Design is most impactful when it tells a personal story. For this kitchen remodel in Richmond, VA, we had the privilege of translating a client’s love for New York City into a sophisticated, highly customized culinary space. This kitchen remodel went beyond modernizing a room. It was about creating a functional piece of art; an effort that earned the NARI Central Virginia CotY Award for Residential Kitchens. Welcome to a kitchen remodel that doesn’t just serve meals, but tells a story.
Bringing the New York Skyline Into This Kitchen Remodel
The crown jewel of this kitchen remodel is the custom-etched metal backsplash. Inspired by the homeowner’s childhood trips to New York City, this functional piece of art features iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Queensboro Bridge.
Local Virginia metal artist Small Axe Forge brought this vision to life using layers of etched stainless steel, copper, and brass. To add depth and a lived-in urban feel, the stainless steel in the foreground was heated and acid-etched to create rich, dark brown tones. Look closely at the range wall and you’ll find a tribute to Brooklyn Brownstones, complete with tree-lined streets recreated in shimmering metal. To ensure the artistry of this kitchen remodel remains a focal point regardless of the time of day, we integrated under-cabinet lighting and ambient layers to give the city a radiant, cinematic glow.
Kitchen Remodel Details That Capture Classic New York Elegance
The theme for this kitchen remodel centers on a stunning juxtaposition: the Pre-War elegance of historic New York apartment living paired with modern industrialization. We achieved this balance by pairing traditional Crystal cabinetry in a light, airy color scheme with rugged, mixed-metal hardware.
We leaned into a mixed-metal aesthetic with precision:
- Hardware Selection: We utilized the same classic hardware style but rotated through three distinct finishes: antique brass, antique silver, and aged pewter.
- Industrial Lighting: Statement fixtures from Shades of Light anchor the island, providing a rustic, handcrafted feel.
- Premium Fixtures: A high-performance Kohler faucet adds a touch of modern luxury and reliable functionality to the prep station.
A Kitchen Remodel That Balances Sophistication and Sentiment
Because the homeowner is a world-traveling jewelry designer, we wanted the space to feel as curated as her collection. We painted the ceiling a pearlized pink to add a soft, feminine touch and to pull in the iridescent tones of the shell mosaic backsplash in the breakfast area. It’s the perfect backdrop for her global treasures!
This kitchen remodel shows exactly what happens when a homeowner’s favorite memories meet expert craftsmanship and high-level design. From the custom-etched skyline to the shell mosaic backsplash, every single detail was designed to give this kitchen a timeless, professional finish that really honors the story behind it.