This Light & Airy Kitchen Was Made for Entertaining

Text by Holly Seng

After years spent in a kitchen decked in darker tones, homeowners Lauri and Leigh Bennett were ready for a change. When a new build opportunity in a cozy Southern suburb presented itself, the couple set out to create a bright and open concept that offered plenty of practical appeal.

“We have a large family and like to entertain, so we definitely wanted something that met those needs,” says Lauri. An expansive island centered in the heart of the home provides ample space for preparing meals and serves as the primary gathering spot whenever the Bennetts host family and friends. A duo of caged pendant lights infuses the traditional design with a dash of modern influence as it ties in the cabinetry’s gold hardware.

To achieve the light and airy aesthetic, every surface was coated in Greek Villa by Sherwin-Williams. Mixing up the paint finishes ensured there would be a slight variation of the hue for a tone-on-tone look that would still lend depth. White marble with subtle veining tops both the island and the surround before continuing as the backsplash. “I just wanted it to be simple—I didn’t want anything competing,” Lauri says.

With the room’s central location in the home’s overall floor plan, natural light would be hard to come by. However, inspired by an image she had seen in a design book, Lauri offset the kitchen sink area. Encased with natural beams, the nook doubles as a focal point as it warms up its all-white setting—with the bonus of additional space for windows to maximize sunlight.

Lauri’s favorite room in the house—the butler’s pantry—holds her smaller appliances as well as her collection of Franciscan Desert Rose china. Two entrances into the space make it the ideal location for laying out the food at gatherings. “The kitchen is where everybody congregates, so when you’ve got people constantly standing around the kitchen, you can’t always get through to the food if it’s on your island,” she notes.

With thoughtful attention given to the flow, the Bennetts’ kitchen was truly made for entertaining. And with its bright white palette and clever use of light, it’s a welcome update for this Alabama family.