By the Designer, For the Designer: A Kitchen Story
Some kitchens are built for cooking. Others, for hosting. And some—rare and remarkable—are created for both, wrapped in layers of elegance, intention, and deeply personal design. The Woodlea Manor II kitchen is one of those rare spaces.
Designed by Kelly Manas, Certified Kitchen Designer and Senior Designer at Studio 37 Cabinetry, this kitchen isn’t just her latest project—it’s her home. A space where two of her passions, cooking and design, come to life in seamless harmony. From the carefully chosen materials to the curated palette, every detail reflects both her professional vision and personal taste.
Where Timeless Meets Bold
Set inside a traditional black-and-white Colonial-style home, this kitchen underwent a dramatic transformation—one that gracefully bridges classic architecture and modern flair.
With a nod to transitional design, the space balances timeless charm with bold elements, drawing inspiration from both the home’s historic roots and the contemporary lines of the kitchen.
Beaded inset cabinetry painted in Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige provides a refined foundation, while warm walnut wood accents, marble-look Taj Mahal quartzite, and brass mesh cabinetry panels add depth and texture.
Layered lighting in brushed brass and rattan keeps the atmosphere warm, while large windows bring in natural light and views, making the space feel both elevated and livable.
Design Details That Make a Statement
Kelly’s expert eye for detail shows up in every square inch of the kitchen. The two-tone metal range hood becomes an architectural focal point, echoing the elegance of museum-worthy materials. But it’s not just the showstopping elements that matter—this kitchen is packed with thoughtful touches that quietly elevate the experience of everyday living.
Case in point: the Reggio Register toe-kick vent in the starburst Asher pattern, finished in Sun Gold. A subtle yet impactful detail, the register’s classic pattern echoes the historical grills found throughout Washington D.C.—from the halls of the Natural History Museum to the colonnades of the White House—where Kelly first noticed them.
For Kelly, who has lived in the area for more than a decade, the design felt like a meaningful nod to the architecture she loves. It was also a practical choice: with a toe-kick installation required in this kitchen, the Reggio Register fit seamlessly—both functionally and aesthetically.
A Personal Vision, Perfectly Realized
As both designer and homeowner, Kelly had the freedom to fully realize her vision for the space. The result is a kitchen that’s equal parts beauty and utility—a showcase of materials, textures, and heritage that reflects her years of experience and deep design knowledge.
From the soft contrast of painted and natural wood cabinetry to the radiant glow of brass hardware and accessories, every choice feels intentional. Every element contributes to a cohesive story—one that’s stylish, warm, and inspiring for anyone dreaming of their own kitchen transformation.
Design Your Dream, Down to the Last Detail
This project is a perfect example of what’s possible when luxury meets livability, and when design decisions are made with both purpose and personality. It’s also a reminder that even the smallest detail—a thoughtfully selected register, for instance—can elevate a room and connect it to a broader design story.
Feeling inspired? Explore the Reggio Register collection to find the perfect finishing touch for your space. Whether you're designing for clients or dreaming up your own kitchen renovation, Reggio’s architectural registers are more than functional—they’re a work of art.
