European Essence

from designKC - Spring 2023

by Rhythm Media LLC.

Star Treatment

Designer Karin Ross brings big ideas and boutique style to a French Provincial kitchen.

Words by Savannah Rieke Newson |

Photos by Randy

Van

The greatest challenges often bring the greatest rewards. Belgian-born designer Karin Ross of Karin Ross Designs fearlessly embraces this fact of life, especially in regard to her love of remodeling and culture-immersive design.

A well-traveled connoisseur, Karin spent many of her formative years living and traveling in Europe. She also earned her degree in Italy, which further sparked the designerʼs passion and appreciation for the finer things in life.

“Italians are very good at appreciating quality,” she says. “Their style of living is a culture, not a trend.”

Since landing in Kansas City, her authentic style has transformed many homes throughout the metro area, including this remodeled boutique kitchen.

Luxurious yet light, this French Provincial-inspired space features a timeless transitional flair, seamless functionality and perfectly placed high-end details—a striking diﬀerence from its former state. Originally, it was a typical, dated suburban kitchen with a cramped square floor plan, only two walls for appliances and very little square footage.

“This space was challenging,” Karin says. “I needed to make sure I could create the look without being overbearing or diluting the details.”

Using her prowess and well-honed eye for design, she overcame these and other challenges to fulfill her clientsʼ dream of a perfect-for-them custom kitchen. For example, she used smart and unique kitchen placements—such as moving the island to where the breakfast table would be—to give the illusion of a larger, brighter space. She also had floor-to-ceiling cabinets made to provide a spot for the refrigerator and help maximize wall, counter and storage space.

“I spent over 100 hours with my clients to understand them,” she explains. “I worked to capture the magic and build around my clientsʼ needs and wants.”

Other enchanting details include Cambria countertops, GE Café appliances, and a luxe set of light fixtures, faucets and hardware with matching champagne finishes. The custom shelves, range hood and cabinetry are also carefully selected “hero” elements.

The final pièce de résistance is a Karin Ross signature: elevating the space with high-end products imported from Europe. In this case, the products are the patterned floor tiles, champagne foil tile backsplash, metal handles and crown molding.

“I spare no expense on one or a few special, authentic elements,” Karin says, speaking for all her design projects, each with unique goals and challenges. “Life is short. Donʼt deny yourself what you like and truly want in your home.”