When a client approached John Michael Studio to renovate her kitchen in Kansas City, Kansas, she had one clear request: something truly unique. Senior designer Amanda Lardie first met the client at the company’s Charlotte, NC showroom, where they discussed her vision. “She wanted to stick to neutral tones, but also create a space that felt fresh, unexpected, and one-of-a-kind,” Lardie explains. “The home was undergoing a remodel, and the client envisioned a design that balanced rustic charm with modern elegance. Since she and her family love to entertain and cook, it was essential that the kitchen be both functional and visually striking.”

The project presented a unique challenge due to certain unavoidable design parameters, including two large, rustic walnut columns that flank the expansive porcelain island—which also hides an Invisacook. To work around these elements, Lardie and her team crafted an array of custom cabinetry—a hallmark of John Michael Studio’s expertise. The cabinetry was finished in Sherwin-Williams’ Moth Wing, a color the client had already chosen, and enhanced with the studio’s signature Alto trim. To maintain a cohesive neutral palette, the designers had the True Residential 36” Columns—one refrigerator and one freezer—located in the Butler’s Pantry, powder-coated to match the cabinetry, including the same sheen applied throughout the space. The result is a seamless, sophisticated look. Michael Sloan, CEO and co-founder of John Michael Studio, expands on the project. “The client wanted the True refrigerators to serve as the focal point of the Butler’s Pantry. They have these really big, beautiful double doors that you open, and those are central to that room because they make a big impact. Everything flows around them.”

In addition, the team created a striking window wall on one side of the island, incorporating two True Residential undercounter drawers. Nearby, a True Residential Wine Cabinet and Clear Ice Machine are cleverly concealed within the custom cabinetry in the bar area. “We chose True Residential because their units are highly customizable,” says Lardie. “With the columns, we could request custom colors, and with the undercounter units, we had the flexibility to design them to blend perfectly with the cabinetry. True makes the process so easy, and the result is always flawless.”

Sloan emphasizes this point: “The client was truly impressed with the quality of the units. She’s passionate about customization, and we integrated the appliances so seamlessly that it looks like a cohesive room of custom cabinetry—without anyone realizing these exceptional appliances are tucked away.” The results are quite impressive. “The vibe is so cool,” agrees Sloan. “You have the warmth of the timbers and the ceiling, paired with our signature metal trim—it’s the perfect mix of materials. At John Michael Studio, we specialize in combining metal and wood, and this kitchen really captures that design concept, blending both elements flawlessly.”