Tucked into a quiet cul-de-sac in the charming town of Enola, Pennsylvania, sits a classic brick home with all the quaintness you could ever want; tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors, and that “just right” sense of timeless comfort. It’s the kind of neighborhood where you actually know the name of the dog three doors down…and may or may not talk to the dog more than the owners! Anyone else?

Behind one of those storybook doors lives a kitchen that’s recently undergone quite the Cinderella transformation.

Spoiler alert: it all started with a charity auction!

The homeowner and I had worked together before at Ethan Allen, so it was such a fun reunion when she reached out after placing a winning bid on a kitchen design package at a local charity event. She already has great style and an idea of what she wanted, but just needed a designer eye to help with all the decisions she was about to make!

Goodbye Dark Cherry, Hello Light & Bright

Before we even started on the pretty details, we had one major design challenge to tackle: a sea of dated, dark cherry cabinetry. While the kitchen had great bones, it was weighed down by heavy finishes and a look that hadn't kept up with the times. The space needed a breath of fresh air.

We swapped out the dark cherry for light maple cabinetry, which instantly lifted the entire room. Maple has such a lovely, soft grain and just enough warmth to keep things from feeling cold. It was the perfect bridge between a classic look and a fresh, modern feel. The updated cabinetry made the kitchen feel current, clean, and most importantly…welcoming.

To keep things balanced, we anchored the kitchen with a soft white island, giving the space a subtle contrast and an instant sense of structure. The result? A palette that feels layered, natural, and oh-so-easy to live with.

A Little Bit Euro, A Lot of Heart

The homeowner came prepared—armed with a thick stack of magazine tear-outs, dog-eared design books, and a head full of ideas she’d been collecting over the years. Her vision was clear: European-inspired, light and bright, but still full of classic charm.

From the start, we knew this wasn’t going to be a cookie cutter kitchen. Instead, we curated every detail with intention; from the Cafe appliances with brushed brass handles, to the subtle styling of the cabinetry hardware and lighting. That hint of brass adds just enough glamour without shouting for attention.

One of our favorite moments in the design? A charming faux hutch integrated right into the cabinetry. Instead of traditional cabinet doors, we used a basket weave of metal detailing, giving the appearance of an heirloom furniture piece. It’s part functional storage, part display space, and totally beautiful. It looks collected, not constructed, and that’s exactly what we were after.

We made sure to leave space for open shelves, which now hold woven baskets and plenty of trailing greenery. Plants were a must for this garden-loving homeowner, and they bring such a soft, natural energy to the room.

Seamless Stone & a Soft Glow

When it came time to choose the countertop, we leaned toward something subtle and timeless. A creamy-toned stone with soft veining gave us the clean look we wanted, with just enough movement to feel interesting.

And instead of stopping at the counter, we ran the stone all the way up the wall as the backsplash. It’s one of those design moves that makes a huge difference. It eliminates visual clutter, adds elegance, and gives the kitchen a seamless, luxurious feel.

It’s a sleek, updated look that’s quietly sophisticated…and easy to clean, too!

A Breakfast Nook With Personality

Just off the kitchen sits the breakfast nook, a cozy little setting overlooking the garden that got just as much attention as the rest of the space.

We started with a solid wood pedestal table, handcrafted by a local Amish maker. Its classic shape brings warmth and heritage to the room. Surrounding it are oak chairs in a stained white finish: clean-lined and slightly modern, with a fun twist: leopard-print seat cushions!

It’s a small but impactful detail, adding a playful pop that gives the whole space a bit of personality.

A champagne gold chandelier hangs above the table, catching the light and creating a soft glow that feels just right for early mornings or winding down at the end of the day.

A Kitchen That Grows With the Home

As with all great design, the success of this kitchen came down to thoughtful layers: finishes that feel good to the touch, details that make you pause and smile, and a layout that supports daily life while still feeling special.

The palette of soft woods, white stone, and warm brass strikes a perfect balance between fresh and timeless. The use of open shelves, natural textures, and—of course—lots of plants gives the room that relaxed European vibe, while still feeling completely at home in central Pennsylvania.

And while it started as a charity auction win, this kitchen has grown into a true reflection of the homeowner’s style: bright, collected, classic, and full of charm. From “just an idea” to the heart of the home, this kitchen truly was built on inspiration, collaboration, and a whole lot of love.

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