3 Steps to a Designer Kitchen with Evelyn Eshun

Is your kitchen feeling more “dated” than “designer”? You don’t always need a full-scale renovation to transform the heart of your home. In a recent “Design Decoded” segment on the Marc + Mandy Show, celebrity designer Evelyn Eshun shared her expert secrets for creating a high-end, contemporary kitchen using thoughtful architectural and decor choices.

1. Embrace Texture and Verticality

One of the most striking ways to add immediate visual interest is through texture.

• The Wood Slat Feature: Evelyn highlights the use of vertical wood slatting on range hoods or accent walls.
• Visual Height: These vertical lines draw the eye upward, making the ceilings feel higher and the space more expansive.
• Natural Warmth: Incorporating wood elements balances out the sleekness of modern appliances, providing a “warm modern” aesthetic.

2. Mix Your Materials for Depth

A truly designer kitchen avoids looking “one-note” by layering different finishes and materials.

• The Waterfall Island: Evelyn showcases the beauty of a stone waterfall island, where the countertop material continues down the sides to the floor.
• Sleek Cabinetry: Pairing matte or high-gloss cabinets with organic stone patterns creates a sophisticated contrast.
• Integrated Appliances: Concealing refrigerators or dishwashers behind custom cabinetry panels ensures a seamless, uncluttered look.

3. Make a Statement with Lighting

Lighting is often referred to as the “jewelry” of a room, and in the kitchen, it serves both a functional and artistic purpose.

• The Linear Chandelier: Instead of standard pot lights, Evelyn recommends a bold, linear light fixture over the kitchen island.
• Industrial Meets Elegant: Look for fixtures that combine different finishes—like matte black metal with glass cylinders—to anchor the room and provide a clear focal point.

Evelyn’s Expert Insight: “A modern kitchen isn’t just about white cabinets; it’s about the harmony between texture, scale, and clean architectural lines”.

For more professional design tips and home transformations, tune into the Marc + Mandy Show on Roku or your local station.

Which of these design elements would you love to see in your dream kitchen?