JEWEL BOX KITCHEN
In this newly reimagined kitchen project, I began the transformation with a clean slate. Everything was fully demolished and thoughtfully reconfigured to create a space that felt both effortless and intentional. The original kitchen lacked flow due to an awkward peninsula that interrupted circulation and limited how the room could function from day to day. To bring the home into a more modern way of living, I replaced the peninsula with a central island while opening up sightlines, improving movement through the space, and creating a natural hub for cooking, gathering, and everyday life. Set in one of Fresno’s most storied neighborhoods, the finished kitchen now feels like a jewel box—polished, luminous, and layered with detail.
A striking black La Cornue range sets the tone, acting as the room’s bold focal point and lending a sense of European heritage to an otherwise modern palette. It was positioned beneath a sculptural plaster-style hood to create a soft, architectural frame. Behind the range is a gallery-like backdrop. The backsplash creates a dramatic canvas, a sweeping slab with expressive veining that moves like a brushstroke across the surface and immediately draws you in.
To balance that drama, natural wood tones were introduced to ground the space and add warmth. The island’s wood base brings a rich, organic counterpoint to the crisp perimeter cabinetry, creating depth and texture that keeps the palette from feeling too pristine. I love the way the wood softens the clean lines and makes the kitchen feel welcoming and lived-in. With seating that invites lingering, the island has become the everyday center for morning coffee, homework, and casual entertaining.
On the ceiling, sculptural black and brass light fixtures were layered to punctuate the plane and echo the range’s dark, elegant edge. Those warm brass notes are carried throughout with hardware and accents, adding a subtle glow that catches the light and keeps the room feeling luminous even alongside the stronger black moments. That balance of dark and light, sleek and natural, bold and restrained, is what gives the kitchen its jewel box quality. Every surface considered, every finish intentional, and every element sparkling in its own understated way.
Along the perimeter, classic cabinetry in a soft, warm white creates a tailored envelope that feels bright yet inviting. I also tucked in a bar area with fluted glass-front cabinetry for visual rhythm and a hint of glamour. My goal was for everything to feel cohesive but not overly matched—for the room to feel refined, layered, and quietly confident, like a space that has always belonged in a neighborhood defined by character and charm.
At its core, this kitchen is a reminder that the most beautiful spaces are also the most livable. By reimagining the layout from the ground up, swapping a restrictive peninsula for a welcoming island, and pairing standout elements like the La Cornue range with natural wood tones and dramatic veining, the space feels elevated, welcoming, and made for real life—an intimate jewel box in the middle of Old Fig Garden, designed to perform beautifully and to be enjoyed even more.
Interiors Contributor Katie Mendrin
Photographer Ellie Koleen
