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Modern Matter Blog
A Bright and Cheerful Kitchen Reno
Designed by Tamara Day
Designer and host of Magnolia Network's Bargain Mansions, Tamara Day is a purveyor of "laid-back luxe." When not working on her show or interior design business, this busy mom of four is spending time with her family and making her home beautiful and practical. So when it came time to renew her kitchen, she knew that hardware would make a big impact, adding elegance while maintaining a functional space.
Q: Why did you want to renovate your kitchen?
A: When I initially renovated my kitchen in 2008, I splurged on the appliances and quality cabinetry, but upgraded countertops and hardware weren’t in my budget. And after 15 years, I was ready for a refresh. But this time, I wasn’t playing it safe! Bigger, better, bolder.
All photography by Paul Versluis.
Photography by Paul Versluis
Q: What is the key to achieving the perfect mix of functional and aesthetic in a kitchen?
The key to achieving the perfect mix of function and fabulous is paying attention to your lifestyle and expectations of the space. For my kitchen, I used a high-gloss lacquer finish so that it was easily wipeable and incredibly durable. And then, I added the statement hardware with an oversized look that is also timeless and classic.
“The key to achieving the perfect mix of function and fabulous is paying attention to your lifestyle and expectations of the space.“
Q: Could you describe your design process?
My design process is pulling everything I love into one spot. I just throw everything together in the beginning, and then I start picking it apart.
I knew I wanted a bright blue, but not over the top, so that was the first thing we picked. I painted around 30 different swatches of light blue, and then I had about 10 high-gloss enamel swatches done of my
favorites before I finally landed on Brittany Blue by Benjamin Moore. I also knew I wanted a natural brass finish in all the hardware and faucet and that Modern Matter's hardware was the perfect place to lean into.
Now, the blue and the brass are the first things anyone notices in my kitchen.
Q: When designing this space, what was the most important factor for you?
A: When I was designing the space, the most important thing to me was creating a bright, cheerful space that felt elegant but comfortable at the same time. The high-gloss bright blue feels a little fussy, but the unlacquered burnished brass hardware gives it that lived-in, laid-back luxe look that I love.
Q: What are your favorite details or products used on this project?
A: My two favorite details in the kitchen are, for sure, the hardware and the drain board built into my countertop! I wish I had made it bigger and on both sides. It’s so fantastic and functional, and somehow my kitchen looks more done when I’ve got a couple dishes drying on it, which is perfect because that’s all the time.
“Finding ways to elevate the design in the small details, like the
hardware or the color really creates a one-of-a-kind experience in your home.“
Q: Any tips for creating a timeless, functional kitchen?
The biggest trend in kitchens and homes right now is creating spaces that are unique for you. No more cookie-cutter, same as the neighbors. Finding ways to elevate the design in the small details, like the hardware or the color really creates a one-of-a-kind experience in your home, and what’s better than having a space that is uniquely yours?
Photography by Sean Litchfield
Q: Where can we keep up with your work?
A: Follow me on Instagram @tamaraday and @tamaradaydesign, and check out my website www.tamaraday.com
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