The heart of our home

The moment we first stepped foot into our house, it was love at first sight. Sure, she needed a little TLC, but there was something about the ranch-style layout, all on one cozy floor, that tugged at our hearts. The house had this laid-back, islandy charm, a touch of old-school tradition with just enough personality to whisper, “I have potential.” And oh, did we see the potential. Walls coming down, materials changing, and spaces transforming. But one room, above all, had me absolutely giddy with excitement: the kitchen.

As someone who loves cooking as much as hosting a good dinner soirée, the kitchen wasn’t just another room in the house. It was the room. The place where we’d try new recipes, have late-night snack raids, and share impromptu heart-to-hearts over a pot of simmering goodness. To me, this wasn’t just about cabinets and countertops, it was about crafting a space that reflected the way we live, the meals we make, and the conversations we cherish.

I was adamant about keeping the house’s charm, that Cayman Islands feel with its breezy, relaxed vibe. I wanted a kitchen that felt warm and welcoming, blending traditional elements with a splash of island flair. Think classic lines, natural textures, louvered doors, and just a whisper of that moody aesthetic.

Drawing inspiration from Cayman’s heritage, I introduced gingham textiles to the kitchen island cabinetry, a subtle yet meaningful tribute to the traditional clothing once worn by Caymanian women. The gingham pattern, once seen in everyday dresses, carries the essence of island life. Beyond its charm, it’s a quiet nod to the past, weaving history into the heart of our home with warmth and nostalgia.

The kitchen once felt enclosed, separated from the dining room by a wall that interrupted its flow. I envisioned something more open, more connected, so we took it down. Instead of barriers, we introduced structural reinforcements in the ceiling, allowing light and conversation to move freely. A second opening now links the kitchen and living room, creating an effortless flow between the spaces. Built-in appliances blend seamlessly and at the heart of it all, a grand, welcoming kitchen island, ready to gather friends, family, and the stories we’ll share over every meal.
When reimagining this space, I knew it had to feel like home. It all began with an Italian masterpiece—an Ilve range, rich, timeless, traditional and effortlessly chic, blending European elegance with Cayman’s laid-back charm. The range was sourced through Label C who is the new distributor of Ilve ranges in the Cayman Islands and the Caribbean! Reach out here to inquire.
From there, the design flowed naturally. Creamy inset cabinetry paired with sustainably harvested dark oak and louvered doors on the kitchen island strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and warmth. The custom cabinetry was designed and supplied by Cynthia Tranel Studio. And the execution, installation, and build, well, who else but Tranel Group, led by my husband and his amazing team. A true family affair, blending design, craftsmanship, and a whole lot of love.

Now let’s talk details, because we are all about them. The unlacquered brass faucet sourced from Label C aging gracefully like a fine wine. The Label C hardware, adding just the right touch of handcrafted charm. These materials don’t just sit there, they live, evolving with every spilled cocktail, every stolen bite of butter rum muffin, every late-night kitchen confession. And the real scene-stealer (aside from the range)? the sink moment, complete with a drip ledge, because classic never goes out of style.

Of course, no renovation is complete without few debates between a husband and a wife. Take the great countertop debate of the year for example, let’s just say convincing my husband that marble countertops in the kitchen were the way to go required the negotiation skills of a seasoned diplomat. Spoiler alert: the wife won. And let me tell you, marble was worth every bit of the friendly battle. If you’ve ever second-guessed adding marble to your space, we beg you to reconsider. Yes, it shows its age, but that’s its magic. Every etch, ring, and wine drop that leaves its mark adds character and patina, like a scrapbook of shared moments. It’s the perfect kind of imperfection, full of personality and stories.

Now for the most asked question of all time—what’s your cabinetry paint color? It’s Grecian Ivory by Sherwin Williams, one of my favorite creams!

Kitchen Cabinetry Design & Supply: Cynthia Tranel Studio

Builder: Tranel group

Styling pieces & Dinnerware: Label C

Kitchen Faucet & Cabinetry Hardware: Label C

Range: Ilve from Label C

Table Lamp: Mini Table Lamp with Rattan Shade by Athena Calderone

Marble Countertops: ITC

Our kitchen is now a true homage to our lifestyle. It’s a space that feels like us, where the coffee is always brewing, the music is always playing, and there’s always room for one more at the counter. So here’s to the heart of our home, a perfect blend of island charm, timeless tradition, and an abundance of warmth.