Gather Together
Story by Nicole Barley
Photography by Dave Bryce
marvistadesignbuild.com
Bryan and Christina Mackrell’s goal for their kitchen remodel was to create an open-concept floor plan. However, as work began, the team at Marvista Design + Build quickly discovered the wall they planned to remove between the kitchen and dining room was not only load-bearing, but housed ductwork, pipes, and electrical connections.
Marvista lead designer, Emily Borne, quickly pivoted to reconfigure the footprint and effectively deliver a spacious design while keeping scope and budget in check.
The homeowners also initially planned for an all-white kitchen, but through the collaborative process with Borne, were inspired toward a warmer color palette. It’s still neutral, but full of depth, and centered around the striking Cassie Chapman marble and mother-of-pearl mosaic backsplash.
To aid in creating the welcoming space they desired, the Mackrells decided to forgo a traditional kitchen table. “I am so happy with my decision,” says Christina. The kitchen is now home to an oversized, custom island, featuring wainscot panels and ash gray quartz Corian countertops. It’s by design that the island is now the family’s main gathering place.
“We’re definitely seeing this COVID-driven trend that’s like, 'We need more space to congregate as a family.’ There’s a ton of stuff going on in our houses now—co-working, co-teaching,” says Michael Jacobs, president of Marvista Design + Build. “Kitchens have become the control center of the entire home because you can multitask in these places. The islands become a collection of everybody. ”
It’s a multifunctional gathering space for everyone’s daily activities, from kids doing homework to parents working remotely, cooking, catching up, and entertaining, he says. Borne focused on delivering a kitchen that was not only beautiful and inviting, but also very organized.
To bring order to the heavily trafficked area, Borne devised custom locker storage for the kids’ toys, book bags, and craft supplies. Equipped with hooks and shelves, the family can quickly tidy their space at the end of the day. The custom cabinetry by Waypoint Living Spaces, in shades called Painted Stone and Linen, is loaded with built-in organizational features as well.
“Christina and Bryan are vegan,” says Borne. “Teaching their kids how to cook and connect with the food that they’re eating is very important to them.”
A look inside the cabinets reveals eight, full-width rollout trays; six deep drawers for pots and pans; a double wastebasket cabinet; a large cutlery divider for cooking utensils; a utensil divider for flatware; and vertical storage above the oven for easy access to large items like cookie sheets and serving platters.
Natural light pours in through the sliding doors leading to the porch, while recessed lighting with settings for daytime and evening provide a just-right atmosphere, any time of day. Finishing touches include Hubbarton Forge “Sprig” light pendants, custom-built hood, Blanco Composite farmhouse sink, Top Knobs brass hardware, and Artesso by Brizo faucet and pot filler.
More than anything, reconfiguring their space has created “more togetherness” for the Mackrell family, says Bryan. They couldn’t be happier with the results.
Appliances
JennAir Double Wall Oven with MultiMode® Convection System
JennAir 36” 6-Burner Gas Cooktop
JennAir 24” Trifecta Dishwasher
Sharp 24” IoT Microwave Drawer
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Founded in 1971, Don’s Appliances is a family-owned, independent appliance retailer based out of Pittsburgh, PA. Don’s has since expanded to 10 locations selling, delivering, installing, and servicing all major appliance brands. Large enough to offer competitive pricing yet small enough to continue offering the “white glove” service we pride ourselves on, our focus is always on the customer experience — from the first step into a showroom to the purchase transaction to well after your new appliance has been installed. When our customers are remodeling or building a new house, Don’s has all the expertise, product knowledge, inventory, brands, displays, and services to meet and exceed your needs. And in the event an appliance breaks, we are there, right on time and with the right product, delivery, installation, and service.
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