratches.

10. Form and Function: In the space that formerly housed the laundry closet Steffens designed a breakfast server that’s as practical as it is beautiful. “I felt like that area really takes the pressure off her kitchen. It gives her more storage and it’s great to set up a bar or serve there, too,” Steffens says. 

11. New Heights: Homes built in this era usually don’t have ceilings as high as those often found in newer residences, but Shipp suggested a way to give this house the illusion of height. He raised all the cased openings as high as possible and replaced a window in the breakfast area with French doors that extend to the full height of the wall.

12, Wallpaper for the Win: Steffens warmed up the breakfast room walls with wallpaper in a just-right color. “I wanted a pattern, but also wanted it to be saturated enough to come off the family room, where the walls are paneled in original dark wood. I also wanted it to kind of seem like it had texture. The scale of this pattern and how it’s printed feel a little bit Old World and I thought it fit in nicely.”

13. Appealing Art: “The homeowner collects portraits,” says Steffens. She saw this piece at David Lusk Gallery and she loved it. It’s by Anne Siems, an artist from Seattle. I love it, too. With portraits, you always have to be drawn to the faces. This one is anonymous, yet with a soft, inviting expression.”