At the heart of Farmington, designer Kate Smith was struck by the idea of drawing inspiration from a French kitchen style. This vision would later prove to be a significant milestone, as it has now become one of Smith's featured projects. The essence of her design philosophy plays in the ability to blend aesthetics with kitchen functionality. Marble countertops, pristine white cabinetry, and a white tile backsplash all played a pivotal role in the debut of this incredible transformation.
Kate Smith in her French country kitchen, where classic charm meets custom craftsmanship. Framed by the soft gleam of a brass range hood, the space reflects her thoughtful design approach — timeless, functional, and uniquely her own.
The Vision Behind the Project
The last renovation the house saw was decades ago, more precisely around the 1990s. "I had wanted a house that was a bit of a project," she said. So it was nothing new in terms of what she was aiming for. At the counter's end, everything was aligning with the challenge that Smith had envisioned—to undertake a renovation, and what's more, to do it in her own home.
A stunning blend of elegance and charm — the brass range hood anchors the space with warmth, while soft blue pendant lights and matching chairs add a refreshing pop of color. Set against crisp white walls and a beautiful checker-patterned wood floor, this French country kitchen is both timeless and brilliantly inviting.
A French Country Kitchen Setting
As you walk in, the kitchen receives you with natural lighting that lingers not only in the kitchen but throughout the entire house. If there is one thing that characterizes Smith's design, it is the use of blues and unique textures across the board. While indulging in the small details of the property, you will find yourself in a calm state, owing to the relaxing nature and color palette with beautiful animal prints. Pops of green and sea blue envelop the entire space, leaving you wondering if you are in a kitchen or an immersive coastal paradise—perhaps both.
When you examine the features that it showcases, you find yourself appreciating the natural patina. The wear and tear of objects are not hidden; they are intended to contribute to the botanical appearance of the place and to complement the exterior. This is a crucial part of the design that you, as the observer, quickly notice. It's a great way to have a place that ages gracefully alongside the house.
A straight-on view captures the pendant lights perfectly framing the brass hood, their soft glow highlighting the harmony between the range, sink faucet, and the home's warm, cohesive design — a masterclass in balance and beauty.
The CopperSmith Classic CX4 Range Hood
As per the centerpiece of the kitchen, our CX4 range hood was the pinnacle of attention of the entire project. Smith was striving for something that collide with the sophistication of the appliances. "I wanted something as elevated as the range but that didn't compete " Says. What gets anyone wondering an eye on the elevated state of the design is is the brass finish of which the CX4 is made out of. Brass just gives that golden luxurious look that comes in handy when dealing with light handed colors, it draws attention from anyone from just seeing the stove hoods as part of a functionality appliance.
The heart of the kitchen is Kate’s dream piece — a stunning brass and blue La Cornue range that perfectly anchors the space. Paired with a matching brass range hood, soft blue pendant lights, white walls, and a warm checkerboard wood floor, the design balances elegance and personality with effortless grace.
Watch the Film
Join designer Kate Smith for an intimate walk-through of her beautifully renovated home, from the sun-drenched entryway to the heart of the house — her French country kitchen. Along the way, she shares design insights, favorite details, and the personal stories behind each thoughtfully curated space. It’s a warm, inspiring tour that brings her vision to life.
Custom-Made Pendants
Just as with most elements of the kitchen, the pendants are custom-made to fit. They are wrapped in Schumacher's Elton cotton check fabric. It's these kinds of textiles that contribute to what people often consider the 'home sweet home' look. Behind the cabinetry doors is the refrigerator, smoothly integrated into the design, avoiding the need for bulky and grey exterior materials commonly found in most fridges. This integration achieves a minimalistic look while giving in to the organizational ease.
Tucked just off the main hallway, a small, storybook stairway leads to the kitchen — its walls wrapped in delicate blue floral wallpaper that feels both fresh and timeless. Soft white carpet underfoot muffles each step, adding a sense of calm as the space opens up to the warm, light-filled heart of the home. It’s a magical transition that sets the tone for the charm that awaits below.
