Texture STORY

While simple in design, the surfaces and treatments in the kitchen reveal Jan’s skill at creating the industrial cottage aesthetic she loves. Here are some tips to help you tell your own texture story:

BRIGHTEN THE BACKDROP.

White cabinets don’t necessarily require an ultramodern look. Pair white or light-hued cabinetry with earthy elements and textures to move the room’s statement away from austere.

THINK IN PATTERNS.

Echo the patterns created by the flooring with the backsplash. Brick pavers on the floor parallel a subway tile backsplash in Jan’s home. Shop around for inexpensive removable wall panels and wallpapers to quickly and easily refresh the look of your backsplash.

UP YOUR UPCYCLE GAME.

Reuse a piece of furniture for a workstation. The compact island is an old dresser that Jan and J.R. repurposed for the kitchen. The front is painted pale blue and distressed; the couple added a custom butcher block top for a durable work surface. “It has drawers that we use to store a lot of kitchen utensils and larger serving pieces,” Jan notes.

TURN TO METAL.

Low-sheen metals mix well with woods and other natural elements. “I like the wood and metal combination,” says Jan, who integrates the two beautifully with the addition of aged metal stools, a metal pendant lamp over the sink and glass canisters with metal lids. The light fixture over the island combines both wood and metal, polishing the look.