Kensington Kitchen Reveal: A Modern Nancy Meyers Moment
There’s a certain kind of kitchen that makes you feel instantly at ease—where the light pours in just beautifully, the scent of coffee lingers in the air, and conversation flows as easily as the wine. The kind of kitchen that could be the backdrop to a Nancy Meyers film: timeless, elegant, warm, and full of lived-in charm. Our Kensington Kitchen Renovation captures just that feeling—modern, yes, but with all the soft, layered beauty that makes a house a home.
As we unveil this special space, we’re walking you through the six elements that give it that signature “Meyers magic,” plus a few more of our favorite details that made this project one of our most memorable.
1. Spacious and Airy Layout
Nancy Meyers kitchens are made for moments—both the quiet early-morning ones and the buzzy, full-house kind. That was our guiding intention here. We reimagined the footprint to prioritize flow and function, starting with the rounded island, which offers the perfect perch for coffee chats or wine with friends while dinner simmers on the stove.
For larger gatherings, guests can move seamlessly from the island to the dining table, which sits comfortably within the open kitchen layout. And just beyond a newly created arched opening, we added a walk-in pantry—previously just open space—which now reads as a room of its own thanks to thoughtful millwork, a tiled-in niche, and a view-framing arch that adds both form and function.
Before, this kitchen was a galley style with the fridge all the way at the end and the dining room separated in front of it. We brought the dining into the the kitchen space to create an open and welcoming feel, while closing of the back section to create the walk in pantry. Take a look at these before and afters:
B E F O R E
B E F O R E
2. Creamy, Neutral Color Palette
Nothing dates a kitchen faster than trendy finishes. For Kensington, we leaned into a timeless, tonal palette—a soft mix of warm woods, creamy neutrals, and just a whisper of color. The Taj Mahal quartzite countertops anchor the room with elegance, while the porcelain checkerboard floor, laid on the diagonal for added depth, brings quiet character.
A terracotta-hued dining chair adds an understated pop—earthy, warm, and just unexpected enough to feel collected rather than coordinated. To echo that warmth and elevate the overall composition, we hung an oversized collage by LA-based artist Jackie Leishman on the wall. Her pieces are beautifully layered and richly textured—this one, in particular, picks up the tone of the dining chairs perfectly and adds an organic, artful moment that balances the cabinetry and millwork with softness and soul. I absolutely love everything she creates.
3. Classic Cabinetry with a Twist
We knew from the beginning that we wanted the cabinetry to feel elevated but approachable. So instead of a traditional shaker, we used a slim shaker profile in a warm wood tone for the main kitchen. In the pantry, we contrasted it with ivory white cabinetry, adding visual interest while keeping the palette cohesive. Simple, elegant and timeless knobs adorn all of the cabinetry to create continuity between the two spaces. The combination gives the whole kitchen a tailored, unfussy charm—classic, but current.
4. Statement Range and Hood
Every great kitchen needs a moment—and in Kensington, it’s the range wall. Our clients were drawn to the Café range from the start, so we let that inform the design. We paired it with a custom plaster hood with a soft, sculptural curve that echoes the kitchen’s rounded island and arched features. It sits centered on the wall like a piece of art—beautiful, but not too precious.
Above the range, we created a curved backsplash detail in Taj Mahal quartzite that subtly mirrors the hood’s silhouette and enhances the overall softness of the space. The combination of all of these elements creates a quiet feature that anchors the whole room.
5. Warm, Layered Lighting
Lighting is the unsung hero of any kitchen—and this one layers it beautifully. We selected fixtures that feel like jewelry for the room, mixing silhouettes and materials while keeping everything grounded in warm brass.
The island pendant features playful brass bars and frosted orbs, while sconces over the windows echo its finish. In the dining area, a linen pendant adds softness and sculptural interest. And in the pantry? A small table lamp tucked into the tiled niche gives off the most magical glow. It’s the kind of detail you don’t know you need until you experience it.
6. Inviting, Lived-In Details
The finishing touch—the soul of the space—is always in the styling. We layered in vintage vessels, textured ceramics, linen dish towels, and worn breadboards to bring a lived-in warmth to every corner. These collected details make the kitchen feel not just designed, but loved.
Get The Look
Every detail in this kitchen was chosen with care—from the softly curved lighting to the timeworn accessories that give the space its soul. Below, we’ve rounded up the pieces (or similar ones) that helped bring the Kensington kitchen to life, so you can bring a bit of that warm, layered beauty into your own home.
Ready for Your Own Kitchen Story?
We believe every home tells a story—and every kitchen should feel like the heart of it. If you’re dreaming of your own fresh start or thoughtful renovation, we’d love to help bring it to life. And if you’d like to check out all the photos from this kitchen renovation, click the link below!