A Brookhaven Kitchen Get A Remodel to Covet

Patti and Mark Stephens know their way around a renovation. Since they bought their 1963 Cape Cod in Brookhaven, Georgia 20 years ago, they’ve completed seven renovations. The decades have seen their son, Joe, grow up, their dogs in and out the doggie door and plenty of friendly faces sipping cocktails on the back deck.

But once Joe moved into his own place, it was time for another remodel. We got the scoop from the Stephens on why and what they wanted most, plus insight from their contractor, Mark Galey, and designer, Miranda Esposito, on what made this project come to life.

How did you know it was time for another renovation?
Patti Stephens: I was tired of my dark countertops and knew I wanted to reconfigure the layout because we use the space differently now. One drawing and new idea inspired another and it turned into a complete remodel! One with more space, new appliances, new cabinets and better storage.

What did you love about working with a professional contractor and designer? 
PS: Without the professionals, we wouldn’t know the scope of possibilities. By trusting their experience and vision, we learned opening up the space was not as big a deal as we thought! We were also able to completely redesign one corner of the kitchen that I hadn’t even considered, opening up another workspace and solving storage issues.

What is your favorite part of the kitchen now? 
PS: While the remodel was only the kitchen, it somehow made the entire first floor seem larger.  I absolutely love our cabinets and how everything has its place.

What was your biggest piece of advice for Patti and Mark during this remodel?
Mark Galey: Because I have knowledge of what’s happening behind the walls, I helped guide them toward decisions like widening the entrance to the kitchen from the front foyer and removing that header. A small change to this bottlenecked, central passageway has such a huge visual impact from every vantage point, and, functionally, creates a better flow from space to space. 

How did you know that this would be a game-changer?
MG: When we meet with any clients for an initial consultation, we ask a lot of questions about how they live in the space and we physically make them walk through their daily routines. We use that data to craft a plan that makes sense for those movements and feels natural.

What was the biggest improvement for you in the new kitchen?
Miranda Esposito: With the space Mark opened up, we were able to design cabinets with customized storage. We calculated the height and width of appliances, utensils and even common pantry items, so that the new cabinets would have the perfect spot for everything. We designed several new pull-out options and freed up a lot of counter space to complement the open and airy feel.

As the designer, what excited you most about this project?
ME: We wanted the homeowners to feel like they were standing in a very large kitchen, so in addition to the custom storage, we selected finishes that complemented that idea. White cabinets into a white ceiling provide the illusion of higher ceilings. The glass and LED lights offered an artful display for some of Patti’s special pieces. Using a dark stain on the island and ocean-inspired greens on the lower cabinets and the backsplash offered a rich visual contrast. Choosing gold hardware for the cabinets popped against those colors, bringing the whole vision together.

➊ Cabinets: Custom Shaker Front by Miranda Cabinets & Designs, painted Natural Choice (upper), Evergreen Fog (lower) by Sherwin-Williams

➋ Backsplash: Artcrafted Aloe from Daltile

➌ Countertop: LGHausys in Clarino Brushed available at Granite & Marble Solutions

➍ Island: Custom Bishop Front by Miranda Cabinets & Designs, stained Chestnut 

➎ Cabinet Hardware: Bellcastle 1 by Jeffrey Alexander

➏ Appliances: Cafe available at Howard Payne

➐ Pendant Lights: Elisie Mid Century Modern Pendant from Bed Bath & Beyond.

Mark Galey, MCR, CRPM, UDCP, is the president of Louver Boss and an award-winning, licensed contractor. Galey specializes in blending innovation with practicality, creating spaces built for gathering, relaxing and entertaining. From backyards to the interior, Mark Galey fully realizes extensions of the home complete with smart systems, modern comforts and striking design. louverboss.com

Miranda Esposito is the owner of Miranda Cabinets & Designs, where function blends with elevated design. Her deeply personal and effortlessly functional spaces come to life through thoughtful design, American-made craftsmanship and an incredible attention to her clients’ daily lives. mirandacabinets.com