When a couple young, new homeowners bought an old house with great bones but dated looks, Kresswell Interiors and partnering renovation company Revive Developments came to the rescue, transforming the house into a place that mirrored its new occupants and the times, one they could truly call home. 

Below, we see the kitchen, the laundry room, and the en suite bathroom given the Kresswell treatment. Kristina Lynne, one half of the design duo, breaks down how these spaces came together and the role lighting played in the process.   

Without further ado, the project Kristina Lynne and her partner-in-design Diana Tidswell dubbed The Duchess on the Drive. 

Design: Kristina Lynne of Kresswell Interiors | Photo:Tracey Jazmin Photography | Light: Angela by Mitzi

Design: Kristina Lynne of Kresswell Interiors | Photo:Tracey Jazmin Photography | Light: Rousseau by HVL

Design: Kristina Lynne of Kresswell Interiors | Photo: Tracey Jazmin Photography | Light: Allure by Troy Lighting

Name: Kristina Lynne
Project Location: Edmonton, Alberta | Canada
 
How do you find the perfect balance between your style and the client’s style in your projects?
I think the great thing about social media and having a prominent style is that our clients are typically already aligned with getting a similar look. We obviously want their personality to come through, since our homes should be a reflection of who we are! So we always aspire to have a good balance of the client's own tastes and a well thought-out design. We get to know them and, through the design process, find that middle ground that allows the project to be unique but also a great reflection of myself as a designer.
 
Where did you look for inspiration when designing these spaces?
I am always looking for inspiration! From scrolling social media accounts and Pinterest pages, to going out to trade shows and visiting open houses, it's a big part of my day-to-day life. I'm also inspired by my clients and their lifestyles, even our surroundings and how the house itself speaks to me—which may sound a touch clichéd but it's definitely helpful!
 
What was your overall goal when redesigning the kitchen?
First, to modernize it. Second, we wanted to improve the layout and relocate some of the major appliances and sink. Our clients love to entertain and wanted it to also reflect who they are—a young, fun couple that likes to take risks and go bold! So we wanted the space to reflect them. When they saw the beautiful brass pendants we wanted to add above the island, they really got the vision! The pop of brass next to all the green cabinetry was a great way to add in some contrast and interest.
 
What role does lighting play in these spaces?
Funny enough, our client used to work for a lighting company! So she really understood the importance that lighting played in the overall design. In fact, it was one of the first conversations we had because much of the design trickled down from the lighting decision. The drop-down wall sconces in the bathroom inspired the finishes in the rest of the en suite, as did the beautiful scalloped flush mount in the laundry room. It had that slightly feminine touch that inspired the wallpaper choice.
 
What was the biggest challenge you faced in this renovation?
The biggest challenge was the kitchen layout and making sure that all of our sizing and the mixing of wood/green worked in the overall design. 
 
Fun question: Name one food and one design element that everyone needs in their kitchen.
Everyone needs one food on display (think in a bowl or on a tray). Depending on the time of year, I reach for apples, avocados, or lemons/limes. As for a design element, I always think every kitchen should have artwork, especially leaning on an open shelf or countertop. Couple that with leaning cutting boards—essential to add in that bit of texture and warmth!

Design: Kristina Lynne of Kresswell Interiors | Photo: Tracey Jazmin Photography | Light: Angela by Mitzi

Design: Kristina Lynne of Kresswell Interiors | Photo: Tracey Jazmin Photography | Light: Angela by Mitzi

Design: Kristina Lynne of Kresswell Interiors | Photo: Tracey Jazmin Photography | Light: Angela by Mitzi

Design: Kristina Lynne of Kresswell Interiors | Photo: Tracey Jazmin Photography | Light: Rousseau by HVL

Design: Kristina Lynne of Kresswell Interiors | Photo: Tracey Jazmin Photography | Light: Jasmine by Mitzi

For more pictures, including before and after, and a deeper dive into the decisions, check out Kresswell Interiors' post on the reveal here. You can also see the process recap in their Duchess on the Drive Story Highlight on their Instagram profile.

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Design: Kristina Lynne of Kresswell Interiors | Photo: Tracey Jazmin Photography | Light: Jasmine by Mitzi