Interior stylist and blogger Kirsten Grove, recently set out on a total renovation of a mid-century Idaho home that was stuck in the 90s. (Think crystal chandeliers and brown countertops.) She and her husband do most of the work themselves adding character, ingenuity and style to every room with simple materials and a monochromatic pallette. Grove is also the author of Simply Styling, a practical guide to creating a stylish and lived-in home. We caught up with Grove recently in between book tour prep to chat about her new matte black kitchen featuring Polycor's Alberene Soapstone.
Out of all the materials you could have chosen (including the concrete you had in a previous home), why were soapstone countertops appealing?
Did the black color of the waxed soapstone drive the design, or the other way around?
What inspired your design?
I love Dean & DeLuca and I’ve always wanted to create a kitchen that had that same feel to it. They have always incorporated a lot of wood elements, blacks, grey and whites in their locations. The design allows the food to pop and the space to feel clean. With the help of soapstone counters, black stainless appliances and white walls with no uppers, I think we have achieved a minimalist kitchen that I am now able to style with items that make a kitchen feel like a statement room.
Kirsten's design board
How do you feel about materials that patina and wear over time? I'm thinking soapstone of course, but also wood, metal, really good jeans.
For a galley kitchen your kitchen is highly integrated into the living space. Tell me about your decision to waterfall the stone and how it relates to the dining and living spaces.
See more waxed soapstone kitchens here.
Your reno is a dramatic transformation. Describe how you felt when you swapped out those brown speckly granite for black kitchen countertops.
