This Kitchen Reno Was Worth the Wait
Tiny, dated, barely any counter space: enough! A homeowner finally gets reno relief.
Modern Kitchen With Green Cabinets
This modern kitchen features emerald green cabinets, white picket tiles and a navy blue washable rug.
Photo by: David Tsay
David Tsay
For two decades, Dana Smith made do with a miniscule kitchen in the Bellflower, California, home she bought after her divorce. At just under 100 square feet, “it was barely large enough to cook in, let alone chop anything,” she says. Dana and her then 3-year-old son, Christopher, dined at a little table at first. “When he got bigger, it was more comfortable to eat on the living room couch.” Cut to 2020: After spending more time than ever cooking at home during the pandemic, she was raring to redo. Dana worked with designer Linda Hayslett to construct an addition that nearly tripled the kitchen’s size. “I like having people hang out at the banquette while I cook,” says Dana. “Especially Christopher, when he visits — at last he can sprawl out!”
Modern Kitchen With Green Cabinets
This modern kitchen features emerald green cabinets, white picket tile backsplash and a navy blue washable rug.
Photo by: David Tsay
David Tsay
The Details
Cabinets
The emerald green (Pine Haven by Dunn-Edwards) suggested by designer Linda was beyond Dana’s wildest dreams. “I’d always had cherrywood in mind — I had no idea I could love something bold,” she says. Covered to match the cabinets, the little doors on the range hood hide the vent that extends outside.
Lighting
Wall sconces by Rejuvenation with an oil-rubbed-bronze finish match the black cabinet pulls and make for great task lighting when Dana’s whipping up favorites like gumbo and cauliflower tacos.
Backsplash
Ceramic hex tiles by Artezen by Marazzi installed vertically help the standard 8-foot-ceiling seem taller. They’re understated chic, so the cabinet color is the star.
Modern Breakfast Nook With Green Banquette
This modern breakfast nook features an emerald green banquette, tulip table and hanging wall baskets.
Photo by: David Tsay
David Tsay
Banquette
A custom L-shaped kind is so roomy and so inviting, says Dana, “that sometimes I just lie here and watch TV. It’s a vibe.” The flowery cushion fabric is by Pindler, and the patterned pillows are from Crane & Canopy. There’s storage beneath, which Dana uses as glorified junk drawers. As for the table: “After years of not getting to sit and eat at a table, I wanted a big one,” says Dana. This tulip number from Wayfair can seat 10.
Baskets
Assorted woven baskets in different sizes and similar tones from Amazon and Target bring texture to the wall. Linda first laid them out on the floor to decide on the configuration. Ultimately, though, she wanted a perfectly imperfect arrangement.
