INNER BEAUTY

INNER BEAUTY The classic exterior of a Minneapolis townhouse inspires a kitchen that's big on tradition-and bold in color

-  VERONICA THEODORO AND JODY GARLOCK

Designers have a knack for mixing rather than matching to imbue rooms with character and inject a bit of a surprisesay, for example, hanging a contemporary light fixture in an otherwise traditional space.

Minneapolis interior designer Kelly Caruso can mix traditional and modern styles with the best of them, but she also sets a few boundaries. "One of my design philosophies is that, whenever possible, you ensure that the interior design matches the exterior architectural elements so that the space feels connected and cohesive," Caruso says.

It was natural, then, that Caruso's inspiration for a kitchen she was designing in a historical neighborhood in the heart of the city came from the exterior. Although the Tudor-style townhouse was new, it exuded charm with its brick exterior, slate roof, and copper downspouts. The classic aesthetic was Caruso's muse for equally elegant interior features.

Weaving in materials and finishes with timeless qualities, Caruso created a kitchen with European sensibilities that also nods to modern living. Countertops and a backsplash that climbs the wall resemble marble but are actually natural quartzite stone. "You get the veining and the movement that adds interest, but what quartzite has that marble doesn't is durability—it's a workhorse," Caruso says. Above the range, unlacquered brass brackets support a shelf that harkens to a feature common in old English kitchens, where cooks kept herbs, spices, and cooking utensils within easy reach.