Refinished Hardwood Floors
The hardwood floors were stain on a harlequin patter, It introduces a geometric design that immediately draws an eye an interesting design the kitchen. This flooring pattern adds a sense of dynamism and playfulness to the space, creating an engaging visual element that contrasts beautifully with the kitchen's classic elegance.
A sunlit kitchen nook features a round pedestal table, two chairs, and a soft blue bench. Green plates pop against a blue backdrop, all bathed in warm, south-facing morning light — a perfect blend of charm and calm.
Appliance Garage
Just as it sounds. This was what Kate was named after the cabinet that holds no other than a mixer, toaster, and other essentials. Both interior and exterior wood finish fits in the design, giving no importance in weather the cabinet doors are open or not. Through the cabinet window you can see beautiful glassware that accentuates the design of it even further. "The brass grilles from Armac Martin are one of my favorite details in the kitchen" says.
Shinny Cabinetry as Daylight & Color Scheme
In any kitchen, what strikes one as good is the one that complements natural lighting. Since white surfaces are highly reflective, it is no surprise that white and gold were chosen as the main featured colors not only for the cabinetry but throughout the entire kitchen as well. Although white is a highly versatile color that pairs easily with any other, it makes for a beautiful combination, especially considering the color palette being dealt with as we explore the kitchen. Furthermore, white creates the illusion of a bigger space, making majestic kitchens look even more expansive and setting a particular mood within. Entering an atmosphere of calmness also helps to further appreciate how the perfect combination of colors does exist, considering there is an abstract ideal of color palette combinations. There is white and blue. Although, of course, gold also makes an astonishing presence in the project's decorative elements like handles, faucets, and the range hood itself, it just goes to show how a timeless classic like this never fades away in beauty. So in conclusion:
Sea Blue:
- Gives off a calming and serene environment, reminiscent of looking at the ocean.
- It's a versatile way to add color depth without much concern for style matching. Great for various styles, from coastal to contemporary.
- Complements gold and white perfectly.
Gold:
- Contributes to a luxurious and elegant look.
- Warm gold balances the temperature contrast.
- It's the perfect way to create focal points.
White:
- Enhances natural and artificial light.
- Creates the illusion of a bigger space.
- Poses as neutral, helping other colors to stand out.
White cabinets with brass handles, chic patterned wallpaper, and a warm wood checkerboard floor come together to make this kitchen feel original, inviting, and effortlessly elegant — with just the right touch of fun.
Abstractness On Art and Printing
Art is a reflection of personal taste and an introduction to the mind of the designer. Serving art in an abstract form enhances the color palette, complementing and contrasting with the current color scheme. In this case, we encounter many playful patterns: the use of floral wallpaper and a splash of color in the painting. This creates a juxtaposition of artistic dimensions, as the painting introduces a modern aspect to the kitchen while the wallpaper has a more classical and old-fashioned feel.
An abstract piece in soft blues and warm brass tones echoes the home's palette — a subtle, brilliant touch that ties the space together beautifully.
Golden Sink Faucet
The warm metallic tones is a make or break when it comes to any kitchen design and this is where this project shines, it mimics the opulance of a luxury kitchen but it still gives you comfort and settlement that you are entering into a sanctuary of mindfulness and having flowers there just adds to the flair of it. If you observe carefully you'll notice that the marble countertop and backsplash come in harmony and its pattern doesn't corrupt the overall aesthetic.
A white cast iron farmhouse sink paired with a brass faucet sits beneath a sunlit window — a timeless, glowing moment of form and function.
Design Philosophy
Kate Smith's design philosophy touches on elegance, modern flair, and nature revelation. This underscores the importance of building designs that stand the test of time, as this can have a proven effect on encouraging people to conform to what they see as trends evolve. This creates a connection to where Kate's genius lies: in her ability to showcase these timeless elements with an up-to-date and unique perspective. It's not only about recreating the past but reimagining it, adding modern details that enhance her designs and bring them to the forefront of contemporary style.
Kate Smith — Designing Timeless Spaces with Effortless Elegance
Credits:
Designer: Kate Smith Interiors
Photography: Erin Kestenbaum