“Our clients are an amazingly warm, vibrant couple with two school-aged kids,” designer Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski tells us. “They purchased the home as newlyweds in 2002 and have been saving for this renovation for years! They actually approached our builder, Kingsgate Construction, first, hoping to create more room and especially a bigger and more functional kitchen by expanding the house out the sides and back. Our design team, Tiffany Leigh Design, was quickly brought on board to help our clients get the most out of the renovation from an aesthetic and functional perspective!”

The family explained that they didn’t want anything too precious in the space. “They made it clear early on that they live in their house hard, weren’t interested in living in an all white house, and, gasp, they didn’t want brass fixtures,” Tiffany laughs. “We are known for our crisp white walls, so it was a fun challenge to bring warmer tones into the walls and cabinetry while still working to achieve a fresh and light-filled space.”

In the foyer, the designer put down a large indoor/outdoor rug. “We added a mirror to bounce light and because everyone likes to check themselves out before heading out the door. It’s a lovely vignette for catching keys and mail, but also sets the tone for the rest of the home from a visual perspective,” she says. Moving into the living area, it’s clear the small space is highly functional. The custom sofa is upholstered in a durable indoor/outdoor fabric to ward off stains, while two charcoal grey chairs swivel for easy TV watching. “The husband requested a leather recliner to replace his old, beloved La-Z-Boy, so we found an attractive and streamlined updated version in glowy-brown leather that he loves,” Tiffany adds. There are built-ins on either side of the fireplace for extra storage, and a sleek Samsung Frame TV with digital art on the screen when not in use.

In the kitchen, they maxed out storage with two full walls of cabinetry. (No trendy open shelving here!) “Because the client didn’t want an all-white home, we opted for a light putty/greige color (Benjamin Moore’s Balboa Mist) on the perimeter cabinets and a navy island,” she explains. “We added interest and a nod to tradition with an oversized beveled subway tile in Calacatta marble, which we took right to the ceiling.” They added contemporary matte black fixtures, as the client doesn’t care for brass, while soft window coverings and oil paintings bring a cozy, inviting vibe to the room.

There is a breakfast bar that serves as a great spot for homework, a modern formal dining room with a dark and moody color palette, and a primary suite that feels like a separate oasis for the busy parents of two. (The designer speaks to more details in the slideshow!) All in all, the space is highly functional and incredibly beautiful–which is exactly what the family hoped for. After nearly two decades in the home, it’s no surprise that emotions were running high when the homeowners finally saw their completed space. “It was a very emotional renovation,” Tiffany recalls. “We all shed a couple of tears on the big reveal day! They trusted our team implicitly on the creatives throughout the project and were willing to take some risks.” Even though the pandemic delayed everything by about 6 months, the clients were very understanding and patient–a great reminder that good things come to those who wait.