The Kitchen is the Heart of the Home - MC Design

By Local Interior Designer Megan Dufresne (ASID)

The kitchen is the heart of the home. We eat there, we gather there, and sometimes we work from the kitchen table. With so much time spent in this one room we want to make sure it is as functional and appealing as we can. Here are a few of the things I always think about when designing a kitchen to get the most out of the space.

In Living Color: When it comes to kitchens, the color scheme will inform just about every other design choice you'll make, including appliances. In general, blue tones work well in the kitchen because they offer versatility and can fit into just about any style. Some shades of blue will lean more towards grey, and others will lean more towards green, giving you the ability to mix and match to achieve a cohesive style throughout your home.

If you are feeling a bit more trendy, green is making a splash right now and will be on trend for years to come.

When we think of color in the kitchen, we often first think cabinets and classic stained wood cabinets will always work, but don't forget that cabinets are not the only way to bring color into a kitchen. Countertops, backsplashes, wall color, and multiple decor pieces can go a long way in establishing a color scheme.

Find Your Focus: If your kitchen has a built-in focal point, like a large window with a view or a fireplace, use it to anchor the space. Create balance around that focal point by framing it with other decor elements and create symmetry with visual weight on either side.

If you don't have a built-in focal point, you can create one with lighting pieces like pendant lights or a chandelier over an island or create a seating area or nook to serve as your focal point.

Let There Be Light: Sometimes kitchen lighting can be overlooked or become an afterthought with integrated lights being standard, but upgrading or adding intentional lighting can bring elegance and value to a kitchen. Not to mention a lot of visual interest. Chandeliers and pendants are very popular and come in any style you can imagine.

Sitting Pretty: What is a modern kitchen without ample seating. If you have an island, add as many stools as the island will allow to create the perfect place to eat a meal, get some work done, or just relax. Opt for chairs with back support for added comfort. If space allows, you can even attach a breakfast nook to the island to create even more comfortable seating.

Of course, a simple table and chairs or bench will always be a classic option for any kitchen. The goal is to create an inviting and comfortable place to gather and spend quality time with family and friends.

Detail Oriented: Finally, as with any room, the details really do make the biggest impact. Your choice in hardware can change the feel and style of the kitchen and can even be a quick and easy way to give your kitchen a refresh. With so many options in materials, colors, shapes, and sizes you can be subtle with simple, streamlined pieces or go bold with ornate pieces that demand attention.

About Megan Dufresne

Megan Dufresne, founder and principal of MC Design is a Manhattan Beach native who was raised visiting job sites and marking up blueprints with her contractor father. She grew up in homes custom built and designed by her parents.

Today, she brings South Bay’s casual sophistication to residential and commercial spaces across

Southern California. Passionate about textiles and design, Dufresne’s goal is always to elevate

the everyday into motivating spaces for her clients. Innovative, fun and inspiring are three of her

favorite adjectives when it comes to design.

Dufresne works with both homeowners and builders to create personalized environments that are

timeless yet current; with thoughtful layers that look and feel as though they’ve been

collected over time. Focusing on clients’ culture, tastes and interests as well as the structure’s

architecture, she translates those influences into highly livable, visually stunning interiors. Kids,

pets, sand and swimming pools inspire instead of limit her creative possibilities.

She works primarily in the beach cities of Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Redondo Beach, Hermosa

Beach and Manhattan Beach, and travels for clients as needed. While currently building a showroom in Rancho Mirage, Dufresne is excited to expand her Firm to the Greater Palm Desert area.

As a former luxury design specialist for House Beautiful and Modern Luxury Interiors California magazines, Dufresne now brings that knowledge and passion to interior design. She founded MC Design in 2007.

Dufresne lives in Lower Lunada Bay in Palos Verdes Estates with her husband and two Chihuahuas. She’s a firm believer in cocktail hour(s) and beautifully organized spaces.

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