At Home: The Tidiest Messy Kitchen in Italian Village

A coffee maker might be an essential part of many households, but it’s not typically the prettiest design piece. 

For the Instagram-unworthy Keurigs and unsightly microwaves, “messy” kitchens keep the “actual” kitchen looking pristine, hiding small appliances, storing cooking essentials, and even housing an extra sink for dirty dishes–all tucked away behind a door and leaving the unsuspecting party guest none the wiser.

Professional kitchen designer Tyler Swartzmiller (owner of Haus Studio in Grandview) and his husband Matthew upgraded their kitchen space to include the messy attachment after moving into their Italian Village home in 2021. 

“I like to have places for things to hide,” Tyler said. 

What’s left in plain sight includes sleek pendant lights, silky marble countertops, and a beautiful, six-burner stove. 

The couple purchased the 2,500 square-foot home with a standard floor plan, but have since made countless upgrades to make the space better fit their needs and lifestyle.

Opening up the first floor, they tore down the wall formerly separating the kitchen and living space.

“We wanted a modern look, with an open concept, that allows for great entertainment spaces,” Tyler said.

Tyler defines their style as minimal modern, with the couple favoring compelling casual pieces. 

The added fireplace provides a charming focal point in the living room, while off the kitchen (which was repositioned to face into the rest of the downstairs) is an updated half bath. 

Off the back patio, Tyler and Matt are currently working on an outdoor entertaining space, complete with a hot tub, a larger sitting area, and more landscaping.

“We aren’t very good at keeping plants alive, though, so it’s been interesting,” Tyler joked.

Upstairs, upgrades include a massive smart shower and dual sinks in the en suite bathroom.

The primary closest was also converted to give space for a second-floor washer/dryer, hidden (of course!) behind a sliding door. 

Eventually, the couple hopes to fully-remodel their basement, which was dug a foot deeper than usual in preparation for a future fourth bedroom. The space will also ultimately include a wet bar, wine cellar and workout room. 

The couple moved to the area in the height of COVID, and Tyler noted that it took some time for the neighborhood to open back up for them to really explore. 

Since then, they’ve gotten to know their neighbors and are frequent attendees to their community civic association meetings. The two love the walkability of the area (a big reason they made the move from Hilliard) and spend time at their favorite local spots, including Fox in the Snow, City Tavern and Little Rock.

New City Homes was featured on the 2022 Urban Living Tour. New City Homes is currently building new homes in several Central Ohio communities. We have experience building new homes in both suburban & urban locations and welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your next house! We can build on your lot or you can buy one of ours! Visit newcityohio.com/buy for more information on current new homes for sale, available lots, and our most popular floor plans.

At Home is a monthly column on Columbus Underground focused on urban home remodeling and style as well as older home renovations and unique homes in Columbus. If you would like to have your home featured in the At Home series, please send an email to [email protected].

Photos by Lindsey Thieken unless otherwise noted