Cultivating a Classic

Styling by Katie Calnin | Photography by Shanna Wolf

Katie Calnin, founder and principal designer at Calnin Design Studio, assembled this mood board to reflect a “classic, European-inspired kitchen.”

Clockwise from top left:

  • Vintage jar, Calnin’s own
  • vintage mirror, Atomic Antiques
  • Calnin House Avery tea towel, $18
  • brass sample, Hudson Valley Lighting
  • Zia Tile Zellige Casablanca and Glazed Earth tiles, $18.85/sq.ft, ziatile.com
  • vintage copper vase, Atomic Antiques
  • Benjamin Moore Wind’s Breath and Stonecutter paint samples, benjaminmoore.com
  • Vermont Quarries Corp. Montclair marble sample
  • Calnin House olive wood cooking spoon set, $28
  • wood and brass samples, worleyslighting.com
  • wood flooring sample, Calnin’s own
  • Zia Tile Zellige Slate Gray tile, $18.85/sq. ft., ziatile.com

Try it at Home

Katie Calnin, founder and principal designer of Madison-based Calnin Design Studio, designed this kitchen (top photo) for Richland Center-based Anaway Place, a rental property owned by her parents. It’s also the inspiration for the mood board she created (above).

“We took inspiration from the British countryside. The cabinets were painted dark blue and we hung pendant lights over the island that have a beautiful simplicity,” she explains. “We put tongue and groove wood paneling behind the stove instead of a traditional backsplash. And, we used a black quartz countertop on the back wall and a marble-like quartz on the island.”

Calnin gives some tips for creating a “classic, European-inspired kitchen:”

  • Source vintage artwork. She loves peppering in thrift and vintage pieces, adding that Atomic Antiques and St. Vincent de Paul are two local favorites. “If you find just a frame [you like], take out what’s in there and replace it with a vintage-looking print.” She also likes shopvintagesupply.com.
  • Paint your cabinets. Calnin likes cream, greens or deep blues. “It gives the kitchen a very classic feel … and [adds] a British or European vibe to [the] space.”
  • Add in classy accents. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware pulls and kitchen fixtures patina over time, and are a favorite of Calnin’s. She also likes peppering in gooseneck sconces and task lighting for interest.

Like what you see? Calnin’s forthcoming Calnin House store is slated to open at 2237 Winnebago St. in October, where she’ll offer kitchenware, home décor, bedding and more.

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