A Forest Hill, Maryland, home has been fully renovated to merge modern practicality with classic aesthetics, producing a home that retains its original charm while feeling thoroughly updated. The work was overseen by interior designer Elizabeth Miller Reich alongside Tanya Smith-Shiflett from Unique Kitchens & Baths, who led efforts to reimagine the kitchen as the home’s central social hub for a retired couple whose adult children had recently left the area.
The original cream-toned kitchen was replaced with a warmer, deeper color scheme that harmonizes with the residence’s traditional architectural style. Central to the redesign was an open-plan layout optimized for hosting, achieved by repositioning the doorway into the living room. This change unlocked a sizable banquette seating area, now frequently used for informal meals and morning coffee.
Modern cabinetry with warm finishes anchors the kitchen’s new design, while the adjacent bar area carries the cohesive aesthetic forward. The mudroom was also refreshed to incorporate smart storage solutions. High-performance appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf were installed to ensure both visual polish and reliable operation. Additional premium details include Brizo plumbing fixtures, HRL Brass hardware, and statement stone surfaces from Imagine Surfaces, all complemented by Savoy House lighting.
Beyond aesthetics, the renovation improved the room’s workflow, allowing the homeowners to fully utilize the space they had envisioned. Tanya Smith-Shiflett says, “The renovation delivered exactly what they had envisioned—a warm, inviting home that feels updated while remaining timeless, with plenty of space to host family gatherings for years to come.”
