Celebrating The Darkness Within: Happy Halloween 2026!

In recognition of Halloween next week, let's look at spaces that embrace and celebrate a deliciously moody darkness...

The home of London designer Abigail Ahern is a spectacular example of the power of dark colors...

If you're not afraid of the dark, give me a call--we can create a dramatic, moody space for your very own.

Happy designing and Happy Halloween!

A Country Manor Kitchen by Fiorito Interior Design

My clients approached this kitchen remodel hoping not only for improved functionality but for a space that invited comfort, warmth, and daily enjoyment. Their existing kitchen was limited in both layout and atmosphere where a small island barely larger than a podium offered little utility. An oversized double-width doorway at the rear of the room leading into the adjacent living space disrupted the flow, making furniture placement nearly impossible. They longed for a kitchen where cooking felt easy and intuitive, but also one where they could sit at the table with a book and a cup of tea, or host friends without feeling cramped or awkwardly positioned.

One of the most impactful decisions we made early on was to close off that extra-wide opening to the living room. Doing so allowed us to reclaim the wall, which not only improved circulation but also gave us the freedom to rethink the spacing of the kitchen and eat-in area. With that change, we could introduce a much larger island—truly functional this time—complete with generous workspace and storage. It became a true centerpiece for meal prep, casual dining, and gathering.

From there I turned my attention to layering in comfort, personality, and style. I curated a color palette of soft white, pale blue, light wood tones, and touches of sunshine yellow. This fresh and uplifting combination feels timeless and relaxed. We chose cabinetry with traditional Shaker-style doors, accented by black forged iron hardware for a subtle hint of contrast and authenticity. For the countertops we chose a Gold Calacatta-look quartz, bringing elegance and warmth with its soft veining and classic appeal.

To elevate the kitchen walls I selected a soft matte glass tile in a moody, sky-blue that blankets the backsplash, providing a gentle wash of color that’s calming and cohesive. On the floors I chose a limestone-look porcelain tile in a classic Versailles pattern as an homage to old English manor houses—bringing character and texture underfoot while remaining durable and low-maintenance for modern life.

Lastly I transformed the adjacent eat-in area into a cozy, multifunctional space. We added custom built-in bookshelves and a sideboard for serving and display—perfect for entertaining or simply making daily routines feel more special. A black iron picture light softly illuminates the buffet, lending a warm, ambient glow in the evenings. I carefully planned the seating arrangement to include a space-saving banquette along the wall, paired with a trestle-style dining table and side chairs. At either end I placed tufted host chairs upholstered in an exquisite, tonal Chinoiserie dragon pattern that are comfortable enough to sit on for hours. Whether sharing a leisurely meal, reading in the sunlight, or gazing out at the greenery just beyond the windows, this spot now invites my clients to truly enjoy their home in a new, deeper way.

All photos above by Bernardo Grijalva. Before and after photos below...

If your kitchen needs a new look, give me a call!

Happy designing!

Nature-Inspired Great Room by Fiorito Interior Design

This gorgeous, nature--inspired Great Room--comprised of the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room—was reimagined for some wonderful repeat clients, beginning with a small, treasured piece of art.

Their large 1950s ranch house nestled into a gentle hill surrounded by orchards of fragrant orange, lemon, and cherry trees initially featured a too-small kitchen adjacent to a warren of small spaces with low ceilings serving as a dining and sitting area. They dreamed of a more spacious, light-filled layout.

A complete redesign of the home not only resolved spatial constraints but also embraced the beauty of the home’s natural surroundings. By removing walls and creating an open-plan layout, we enhanced the flow and connectivity between the kitchen, dining, and sitting areas, seamlessly integrating the outdoors with the indoors.

The relocated kitchen now faces the backyard, to facilitate outdoor entertaining and features a large island, serving as a welcoming focal point for both cooking and socializing. I designed a distinctive ceiling feature above the island, crafted from planks of the adjacent vaulted ceiling, mirroring the shape of the island below. This feature adds architectural interest and visually connects the flat kitchen plane with the vaulted plank ceiling of the sitting area, creating a harmonious sense of continuity and warmth.

A beautiful, prized painting of a bird on a branch created the direction for the color and texture palette. An intriguing yellow-green-tan background in the art guided my choices for the backsplash tile (an iridescent version mimics light glinting on water) and countertops. The kitchen's soothing color palette features various shades of natural green, while the dining area introduces feather-blue tones through chair upholstery and rug. Just steps away, the inviting sitting area features a rebuilt fireplace clad in cut, polished Haisa marble tiles in a vertical pattern. The soft, generous seating creates a comfortable spot for movie nights or cozying up by the fire on a cold winter evening. The elegant, simple silhouettes of the furniture enhance the serene and calming atmosphere of the space.

After photos: Bernardo Grijalva and Fiorito Interior Design

Happy designing!