Kitchen Makeovers

A mix of good lighting, colors, seating, tile, and millwork equals the perfect kitchen. These designers cooked up some sizzlin’ re-dos.
Birmingham Kitchen
Room photograph by Jeff Garland

DESIGNER’S GOAL: Principal designer Sharon Kory, below, of Sharon Kory Interiors in Birmingham (248-540-4000), went all the way down to the studs for this renovation (see blueprint below). The layout of this Birmingham home was completely rearranged to suit the lifestyle of an active family of six. “What was once a kitchen is now a mudroom/craft room, and the space where the kitchen is now was once the den,” Kory says.

Sharon KoryKORY’S RENOVATION TIPS: The designer suggests focusing on how the space will fit your lifestyle. “If you spend a lot of time at the sink, look at doing a larger galley sink, or if cooking is key, pay attention to your appliances — your materials must withstand regular use.” Note the Wood-Mode Larchmont recessed door style (purchased at Designs Unlimited, Birmingham), finished in Nordic white, which showcases a clean look.Sharon-Kory-Kitchen-Blueprint

It’s very important to use materials and finishes that can withstand the day-to-day wear-and-tear.
— Sharon Kory

RENOVATION RESULTS: Throughout the design process, Kory wanted to honor her client’s keen eye for style and originality. “She wanted a very functional, beautiful space that reflected her own aesthetic.” The final renovation features all of the client’s wishes: luxury, quality, durability, and functionality.


Get the GoodsGET THE GOODS

A. The ideal workstation 4 culinary kit in designer white resin, to the trade, The Galley, thegalley.com B. Sherwin-Williams’ Incredible White, sherwin-williams.com C. Sherwin-Williams’ Pure White, sherwin-williams.com D. Carson counter stool, in ebony, $678, Serena & Lily, serenaandlily.com E. Cristallo Premium polished natural stone, price upon request, PMP Marble & Granite, Troy


Hickory Chair Interior Design Showroom
Photograph by Martin Vecchio

Design Recipes

A mix of good lighting, colors, seating, tile, and millwork equals the perfect kitchen

Photograph by Martin Vecchio

DESIGNERS’ GOAL: Principal designer Lisa Petrella and senior designer Kourtney Shammo, far left and far right in photo below, of Troy-based Petrella Interiors (248-681-3007, petrelladesigns.com), along with Bloomfield Hills homeowners Paul and Suanne Patek, knew they needed to move the couple’s 1990s kitchen well into now. “The space was dark, outdated, and lacked function,” Petrella says. “There was little space to work with, so it was very important to us that we create the feeling of a grand estate kitchen.” A pair of turquoise and tan chairs from the Patek’s previous home influenced the color of the striking island, and a pair of Suanne’s pink Stuart Weitzman loafers inspired the color of the pantry. “She was definitely not scared to add color, and in something so permanent as cabinetry,” Petrella says. Note the pantry cabinetry’s special antique Venetian glass.

Lisa Petrella, Merian Daka, and Kourtney Shammo
Lisa Petrella, Merian Daka, and Kourtney Shammo// Portrait by Jim Liska

PETRELLA & SHAMMO’S RENOVATION TIPS: Hiring professionals and trusting your designers to manage the process is key to getting the best results, according to Petrella and Shammo. “There are many details, big and small, that go into a renovation, and it can get overwhelming,” Shammo says. Petrella cautions homeowners not to get too caught up in the latest trends. “By the time the renovation is complete, the kitchen has already dated itself,” she says.

Kitchen Rendering
This 3-D rendering was developed by Merien Daka, shown in middle of top photo, of Petrella Interiors, in collaboration with kitchen designer Bill Higgins of Architectural Kitchens. It’s based on a plan created by the Petrella Interiors team. This helps to convey the designers’ vision to the client.

There was little space to work with, so it was very important to us that we create the feeling of a grand estate kitchen.
— Lisa Petrella

RENOVATION RESULTS: Petrella and Shammo knew exactly what was necessary to modernize this space, as well as add functionality. “Choosing white perimeter cabinets  and adding a vibrant, contrasting island and transom cabinets that divide the kitchen from the family room are features that created the grandeur the home needed,” Shammo says.


Design Recipes collageGET THE GOODS

A. Laurent counter stool in leather by Suzanne Kasler, to the trade, Hickory Chair Interior Design Showroom, Michigan Design Center, Troy, hickorychair.com B. Goodman large hanging lamp in hand-rubbed antique brass with antique white shade by Thomas O’Brien for Visual Comfort, $1,149, Circa Lighting, circalighting.com, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy C. Trillion large flush-mount light in polished nickel by Joe Nye for Visual Comfort $1,509, Circa Lighting, circalighting.com, City Lights Detroit, Michigan Design Center, Troy D. Stargaze crystal round knob in polished nickel finish, to the trade, Schaub Assa Abloy, schaubandcompany.com, Russell Hardware, Bloomfield Hills E. Farrow & Ball’s Blue Ground, farrow-ball.com F. Farrow & Ball’s Pink Ground, farrow-ball.com