Sometimes, the best designs are born from a journey of inspiration, adaptation, and a healthy dose of embracing the unexpected. That’s exactly what happened with this recent kitchen remodel in Anoka, Minnesota, brought to life by the creative direction of Emily Pueringer Design Studio. The homeowner initially drew inspiration from a previous project of ours, mentioning that she essentially wanted a very similar design… However, after digging a little deeper together in discovery, we quickly deviated to something more unique to our specific client & true to the home’s bones. Here at EPDS, we believe inspiration can come from anywhere, but the final result should be a reflection of the individual style and needs.

A little backstory – The home was actually the client’s grandma’s home, built 60 years prior, it was time to pass their beloved home to their grandson. Grandma even attended one of the design meetings and was elated to see a fresh new look into the home that stayed true to the home’s era. It was so so special to us to have grandma on board + involved in the design process with us.

Our client’s desired style was warm, inviting, and slightly untamed; the perfect fit for an EPDS project. The client described their aesthetic as “cozy chaos” envisioning a kitchen brimming with warm wood tones from the floors to the cabinets all the way to some new ceiling beams, along with practical elements like an appliance garage and sleek, panel-ready appliances for a seamless look. The clients also wanted to lean a bit retro in personality, so fixtures were selected that nodded to that era with an antique brass metal finish. These subtle distinctions + preferences helped our design studio focus on capturing the specific nostalgic charm the client was after.

So, how do you translate “cozy chaos” and turn it into a cohesive and stylish kitchen?

No retro revival is complete without meticulous attention to detail. Let’s dive into the key design elements that made this project a resounding success:

One of the most striking features is the two-tone oak cabinetry. This ingenious idea, conceived by EPDS, beautifully bridges the gap between the existing darker, dated oak trim found throughout the house and the client’s desire for warm honey oak floors. The result is a cohesive + visually appealing transition that feels both modern and respectful of the home’s original character. Adding to the charm, panel details were incorporated above the backsplash & on the island cabinetry. This design element felt perfectly in sync with the existing paneling in the home, offering a fresh and updated take on a classic 70s retro vibe while adding texture + visual interest. Speaking of the island, its large size and big drawers feel surprisingly light and airy thanks to its elevated placement on legs. This design prevented the island from feeling too heavy or imposing. The cabinet hardware subtly echoes the existing antique brass finish found throughout the home, creating a coordinated yet curated look. This consistency is further enhanced by the carefully chosen new lighting and faucets. 

Quartzite Countertops: Embracing the Wild Side: Forget subtle and understated; The client boldly requested wild, multicolored quartzite countertops with prominent veining. This daring choice, which was music to our ears, was truly a statement piece and anchored the kitchen; it’s both unexpected and undeniably captivating and according to Emily, made this a truly unique and memorable one.

The tiled hood above the range is another design element spearheaded by EPDS. The client instantly fell in love with the glazed amber brick tiles that were proposed, and it serves as a stunning focal point in the kitchen. The rich amber draws you in & was the perfect tone for this era of home and paid homage to the clients request of warmth. The rest of the backsplash features a tamed creamy quartzite stone creating a clean, uncluttered look, allowing the tiled hood to truly shine as the focal point. This clever decision also prevents the amber tile from feeling overwhelming if it had been used throughout the entire backsplash.

The result is a kitchen that perfectly embodies the client’s vision of “cozy chaos” – a space that is both stylish and inviting, with a touch of retro charm. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. By understanding the client’s unique vision and translating it into a cohesive and stylish space, Emily Pueringer has created a kitchen that’s not just functional, but also a true reflection of the homeowner’s personality and the story of their home.