Before & After: Out With the Faux Tuscan Kitchen, In With the Elegant Plaster Work

Interior designer Whitney Romanoff has completed a kitchen renovation in Fayetteville, Arkansas, replacing a decade-old faux Tuscan style with a modern, Parisian-inspired design featuring a sculptural plaster hood and marble accents. This transformation emphasizes both aesthetic appeal and functional improvements, reflecting a shift toward contemporary elegance.

The project involved removing an ornate but impractical vent hood and replacing it with a hand-applied plaster hood, designed in collaboration with Color Atelier. The new hood acts as both a ventilation system and a sculptural focal point, with a finish that reflects light and adds depth to the space.

Romanoff selected Borghini marble for the countertops, backsplash, and a narrow shelf, opting for a complex fluted edge on the island to create visual rhythm. The process took approximately eight weeks, involving detailed prototyping and custom fabrication to ensure seamless veining continuity.

Additional layout adjustments included installing a push-to-open appliance garage, positioning the sink adjacent to the range for efficiency, and integrating a pebble ice maker into the island. A reconfigured closet and niche created space for a breakfast nook, featuring a distinctive 1969 Angelo Mangiarotti marble pedestal table with vivid veining that ties the room’s warm neutral palette together.

Impact of the Kitchen Transformation on Daily Living

This renovation illustrates a shift toward combining aesthetic sophistication with everyday functionality. The new plaster hood and marble surfaces not only elevate the room’s style but also improve practical aspects like ventilation and workflow, making the space more suited to a busy family’s needs. Such updates reflect broader trends in modern kitchen design, emphasizing sculptural elements and high-quality materials that serve both form and function.

Background of the Fayetteville Kitchen Makeover

The original kitchen, styled in a faux Tuscan manner, was built over ten years ago and featured ornate elements that prioritized decoration over practicality. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the vent hood was non-functional, and the layout was less optimized for daily family use. The homeowners, a busy family with young children, sought a design that balanced style with efficiency and comfort. Whitney Romanoff’s redesign draws inspiration from Parisian interiors, emphasizing sleek, sculptural details and durable materials suitable for everyday life.

“The plaster hood acts as both a ventilation system and a sculptural feature, transforming the kitchen’s aesthetic and functional dynamics.”

— an anonymous researcher

Remaining Questions About the Renovation’s Long-Term Use

It is not yet clear how the new plaster hood performs in daily use over time, or whether the marble surfaces will require ongoing maintenance. Details about the durability and user satisfaction are still emerging.

Next Steps in the Kitchen’s Post-Renovation Phase

The homeowners are expected to evaluate the performance of the new features over the coming months, particularly the plaster hood’s ventilation efficacy and marble’s durability. Further updates or adjustments may be made based on their experience, and the space will be monitored for long-term wear and functionality.

Key Questions

Why did the homeowner replace the faux Tuscan style?

The homeowner wanted a more modern, functional kitchen that suited their busy family life, moving away from decorative but impractical elements to a sleek, practical design inspired by Parisian interiors.

What makes the plaster hood different from traditional range hoods?

The plaster hood is hand-applied, sculptural, and acts as both a ventilation system and an artistic focal point, with a finish that reflects light and adds depth to the space.

How long did the marble work take, and why was it complex?

The marble fabrication took about eight weeks, involving detailed prototyping and custom shaping to ensure the veining pattern and edges aligned seamlessly, creating a cohesive visual effect.

Will the new design improve daily family routines?

Yes, the layout improvements, including accessible appliances and a cozy breakfast nook, are intended to streamline daily tasks and family gatherings.

What are the main materials used in the renovation?

The key materials are hand-applied plaster for the hood and Borghini marble for the countertops, backsplash, and table, chosen for their aesthetic and functional qualities.

Source: Domino