Designing with Nature in Mind

The remodel of this modern Fort Worth, TX, house was all about creating a space tailored to the needs of its owner, a single woman who loves to cook and entertain. But a secondary theme ran through every decision made by Cambria Style–featured designer Shayne Morrissey of Morrissey Home, also in Fort Worth. “The house is up high on a bluff, with great vistas of tons of trees,” says Morrissey. “You see so much of the [view] when you’re inside, so we wanted to create a seamless transition between indoors and out.” 

With those goals in mind, Morrissey created a gathering-place kitchen attuned to its owner’s preferences, choosing highly durable materials and adding personalized amenities. He says, “She loves coffee, so we included a built-in coffee bar. And she’s a wine enthusiast, so we added a wine refrigerator with dual-controlled zones for reds and whites.”

The double-height island was also inspired by his client. “She saw something similar in a magazine and showed it to me,” Morrissey recalls. “She loved the idea of having two materials—wood and Cambria quartz top—and I loved the interest the different layers would create.” To emphasize those layers, Morrissey gave the quartz portion of the island, in Cambria’s Brittanicca Gold Warm design, a dramatic, extra-deep apron.

The island’s mix of natural materials flows throughout the kitchen. Soft green cabinetry—Morrisey chose the painted finish to echo the natural shades outside—has inset bands of white oak, a material that he repeated on the lower island countertop and on the floors. Morrissey also chose the wood for its soft, honey finish, which led to the complementary choice of Cambria’s Brittanicca Gold Warm for the countertops. “The pattern just tied everything together,” he says. 

Glazed ceramic tiles in a geometric design add texture to the backsplash, and oversized gold light fixtures make a statement overhead. “In a modern space, I really like for the light fixtures to be bold—they’re like the jewelry for the space,” says Morrissey. The overall effect is sophisticated yet easy to care for, elevated yet natural—the perfect fit for its owner and the scenic home’s setting.