How This Homeowner's Best Friend Designed Her Cozy Kitchen

Two decades of BFF-ing make for one great space. Take a tour with HGTV Magazine, plus find out what paint colors and products they chose to make their kitchen dreams come true.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these affiliate links.
August 29, 2019

Photo by: Lisa Romerein

Lisa Romerein

Most people don’t get to buy a house then call a friend at 11:30 p.m. to chat about kitchen tile they just spotted on Pinterest — but when your best friend’s a designer, you do.

That’s what happened after Karrie Kuruzar and her husband, Tim, bought their 1950s Los Angeles bungalow in 2015. Suddenly Karrie’s longtime pal, designer Stephanie Ballard, was on super-speed-dial. “I almost felt more excited about having Stephanie decorate our first house than owning it!” says Karrie, who’s known Stephanie since they were high school cheerleaders back in Muncie, Indiana.

I was extra motivated to have a cozy kitchen because we like to sit here, have a drink, and dish.

Karrie

Guided by Karrie’s requests for someplace cozy, happy and kid-friendly—for the Kuruzars’ 1-year-old, Landon—Stephanie opened up the cramped, never-updated kitchen, replaced the floors and cabinets, put in an island and a breakfast nook and finished with punches of pattern and color. “Stephanie and I agreed on everything — Tim was the one we had to convince,” says Karrie. But the pair can be pretty persuasive…teamwork all the way.

Reno Details

Island Color (for a similar look): Thundercloud by Dunn-Edwards

Photo by: Lisa Romerein

Lisa Romerein

Island Color (for a similar look): Thundercloud by Dunn-Edwards

Island

Karrie knew she wanted a colorful island—just no idea what color. Stephanie found the winner by accident, on a teal jewelry box at a designer event she attended in Las Vegas. She took a pic and got paint custom-blended to match; the friends dubbed it “Las Vegas Peacock.”

Counter Stools

“Tim and I entertain a lot, so I told Stephanie my stools had to feel good to sit on for two hours at least,” says Karrie. Stephanie got wide ones made and covered them in a geometric-print Carolina Irving linen. “With the island, the set looks like a party!” she says.

Lighting

The pendants above the island are modeled after ones in the friends’ favorite Mexican restaurant. “I looked up and said, ‘I really, really like these lights,’ ” says Karrie. “Next thing I knew, Stephanie was standing on the bar with a measuring tape getting the dimensions.”

Cabinets

Since the island is the star, Stephanie and Karrie picked out simple Shaker-style cabinets in creamy white (Milk Glass by Dunn-Edwards). Pulls from Knobdeals.com and knobs from Rejuvenation in an oil-rubbed bronze finish have casual vintage vibes.

Tile and Shelves

Karrie had her heart set on an intricate terra-cotta tile from Tabarka Studio, but it was a tad over budget. Stephanie’s solution: Use it in an inset above the stove, surrounded by textured subway tile. Open shelves of reclaimed oak warm up all the white.

Photo by: Lisa Romerein

Lisa Romerein

Built-in Bench

So what if there’s no dining room? The L-shaped bench seating can accommodate its fair share of guests. The cushion is covered in stain-repellent Thibaut Crypton fabric, and a mix of patterned pillows spunk it up.

Table and Chairs

The trestle oak table was custom-made to fit the space. The vintage midcentury chairs are from a flea market; Stephanie recovered the seats using a Bolivian blanket. “It took her four hours,” says Karrie. “I sat there drinking wine.”

Lighting

For a cool twist on a classic, Stephanie swapped plain shades for burlap-covered ones on the chandelier by Visual Comfort. Gold-tinged Roman shades on the windows, made with John Robshaw fabric, create subtle sparkle.

Next Up

A Unique, Neutral-Chic Home Ready for the Holidays

HGTV Magazine takes you through a Minneapolis home decked out in black and white.

HGTV Magazine's 2021 Gift Guide

HGTV Magazine editors did the scouting and scouring for you! We've got gifts for everyone on your list.

HGTV Magazine's 2022 Gift Guide

The HGTV Magazine editors picked their favorite 50 gifts under $50. Find something amazing (and affordable) for everyone on your list!

This Warm and Woodsy Kitchen Has Lots of Holiday Flair

Wood you? Could you? These Tennessee homeowners did, and HGTV Magazine has all the details!

13 Best Floating Shelves for Every Room in the House

Add instant style and storage to your home with these fab finds.

The Best Rugs for Every Room in 2023

Ground your space in style and function. Bring our know-how underfoot to discover which rugs to put where in your home.

The Best Interior Design Books of 2021

Find inspiration for your next project or the perfect gift for someone on your list, courtesy of these highly-anticipated new reads.

12 Woven Leather Decor Finds We're Swooning Over for Fall

Elevate your home design with these stylish woven leather buys for every room.

Hispanic and Latino-Owned Home Brands We Love

Support these Hispanic or Latino-owned businesses throughout your home and life.

No-Fail Color Combos From the HGTV Stars

Sometimes two colors are better than one. The HGTV stars share their favorite duos.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

500 Operands are not of the same type: comparison is supported for Number types only.

Operands are not of the same type: comparison is supported for Number types only.

Cannot serve request to /content/hgtv-com/en/design/rooms/kitchens/articles/2019/h/homeowners-best-friend-designed-her-kitchen.html on this server


ApacheSling/2.7 (jetty/9.4.42.v20210604, Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM 1.8.0_271, Linux 4.14.203-156.332.amzn2.x86_64 amd64)