Photos by Spacecrafting/Rob Grosse
Oftentimes, galley kitchens can radiate charm within their small space, but they aren’t exactly drenched in natural light. It can be difficult to wrap large windows into a galley kitchen’s layout, which is why we’re convinced Coco Perry Design and Hendel Homes worked a miracle in this Locust Hills kitchen.
But first, homeowners Sacha Martin and Mike Darula entrusted Pamela Cariveau, founder of Coco Perry Design, to help find their dream home: a dreary 2007 Wayzata abode ready for reinvention. Cariveau spearheaded its architectural addition and interior updates, and over the course of nine months, the dark, outdated kitchen with red-hued woodwork became a primary focus. “After having the architectural plans drawn up, I took the project to Hendel Homes, who I knew would do an incredible job making my vision for this home come to life.”
The homeowners ultimately envisioned the new heart of their home to be saturated in sunlight. Rick Hendel, co-owner of Hendel Homes alongside partner Amy Hendel, says the kitchen was intentionally designed to maximize just that.
After gutting the entire space, Cariveau and the team created a brighter look within the “old-world shingle-style home” with the help of elements like a Lincoln Calacatta marble countertop and backsplash to “bounce the light and create an airy feeling.”
In addition to the sunlight pouring into the space and reflecting off each luxurious, hand-selected surface, Martin says her vision included “perfect lighting, because warm lighting creates a warm atmosphere.” One example includes the pair of chandeliers dangling over the island, which Martin says she loves “because they have a warm glow to them, and you can’t see the light bulbs—I never want to see a light bulb.”
Other transformations included bringing the reclaimed wood beams back to their natural beauty, creating bespoke cabinet door profiles, installing a large island reminiscent of a gathering table, and collaborating with artisans to custom-blend the paint, stains, and plaster finishes. With an atmosphere that can only be described as light and bright, this kitchen now shines beautifully.
Stylish Swap-Outs
Although this kitchen is undeniably gorgeous, perhaps you’d like to emulate it with some slight changes throughout. One element that can be seamlessly swapped out is the Lincoln Calacatta marble, which Cariveau says can be replaced with Cambria’s new design quartz Inverness Blakeley. “This durable finish would be great for a family that doesn’t want the care or worry of a natural stone countertop but still wants the look of real marble.” She also shares that Visual Comfort & Co.’s Lorelei Waterfall Chandelier by designer Julie Neill would be a “fabulous swap” for the island chandeliers.
