Playful Second Kitchen

Becky Asleson & Caroline Varga

Maple & White Design

Co-Designers: K.W. Yoder Construction/Hoosier House Furnishings/Helman Sechrist Architecture

Part of a new construction project – a vacation lake house shared by a large extended family – in South Bend, IN, this basement kitchen was conceived as an entertainment and gathering space for both adults and children.

Designer Caroline Varga of Maple & White Design was tasked with creating a space that would evoke a different vibe from a traditional kitchen: more playful, more casual, suited to the indoor/outdoor lifestyle evoked by the adjacent outdoor veranda, putting green and path to the lake. 

In order to create the desired fun aesthetic, the designer took inspiration from the visually intriguing centerpiece lighting fixture, which features a combination of round discs and brass rods with globe-shaped bulbs. The polka-dot inspiration was carried through on the back wall with large circular floating shelves, which, when combined with the dark blue grass cloth wallpaper, create an effect not unlike bubbles floating through the sky. Hoosier House cabinetry with a blue-painted reeded overlay provides an additional pop of texture and visual interest. 

A Corian Zodiq Versilla Grigio Quartz countertop, brushed gold Pfister faucet and satin brass knobs and pulls from Omnia complete the joyful look. A built-in Marvel refrigerator drawer, KitchenAid microwave and Bosch dishwasher provide all the tools necessary for a casual lake get-together, followed by quick and easy cleanup.