An Interior Stylist Reveals Where She Splurged (And Saved) On Her Kitchen Remodel

In the heart of Burlington, Ontario, Jaclyn Colville, an accomplished interior stylist, embarked on a journey to transform her kitchen into a masterpiece of design and functionality. Her creative process began, as many do in this digital age, on Pinterest. It was there that she discovered a stunning kitchen that captured her imagination and set the direction for her own project. The centerpiece of this inspiration was a navy island, which became the non-negotiable starting point for her kitchen renovation.

Choosing the perfect shade of navy was paramount. After much deliberation, Jaclyn settled on Sea Serpent by Sherwin-Williams, a choice that delighted her with its outcome. The depth and sophistication of the navy were crucial, yet Jaclyn was mindful of maintaining a balance in the kitchen’s overall aesthetic. She understood that the heaviness of the navy needed to be offset by lighter elements to ensure the space remained bright and welcoming. This led to the decision to pair the navy island with pristine white countertops, a choice that provided a striking contrast and amplified the visual appeal of the island as the focal point of the kitchen.

To complement the navy and white theme, Jaclyn opted for white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen. This choice not only served to brighten the space but also to create a seamless and cohesive look. However, understanding the importance of avoiding a design that felt too monolithic or heavy, she introduced a custom pantry with upper glass cabinets. This strategic design choice ensured that the kitchen maintained a sense of openness and lightness, with the glass cabinets offering a subtle visual break and a place to display cherished items.

The incorporation of warmth into the kitchen’s design was another critical element. Kitchens, by their very nature, are the heart of the home, a place of warmth and gathering. Jaclyn achieved this warmth through the introduction of a custom hood fan over the stove, a splurge that she deemed absolutely worthwhile for its contribution to the kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality. Additionally, the use of warm wood for open shelving brought an organic, inviting feel to the space. These shelves, reinforced with steel beams, were not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly practical, capable of holding heavy items without concern.

Aesthetic appeal in interior design often lies in the details, and Jaclyn’s kitchen was no exception. The decision to incorporate gold elements into the kitchen introduced an element of elegance and luxury. However, Jaclyn chose a champagne gold, a subtler variant that harmonizes beautifully with the navy island, avoiding the ostentation of traditional gold. This choice was reflected in the kitchen’s hardware, which, while varied in style, maintained a uniform finish, creating a custom, cohesive look that enhanced the overall design.

Cost management is a crucial aspect of any renovation project, and Jaclyn was no stranger to making strategic choices to stay within budget without compromising on style. One such decision was the selection of pendant lights. Originally enamored with the expensive Darlana pendant lights she saw on Pinterest, Jaclyn instead found a more budget-friendly alternative that captured the essence of her original inspiration at a fraction of the cost. This savvy choice underscored her ability to blend luxury with practicality.

The kitchen island, often the hub of activity in modern homes, was another area where Jaclyn and her husband decided to make a bold statement. They chose to install a massive ten by four-foot island, with a generous one-foot overhang on three sides, excluding the sink area to facilitate dishwashing. This island not only serves as a stunning centerpiece but also as a practical workspace and gathering area, embodying the “wow” factor Jaclyn sought for her main floor.

The renovation extended beyond the kitchen to the front foyer doors, which were replaced with solid wood, Fashion Forward doors from Metrie. These doors not only enhance the home’s aesthetic appeal but also symbolize the quality and durability that Jaclyn values. Their beauty and craftsmanship make a statement, welcoming visitors into a home filled with thoughtfully chosen details and designs.

Jaclyn’s journey through this renovation was not just about creating a beautiful space but about crafting a home that reflects her family’s style, needs, and dreams. With a baby on the way, the importance of creating a space that would accommodate the needs of a growing family was paramount. Her story is a testament to the idea that a home renovation can be much more than a series of design decisions; it can be a pathway to creating a space that embodies one’s personal style and prepares for future memories.

In conclusion, Jaclyn Colville’s kitchen renovation in Burlington, Ontario, stands as a beacon of inspiration for homeowners and design enthusiasts alike. Through her thoughtful selection of colors, materials, and design elements, she has created a space that is not only functional and beautiful but also warm and welcoming. Her journey underscores the importance of blending aesthetics with practicality, the value of strategic budgeting, and the joy of creating a home that truly reflects the personalities and lives of those who inhabit it.