Designing a Modern-Meets-Traditional Kitchen

After enduring 10 years with a cramped kitchen, Matt and Jennie Rosecan got the chance to dream big when they reno’ed their entire 1930s home in Arlington, VA. Plotting out the kitchen, which would include an additional 440 square feet from the backyard, Matt pictured a restaurant-inspired space gleaming with stainless steel. Jennie envisioned something colorful and rustic. “Our styles seemed really tricky to combine,” says Jennie. Bringing in designer Katie Otis and the team at Sagatov Design + Build to referee, the couple cherry-picked from their competing visions to create a best-of-both-worlds mix. Slick metal now partners with warm wood, color is used strategically, and Jennie and Matt gained an appreciation for each other’s decorating tastes. “This kitchen sums up what it’s like to compromise,” says Jennie. “It’s a perfect reflection of our marriage.”

Island: Almost 11 feet long, the his-and-her island combines an upcycled white oak top salvaged from a local barn and a high-tech induction cooktop that boils water in 90 seconds. For Matt, the family chef, it’s the ideal setup: He can chat face-to-face with diners while he whips up a meal.  

Pendants: The mercury glass trio from Troy Lighting reminds Jennie of light fixtures she spotted in Colonial Williamsburg. “I like that they have the gleam of stainless steel but look antique.”

Counter Stools: Jennie prefers the mismatched look, but going with two different styles was a budget decision, too. After splurging on custom Lawson-Fenning seats with mustard yellow upholstery, the Rosecans trimmed costs by pairing them with backless wood-and-metal stools by Arteriors.

Troy Lighting Mercury 3-light 21 ½"-tall iron urn pendant with mercury glass shade, $364, build.com

Wood and metal adjustable stool, $120, worldmarket.com