Showcasing Our Latest Kitchen Remodel: The Weston Project Case Study
BALANCING TIMELESS LUXURY WITH MODERN FAMILY LIFE
When we were first approached by our clients for the Weston Project, they had a clear vision in mind. Their new home—a beautiful, expansive space of over 4,500 square feet, located inside the Beltline in Raleigh—was newly built. But as excited as they were, they realized that their new home, as stunning as it was, didn’t fully reflect their lifestyle.
As busy professionals with young children, they wanted their forever home to balance both timeless luxury and the practicality required for daily family life. Their primary request was for us to transform their newly constructed spec house—built with standard builder-grade finishes—into something more personal and tailored to their style. They wanted a design that not only reflected their unique tastes but would also endure beautifully over time.
The kitchen was at the core of this transformation, and it became the focal point of our design. Let me guide you through how we reimagined this essential space.
UNDERSTANDING THEIR VISION
Every project we take on begins with an understanding of not just the space, but also the people who will live in it. For the Weston Project, we knew the kitchen needed to serve multiple functions. It had to be the go-to spot for quick breakfasts before school, a comfortable space for weeknight family dinners, and yet elegant enough for hosting friends and extended family on weekends.
We spent time learning about their daily routines, favorite ways to entertain, and even the aesthetic details they were drawn to. From that foundation, we began crafting a kitchen that was not only beautiful but also entirely functional for a growing family.
"Every detail, from the materials to the technology, was selected to ensure this kitchen would be both a beautiful and practical centerpiece of their home.”
DESIGNING FOR BOTH ELEGANCE AND FUNCTIONALITY
At its core, this kitchen design is a study in balance. We aimed to create a space that combined luxury with approachability, where old-world charm met modern-day conveniences.
With the open-concept layout, we focused on seamlessly integrating the kitchen with both casual and formal dining areas. This design emphasized the kitchen as the true heart of the home, creating a space where the family and their guests could effortlessly move between cooking, dining, and socializing.
We also wanted the kitchen to feel warm and inviting, so we chose a neutral but elevated color palette. Our colors included cotton white, limewash, and subtle accents of bronze, Carolina blue, and emerald green. These shades allowed us to play with textures and materials, bringing in a richness that would feel both timeless and full of life.
Materials were carefully selected to stand up to the demands of family life, while still looking luxurious. We worked with walnut wood, textured plaster, porcelain, and a thoughtful mix of bronze, nickel, and brass finishes to create a space that was as durable as it was beautiful.
A MIX OF METALS FOR A LAYERED LOOK
One of the bolder design decisions we made in this kitchen was to mix metals. While some may see this as a risky choice—especially in a space with minimalist design principles—this blend added a layer of richness and interest. Brass, nickel, and bronze were featured in the cabinet hardware, the Waterworks faucet, and the custom lighting fixtures, creating a cohesive yet varied aesthetic.
These details brought in a sense of luxury without overwhelming the overall design. Instead, they enhanced the timeless elegance we were aiming for, while still keeping the kitchen grounded in a family-friendly atmosphere.
LIGHTING: SETTING THE MOOD FOR ANY OCCASION
In any kitchen remodel, lighting is key. For the Weston Project, lighting became a tool not just for function, but for setting the mood—whether it was an intimate family meal or a lively dinner party.
We installed sculptural pendants over the kitchen island, giving the room a stunning focal point that also brightened the workspace. Above the formal dining area, a smoke glass chandelier added a touch of drama and elegance, perfect for hosting. Throughout the kitchen, we layered task lighting under cabinets for functionality, and added ambient lighting with sconces that matched the countertops, plus recessed lights to flood the room with brightness when needed.
This mix of lighting options allowed the kitchen to transition from a practical daytime space into a beautiful evening setting, offering versatility in both form and function.
COUNTERTOPS, CABINETS, AND FLOORS: A COHESIVE FLOW
The choices we made for the countertops, cabinets, and floors were all about creating a seamless, cohesive flow throughout the kitchen and into the adjoining dining areas. We opted for porcelain countertops, designed to mimic the look of marble but durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of a busy family’s daily life. The matching stone backsplash and a stunning apron-front sink added continuity and style.
For the cabinetry, we worked with white walnut for the upper cabinets, offering a clean, modern look, while the dark walnut was used to conceal appliances and to create a sleek breakfast bar within the island. This mix of walnut woods tied in beautifully with the herringbone wood floors, creating a dynamic but unified look that anchored the kitchen in timeless elegance.
TEXTURES + TONES: ADDING DEPTH AND WARMTH
To ensure the kitchen felt luxurious yet livable, we integrated a variety of textures. Natural finishes like wood, stone, and even velvet created a tactile and inviting environment, while still being resilient enough for family life. We balanced these earthy materials with rich accents of deep green, dark walnut, and muted black, adding contrast and sophistication to the otherwise neutral space.
One of my favorite features? The green Bertazzoni range, which provided a subtle yet bold pop of color that perfectly fit the room’s overall aesthetic.
WHAT MAKES A FUNCTIONAL KITCHEN?
At the end of the day, what makes a kitchen truly great is its functionality. For the Weston family, this meant creating a space that not only looked stunning but was practical and easy to use. We incorporated inset appliances, concealed shelving, and built-in organizational systems within the cabinetry to ensure the space remained clutter-free and efficient.
Technology was another priority. We integrated smart switches, seamless WiFi control panels, and the latest in kitchen smart appliance technology, making the space not just beautiful but intelligent as well.
What I love most about this design is how seamlessly these modern features blend into the more traditional, classic aesthetic. The kitchen feels timeless and sophisticated, but it’s undeniably a space that meets the needs of a busy, modern family.
“In designing this space, we wanted to create a kitchen that wasn’t just about aesthetics, but about the lifestyle it would support—offering elegance for entertaining, durability for family life, and a timeless appeal that will last for years to come.”
FINAL THOUGHTS: A SPACE DESIGNED FOR LIFE
The Weston Project kitchen is more than just a room for cooking—it’s a space where this growing family will create memories for years to come. From family breakfasts to large gatherings of friends, this kitchen was designed to adapt, to serve, and to provide a warm, elegant backdrop to everyday life.
At LINEN + ORCHID, we believe in creating spaces that reflect not just the beauty of great design, but the unique stories of the people who live in them. If you’re looking to transform your home into something that feels both timeless and personal, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
LINEN + ORCHID
Principal Designer
“I’m honored to help you find Your Sanctuary Within."
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