Modern kitchen with dark wood cabinetry, marble island countertop, black fixtures, and elegant pendant lighting. Three cushioned bar stools are placed at the island, with a large vase of white flowers as a centerpiece.

Designer Spotlight: Home Transformation Featuring Unifying Features and Elevated Details

The Benson Stone Company of Rockford, Illinois, is well known for its impressive four-story, 80,000 square foot showroom featuring an incredible array of building products and materials. Founded in 1930, the company has earned a reputation for providing not only excellent quality products but also design expertise to help homeowners create spaces they will enjoy for years to come.

Smiling woman in a white floral dress stands at a marble waterfall kitchen island, framed by dark wood cabinetry, black matte fixtures, and elegant pendant lighting, with decorative accents including white blossoms and black canisters.
Kayla Hauch, Benson Stone Company

Kayla Hauch is a kitchen and bath designer with Benson Stone Company. She has designed a wide range of projects for clients over the years. “The best advice I received early on in my career is the importance of listening to your client and observing them,” Kayla says. “They will [use] certain keywords that help you better design a space specifically for them.”

Transitional-style kitchen with natural wood cabinetry, custom wood range hood, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and quartz countertops, styled with potted greenery and neutral decor.
Jeffrey Alexander Dominique Collection cabinet pulls in Matte Black, shown in multiple lengths for drawers and doors.

On a recently completed project, the client used the phrase “better flow” when describing a goal of a remodel project. In order to achieve the harmonious feeling the client wanted, Kayla recommended installing hardwood flooring throughout the first floor to create a foundation that would tie all the rooms together. “We transformed the unused formal dining room into a chic bar space, complete with a custom-built bar and ambient lighting that sets the perfect mood for entertaining or relaxing. We completely reworked the kitchen layout, improving the functionality and making the space feel more inviting. Finally, we revamped the fireplace and completely remodeled both the bathrooms and laundry room.”

Elegant home bar with black cabinetry, brass hardware, glass display cabinets, and a geometric tile backsplash, styled with barware, decorative accents, and illuminated by a crystal drum chandelier and warm wall sconces.
Jefferey Alexander Dominique Collection Pulls in Brushed Gold coordinates beautifully with the tile design

When selecting details like decorative knobs and pulls for cabinetry, Kayla chose two collections from Jeffrey Alexander, Dominique and Sutton in a mix of Matte Black and Brushed Gold. “It’s important to keep other elements of the design in mind, including the shape of your cabinet doors, the faucet shape, and lighting styles. All of that needs to be coordinated with your cabinet hardware.”

Modern laundry room featuring sleek dark stainless steel washer and dryer set, topped with natural wood cabinetry with black hardware, accented by a floral wreath on a white door.
Jeffrey Alexander Dominique Collection in Matte Black

The finished project not only gave the client improved flow but also provided a touch of modern elegance. “Our design vision was chic, modern, and infused with subtle touches of glamour. The Jeffrey Alexander hardware collections supported that vision beautifully,” said Kayla.

Follow Kayla’s design journey below:

Photo Credit: Benson Stone Company

 

 

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