The One Room Designer Desiree Burns Will Never Forget

Interior designers and other experts in the home industry work on an impressive number of spaces throughout their careers. But even if some of the makeovers and redesigns start to blend together after a few years, there are some rooms that are just truly unforgettable. 

So, to give designers a chance to revisit their favorite projects—and to bring you plenty of inspiration for your own home—we’re sharing the one room these pros will remember forever. For some, there’s a sentimental connection, for others, there was an obstacle they never thought they’d overcome. But no matter what, these rooms are worth remembering.

Desiree Burns of Desiree Burns Interiors is known for her earthy yet modern interiors. The Boston-based designer, who began her own boutique interior design firm in 2015, has many memorable rooms under her belt. But this kitchen and powder room renovation is one of her favorites, as she loved working with the homeowners in Milton, Massachusetts.

"It’s always an intimate collaboration," Burns tells MyDomaine. "Finding a connection of design styles and personalities always makes for a fun design process since I work so closely with my clients in each project. They were such a pleasure to design for!" 

While the design process is always exciting, Burns loves the reveal the most.

"Seeing the finished product is always such a satisfying moment for me," Burns says. "I love coming in to style the space, and getting to see the clients reaction once everything has been styled."

Keep scrolling to see this perfectly-styled all-white kitchen and powder room.

Sometimes a design can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint and new textiles or tiles, and sometimes it requires a full rethinking of a room's layout. For this renovation, Burns and the homeowners ended up removing a banquette where the refrigerator is now to update the layout of the space.

"We (both the clients and myself) loved the charm of it and idea of a breakfast banquette, but we struggled with keeping it when it came down to the overall layout of the new space, and functionality of appliance locations," Burns explains. "We ended up putting a beautiful, white Café refrigerator and pantry there, and I think the white appliance adds some modern charm and takes center stage there!"

In both the kitchen and the powder room, Burns used mixed metal accents to add visual interest in the bright white spaces.

"The client wasn’t afraid to be playful," Burns says. "We mixed matte black and brushed brass fixtures and hardware in both rooms. I also love the mix of classic and trendy. I like to incorporate trends in the accessories, so that it’s easy and cost effective to swap out in the future. We went with classic white kitchen cabinets that are sure to be timeless."

Though Burns always represents her clients' personal styles in her work, there are certain touches that she brings to each job, as seen in this kitchen and powder room.

"I love to combine glam and earthy elements, it’s an interesting and contrasting combination that I feel really speaks to my personal taste," Burns says. "I also tend to favor brass over chrome, so you’ll see touches of that metal throughout most of my projects." 

When Burns looks back at this room, she is reminded to continue to enjoy her work and all the opportunities that come with it.

"It’s a reminder to stay playful and have fun with it," Burns explains. "White appliances can be a tough sell, but having clients who are willing to take risks helps keep the job exciting."