Kitchen of the Week: Splashes of Color and Country Charm

Interior designer Alison Kandler is known for her ability to bring color and collectibles into a home, which happened to be the exact recipe that a young family was looking for in the kitchen of their new spec house in Los Angeles. It already featured high-end appliances and sleek new countertops; the one thing it was lacking was personality. Today it’s got the type of personality and character that draw people in, and a brand-new banquette to make sure everyone has a seat.

Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 4
Location: Los Angeles
Size: 288 square feet (26.7 square meters)
Designer: Alison Kandler Interior Design

Assorted country knickknacks — such as ceramic chickens and bread boxes, all purchased from flea markets — are sprinkled throughout the space. Two vibrant green Windsor counter stools and a pair of yellow industrial pendant lights add splashes of color to the mostly white kitchen.

Kitchen stools: Mulligan’s; yellow pendants: Urban Electric Co.


A white farmhouse sink, white Shaker cabinets and a white quartz countertop make up the canvas of the kitchen, but the colorful details are what add character. Yellow ceramic hardware replaced the original metal hardware, and an orange and cream fabric was used for the window curtain.

“Something as little as changing the hardware can completely transform the feel of the space and add tons of personality,” Kandler says.

Curtain fabric: Galbraith & Paul; yellow ceramic hardware: Anthropologie


Kandler says that a large bay window in the kitchen was practically screaming out for a banquette. A large table and two chairs have been teamed with a custom banquette that includes 30-inch-deep built-in drawers that the family uses to store placemats and napkins. “It’s the type of space that the whole family can pile into and enjoy a relaxing morning breakfast or a family game night,” Kandler says.

Kitchen stools and banquette table: Mulligan’s; yellow pendants: Urban Electric Co.; banquette pleather: Kravet; curtain fabric: Galbraith & Paul


A collection of framed vintage fruit advertisements lines a wall near the banquette. The custom ceiling light over the table complements the pendant light hanging over the sink.

Flip through a collection of 91 kitchen banquettes


Gray pleather from Kravet covers the banquette cushion, and indoor-outdoor fabric covers the pillows. “With two young kids, the homeowners were very conscious about using easy-to-clean materials,” Kandler says. “Spills are no big deal in this kitchen.”



The kitchen is a chef’s dream with its dual gas range, double oven and pot filler. With all of its great appliances, the kitchen begs for culinary experiments. “It was our goal to create a comfortable and personalized space that encouraged both family and friends to stay awhile,” Kandler says.

Backsplash tile: Ann Sacks; range: Wolf


The built-in refrigerator includes one door covered in chalkboard paint and another covered in orange magnetic fabric. “I love magnetic fabric. It’s such a fun way to add color to a space,” Kandler says. “I also used it in one of the kids’ rooms to create a large bulletin board.”

Wallpaper: Galbraith & Paul

How to make your own chalkboard paint


A bright yellow glass door opens to the kitchen’s pantry, where custom wood shelves hold a collection of antique wood storage boxes. The wallpapered ceiling featuring lemons completes the scene.

Ceiling wallpaper: Serena & Lily

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