One thing led to another in Carmel kitchen

The shiny specks in the granite countertop remind Joyce Posson of the quartz in her childhood rock collection.

"I love the granite countertops. The colors are so warm," said Posson of her newly renovated kitchen in Carmel.

After living in the home for nearly a decade, changing the kitchen became necessary. It started with the dishwasher.

"At that point, you need to decide if you want to buy another white dishwasher . . . then the fridge starts to act funny, and then you have the kitchen cabinets with glued and stapled fronts," said Posson, vice president for Officeworks. Her husband, Rick, who is the grill master of the house, owns Rick Posson PR.

Their search for upgrades led them to Affordable Kitchens & Baths, where they combined several projects into one. An entryway leak called for replacement flooring. Wide sculptured hardwood planks now connect the kitchen to the family room and living room.

The work was completed in a matter of weeks at a cost of $68,000.

"I had three goals," said Joyce Posson. "I wanted dovetail drawers with some pull-outs, and I wanted an off-white distressed look with my cabinets."

The combination is a practical and contemporary blend.

Working around a built-in refrigerator, the couple expanded their appliance space by removing a desk. They chose Electrolux appliances from HH Gregg, including a stainless side-by-side counter-depth refrigerator, dishwasher, five-burner cooktop and double ovens with a warming drawer.

The distressed antique white cabinetry is the focal point for the kitchen, painted butter cream and accented with touches of black -- a teakettle, vase and ceramic utensil container. The countertops and backsplash by Louisville Tile incorporate the shades of black and gold and set the stage for a minimalist room.

Two artful light pendants, purchased online from Mardi Gras, hang above a granite island -- its base a distressed black wood.

"I'm kind of a Pottery Barn person, but I don't know what you would call this," said Joyce Posson. "I guess it's more country French."

A deep sink with a commercial-style faucet is positioned at a window offering a view of the backyard, which includes a deck where Rick Posson does his grilling.

"I'm more of a pot roast, mashed potatoes and carrots cook," said Joyce Posson. "When our kids come over, they do the gourmet stuff."

The area includes a breakfast table and chairs -- perfect for conversations and large gatherings.

"I just had all the girls from my office over, and I couldn't get anyone out of the kitchen," said Joyce Posson. "There was a time when I wanted to get everyone to move into another room, but now I like showing off my kitchen. It's my dream kitchen on a small scale."

Call Star reporter T.J. Banes at (317) 444-6815.