A Kitchen Redo on a Grand Style

When homeowners Mindy and Nate Kestenman brought their grand home nearly a decade ago, they loved the traditional style and classic layout. But the kitchen was stuck in the '80s and desperately needed a change.

After two years of construction and some help from designer Bill Noval, the Kestenmans had their dream kitchen — complete with a working island, desk area, fireplace and a magnificent view of their property.

During the renovation, the homeowners had the luxury of a large butler's pantry that normally serves as a second kitchen. They had everything they needed in the pantry: double dishwasher drawers, an industrial-size refrigerator and a pro-style range, all surrounding a large farmhouse-style island.

The stunning countertops are made from blue quartz, a hard-to-find and extremely rare material. This durable, natural stone has a very unusual color, highlighted by a blue-swirl design.

The custom cabinetry is made of English sycamore with a high-gloss finish. The cabinet interiors are painted a metallic blue to provide a soft blue glow through the rippled glass insets. When the cabinet doors are open, there is a really nice contrast between the deep blue, the objects inside and the reddish-brown wood cabinetry.

The centerpiece of this magnificent kitchen is the ultra long, two-tiered island. The upper level is covered with a blue quartz countertop. The lower level is a spacious prep area that features a stainless-steel countertop, sink and built-in butcher block.

The modular cooktop includes four burners, a grill and a wok plate. The unusual backsplash is made of aluminum tiles that come in a variety of shapes and can be fitted together to create any pattern.