E L E VAT I N G T H E FA R M H O U S E HAVING a comfortable gathering space with room to host
their three young children and large extended family was a
top-level item of importance for Molly and Brad Tilyou when
developing a vision for their new kitchen in the Windward
Oaks neighborhood.
“Our kitchen was designed around our lifestyle, as well as the need to
accommodate a crowd and entertain,” Molly Tilyou says. “Function played
just as big of a part in the design as the fashionable choices of materials and
finishes.”
Three large windows placed over the farmhouse-style sink bring natural
light indoors and provide a view of the outdoor living areas, which include
a covered porch and deck, play house, and pool. Shiplap trim work and a
fun splash of blue distinguish the center island, an essential design feature
for the couple.
“As a large family who loves to entertain, our lives revolve around the
kitchen island,” Tilyou says.
To create a point of interest
and a backdrop for the hustle
and bustle, a dynamic feature
wall was placed over the
cooktop, incorporating a
picket fence tile backsplash,
a custom-made vent hood
from Port City Cabinets, and
floating shelves from Austin
Trotman of Trotty’s Custom
Carpentry.
In their search for a design
that would successfully inte-grate
their favorite elements
from the contemporary farm-house
aesthetic, the Tilyous
collaborated with Maggie
Pinson of The Magnolia
Project.
“Maggie helped us dial in
the details in every room,
from the kitchen design
to the wall colors, flooring
types and styles — you
name it, she helped us find the right items to go with our individual preferences,”
Tilyou adds.
Online purchases include lighting and cabinetry hardware. Jute pendant light fixtures
illuminate the central island, and sconces in an antique brass finish highlight the feature
wall. Satin gold drawer and cabinet pulls pop against the chalk white cabinets, adding a
touch of elegance and style.
One of the more surprising finds that Tilyou and Pinson uncovered occurred locally in
their search for the kitchen sink, found on the sales rack at Lowe’s Home Improvement.
“We added a single panel swinging pantry door that feels traditionally farmhouse, but
sleek enough to go with our cabinetry,” Tilyou says.
april 2021 56
WBM