Shepherd Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation
Overview.
In late 2022, Marion Design Co. partnered with Jerry and Marcia Shepherd to reimagine their small, traditional kitchen into a spacious modern farmhouse haven for family gatherings, quiet mornings, and multi-generational baking sessions. By expanding into an adjacent library and implementing thoughtful design details, the new kitchen gracefully balances warmth, function, and beauty—ready to host everything from peaceful coffee rituals to bustling dinners for 25.
Background.
Jerry and Marcia Shepherd wanted their kitchen to reflect the way they actually live: baking with grandkids, lingering with coffee, and welcoming extended family around the table. Their former kitchen, while full of charm, was simply too small for that dream to flourish.
Rather than demolish their home’s character, they wanted to gently expand its function—creating a comfortable, durable, and stylish kitchen with enough room for everyone. It needed to serve both the rhythm of their everyday life and the special moments that bring their family together.
From the start, they expressed a clear love for clean countertops, full-overlay cabinets, and a “modern farmhouse” aesthetic—wood tones, white cabinetry, and deeper greys as anchors. They appreciated a touch of whimsy and color (think: fiesta ware), but also needed ample hidden storage, ease of access, and clean sightlines.
Objectives.
HOSPITALITY
Process.
Marion Design Co. began the renovation process with a collaborative visioning session on-site, listening closely to how Jerry and Marcia used their space—and how they wanted to use it in the future.
Their wish list was thoughtful:
Keep the charm, minimize demolition
Reuse what we can
Create zones for cooking, seating, and storage
Prioritize under-cabinet lighting, comfort seating, and clean countertops
Infuse personality without clutter
The team explored two potential approaches:
Light-touch update – New countertops, base cabinet repair, fresh lighting, and layout refinements.
Expanded plan – Opening up the space into the adjacent library, adding a peninsula, new exterior door, and optimizing storage flow.
Together, we pursued the second option: removing the visual header between rooms, extending Pergo flooring into the kitchen, and developing a flexible peninsula that invites kids to help bake or perch with snacks.
Details were fine-tuned across several meetings. The refrigerator was swapped for a counter-depth unit. Custom drawers were added for yeti cups, salad spinners, and vertical pan storage. Cabinet finishes were updated for durability and charm, with hardware chosen to honor Marcia’s preference for subtle cup pulls and clean full-overlay cabinetry.
Open shelving—strategically placed—showcases fiesta ware, while the rest of the storage remains behind closed doors. We also ensured every work zone made intuitive sense, from trash placement to spice turntables.
Results.
The final kitchen is a warm, light-filled space that feels like it’s always been part of the Shepherds’ home. The expanded footprint offers room for multiple people to cook, gather, or relax without crowding. An oversized island floats 1–2 feet into the family room, inviting connection between spaces.
Create a space that expands their capacity to host—from two-person breakfasts to family gatherings of 25—with comfort, flow, and flexibility.
FUNCTION
Design a kitchen layout that accommodates multiple cooks, makes efficient use of storage, and feels effortless to maintain.
CHARACTER
Stay true to the Shepherds' personal style—modern farmhouse with a touch of whimsy—through materials, finishes, and custom details.
The cabinetry strikes a clean, modern profile with a mix of white and wood finishes, while black and brass accents bring warmth and depth. Under-cabinet lighting and an integrated faucet sprayer support daily tasks, while fun touches like a bar sink and cup drawers make the space feel personal.
Every detail was chosen to reflect Jerry and Marcia’s rhythms—from a seamless coffee setup to built-in baking storage. The result is a true transformation: not just a kitchen remodel, but a family-centered space designed to serve joy, function, and togetherness.
