When Sherri and Chuck purchased their historic home in Old Town Fort Collins, they inherited a 2004 kitchen remodel from the previous owner. The galley kitchen lacked counterspace and storage, the room was dark, and the original remodel simply wasn’t their style.
The couple craved something white and bright, and not too modern looking. Their home, after all, was built in 1898. They also wanted an updated kitchen that felt lived in, with splashes of vintage elements throughout. Sherri and Chuck asked for a fresh take on a shabby chic design.
Shabby chic is an interior design style that uses finishes and furnishings with a pleasingly old and slightly worn appearance, even when everything is new. The style is meant to feel warm and welcoming. Homey and eclectic. With an emphasis on pastels, soft whites, and antique collectibles procured over time.
Sherri and Chuck’s new kitchen hints at shabby chic whimsy, while embracing a fresh, clean aesthetic. The result is a timeless remodel sprinkled with hand-curated items that bring the homeowners joy.
To set the tone of the room, a whitewashed tongue-and-groove ceiling with box beams provides an all-important distressed element to the design.
New maple cabinets, painted solid white, are key to the light and bright update Sherri and Chuck were after. They also love the extra storage.
To put the “chic” in shabby chic, Sherri and Chuck chose crystal pulls and knobs with gold backplates. The antique-replica hardware adds a touch of sparkle.
The matching gold finish of the French-inspired light pendant, provided by the homeowners, further elevates the design.
Running the length of the kitchen, two ornate crystal lantern pendants tie into the vintage “found” look. Flush ceiling cans supplement the overall lighting.
Neutral square tiles, applied in diagonal and straight-set installations, add interest to the backsplash.
Whitewashing the original brick column (above, right) is another shabby chic element.
The geometric flooring, in a terracotta hex tile, provides visual warmth and much-needed contrast to the white kitchen.
Subtle nods to the farmhouse style also appear in Sherri and Chuck’s eclectic kitchen design. Examples include the hand-troweled ventilation hood, and light blue natural gas range.
As well as the apron sink and farmhouse faucet.
Sherri and Chuck use the open shelving and glass-front cabinetry to display their collection of antique dishes and wine bottle baskets.
Their durable quartz countertop has the same luxurious look as veined marble, but without the upkeep. The more traditional arched windows and doors feel at home in this Old Town kitchen remodel.
Whether you’re ready to start developing plans for your custom home, or want to reimagine the space you have with a remodel, HighCraft’s experienced design-build team can navigate every detail of the planning and construction process for projects of any size or budget. Contact HighCraft with questions or to schedule a free consultation.
