The Scandinavian Inspired Kitchen
It all begins with an idea. For this kitchen, the idea was quiet: a serene, sunlit space where material honesty and thoughtful details create warmth without fuss. Scandinavian-inspired, rooted in all-natural tones, the design leans on restraint and craftsmanship to feel both timeless and intimately lived-in.
A canvas of light The kitchen and adjoining dining room are defined by their scale and luminous quality. Two 12' by 12' steel‑framed windows flood the space with daylight, their tall panes amplified by soaring 22‑foot ceilings. The result is immediate: volumes feel expansive, shadows become part of the composition, and surfaces read with soft, natural contrast. More than mere openings, the windows are architectural focal points that invite the outdoors in and ground the pared‑back palette.
Materials that speak softly White oak floors run throughout, their warm grain setting a subtle rhythm underfoot. Custom cabinetry, also in white oak, was designed with simplicity of line and impeccable joinery in mind. Handles are minimal, finishes are matte and natural, and every cabinet front was considered as a panel in a larger composition rather than a discrete piece of hardware.
Surrounding the primary window, stone provides layered texture, a tactile counterpoint to the smooth wood and plaster. The stone surround frames the view and grounds the kitchen with a hint of ruggedness, reminding the eye that material authenticity is essential to the room’s calm sophistication.
Two islands, twice the purpose Rather than a single island, this kitchen features two. The main island is a generous workspace and gathering point, its proportions scaled to the room so it reads like furniture rather than fixture. The secondary island offers flexible function, an intimate prep zone, an occasional dining spot, or a place for kids to do homework while someone cooks. Together they create distinct workstations without breaking the visual flow, and they reinforce the Scandinavian principle of form following function.
Handmade plaster pendants, personal, oversized, sculptural A signature element in this kitchen is the set of oversized plaster pendant lights, custom-made by me. Their organic forms and soft matte surfaces introduce a sculptural softness that balances the room’s rectilinear geometry. Plaster’s porous texture diffuses light gently, creating a warm, enveloping glow at night and an elegant silhouette by day. Because they are hand-crafted, each pendant carries slight variations a reminder of the human touch behind the design.
Custom vent hood with integrated storage The vent hood is more than a technical necessity; it’s a designed focal point. Custom-built with integrated open shelving, it offers practical storage for spices and frequently used items, turning ordinary tools into part of the room’s display. The shelves are deliberately visible, encouraging a curated approach to everyday objects — neat ceramic jars, brass spoons, small olive oil bottles — all contributing to a lived, beautiful aesthetic.
A lived-in luxury This kitchen reads as luxurious not because of ornate detailing, but because of thoughtful restraint, high-quality materials, and bespoke elements that elevate everyday rituals. Natural tones, warm woods, soft plaster whites, and gentle stone create a cohesive, calming palette that feels both elegant and approachable.
Design that tells a story Design is storytelling. Here, every decision from the scale of the windows to the placement of a spice jar on the vent-hood shelf contributes to a narrative of calm, craft, and hospitality. The space is built for life: for large gatherings around the islands, for quiet mornings by the window, for the small rituals that make a house a home.
If this kitchen could speak, it would say: come in, stay awhile. It’s been designed to breathe, to age gracefully, and to hold countless everyday moments with understated grace.
We are deeply honored that this kitchen was named Best Kitchen in the 2025 HBA Parade of Homes. Every detail was thoughtfully designed and curated by Mandy Shipp, and it was a privilege to collaborate with Shiloh Homes of which Mandy is a co‑owner of. This recognition reflects the dedication of the whole team and our gratitude for the hard work of everyone involved.
