Text by Holly Seng
After discovering interior designer Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchens & Baths on Instagram, this Rockville, Maryland, chef teamed up with the designer to bring her dream kitchen to life, gaining a new friend in the process.
Known for her ability to balance function and beauty in the heart of the home, Tanya reimagined the previously closed-off space, creating the open kitchen her client desired. “Her inspiration was more organic,” says Tanya. “She wanted it to be more of an earthy kind of kitchen.”
Inset cabinets painted a custom blend by Sherwin-Williams evoke fine craftsmanship as their soothing shade infuses a dash of color to the primarily neutral scheme. Capturing the allure of marble while boasting greater durability, quartzite countertops were the ideal option for the expansive island and surrounding counters, offering ample space to prep meals before making use of the chef-worthy stove.
Touches of warm woods add plenty of charm—from the trim along the range hood fashioned using reclaimed wood from a vintage barn to the white oak island. With the island being the central gathering spot and most used space, Tanya opted to forgo paint, which would be less likely to hold up to everyday wear and tear, instead letting it shine in its natural state. “We did a vintage quartersawn white oak so it could patina over time,” she says. “With the oak, it just adds more character the more it’s used.”
Finishing off the design with a contemporary flair, the custom-made light fixtures pair aged brass with milk glass for a fresh take on classic elements. “It’s more of taking the modern with the rustic, and I think that’s where you get your timeless approach from,” says Tanya. “You’re putting a little bit of the new with a lot of the old, and it just keeps it fresh.”
Form truly meets function in this captivating remodel, delivering ageless appeal all while sparking an enduring friendship between client and designer. “This project turned into a beautiful friendship,” says Tanya. “Working together has been very amazing.”
