72 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {home & design} dational elements, Kanika helped her clients prioritize the home’s physical stability and longevity. “Our clients were happy with this proactive approach,” she says. That done, they moved on to design matters. The entryway swallowed light, negating the impact of a single porch sconce. The massive double door was dark and used only on one side. Inside, it thwarted the airy feel that the owners sought. The solution? A lightertoned door with a generous sidelite. Flanked by two sleek new sconces, it welcomes visitors. The existing kitchen, though BEFORE PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF KANIKA DESIGN functional for the avid cooks, cried out for a style and functionality upgrade. Increasing the window size augmented the natural light from the skylight and opened up greater views onto their beautiful back garden. Widening the window meant removing the cabinets and installing a vertically textured Italian marble backsplash. The wide-grouted tile gave way to neutral quartz countertops with a larger peninsula creating more prep space. Maple cabinets below balanced the new white ones above. Their need for higher baking temperatures called for a pair of Gaggenau ovens. Crediting her travels with an increased appreciation and knowledge of craftsmanship, Kanika introduced a show-stopper right above the new stove—an Italian hand-cut mosaic backsplash in black, white and shell, highlighted by 24K gold glass. “When it comes to quality design, no one can beat the Italians!” she says. Kanika also replaced the terracotta floor tiles The dark and dour double doors were replaced and a sidelite was added to brighten the entry.
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