Interior designer and blogger, Brittany Jepsen, is the face of The House That Lars Built. Recently, she and her husband Paul were featured on In With the Old on Magnolia Network. They purchased a beautiful old Federalist-style home in Provo, Utah which was completely gutted and remodeled it.  

Light cream shaker kitchen with green and floral Scandinavian accentsLight cream shaker kitchen with green and floral Scandinavian accents
Newport Silk kitchen cabinets
Light cream shaker kitchen cabinets with green and floral Scandinavian accentsLight cream shaker kitchen cabinets with green and floral Scandinavian accents
Newport Silk kitchen cabinets
Light cream shaker kitchen cabinets with green and floral Scandinavian accentsLight cream shaker kitchen cabinets with green and floral Scandinavian accents
Newport Silk kitchen cabinets

Finding Their Home

They originally fell in love with it because of its charm, history, and the fact that their ancestors also lived in Federalist-style homes. She commented, “historical things catch your soul more- we had to do it”. Once they purchased the home, Brittany and Paul realized how big of a kitchen project they had on their hands and reached out to CliqStudios. 

CliqStudios kitchen design packet floor planCliqStudios kitchen design packet floor plan
CliqStudios kitchen design packet floor plan

Honoring Architecture & Ancestry

The Jepsens sent inspiration to Erin and told her about a few antique pieces they wanted to incorporate. Brittany felt strongly about honoring the Federalist style of the home and bringing in family history, while also introducing Scandinavian elements. They chose Signature Plus’s Newport door in Silk as the foundation color and style for the kitchen. It could also be said that Brittany is the queen of color, so this design was packed full of personality. 

 

Jepsen ancestors lived in Federal-style homes that were known to be a meeting place for travelers before long journeys. Especially the kitchen. So, Brittany wanted her home’s kitchen to replicate what they would have experienced with large farmhouse sinks, centralized worktables, and custom cabinetry. 

Light cream shaker kitchen cabinets with green and floral Scandinavian accentsLight cream shaker kitchen cabinets with green and floral Scandinavian accents
Newport Silk kitchen cabinets

Adding Style & Shaping the Design

As the design was shaping up, there were a few areas Brittany paid special attention to. The range wall was going to be the focal point, so she worked with a good friend to find the perfect antique Swedish tile for the backsplash. She also wanted to pull in furniture-style components, so decorative legs were added to the base cabinet toe kicks, and her refrigerator was custom paneled and disguised to look like antique furniture. Lastly, the countertops needed to draw attention, so she chose a natural stone with strong veining. 

 

Brittany said, “I want to add in some old-world vibe with color and textures and things that we can make our own memories with. I don’t want a kitchen that’s just going to be pretty for no reason. I want it to be a workhorse too”. Close friends of the Jepsen’s brought a large wood worktable with floral carvings on it to create a center island while the kitchen was designed with roll-out trays, pull-out trash, drawers, lazy susans, and pantries. 

In addition to their kitchen, Brittany also added a work studio kitchenette to her project. It’s no surprise that this kitchen is just as fun, colorful, and lively as their home’s kitchen. This space was finished in Signature Plus’s Jensen Silk. 

Light cream slab kitchen cabinets with a retro flare and pops of colorful decorLight cream slab kitchen cabinets with a retro flare and pops of colorful decor
Jensen Silk kitchen cabinets

Remodeling in Review

After the kitchen was completed, Brittany spoke about the process of remodeling. “The kitchen was absolutely the biggest headache, but so satisfying to see it done”. “We kind of crafted this home that feels alive, and I feel very lucky to be a part of it”.  

She continued, “There’s a glow to it. The brass of the oven lights up. That worktable is mind-boggling. It just flows so well all together”. She also spoke about the kitchen cabinets, “the touch feels smooth, and the cabinets and drawers close like butter”. “Honestly, happy customer here! Couldn’t ask for anything more! Plus, they have all the classic styles with great colors.” 

Light cream shaker kitchen cabinets with green and floral Scandinavian accentsLight cream shaker kitchen cabinets with green and floral Scandinavian accents
Newport Silk kitchen cabinets