When Melissa Fitzgerald of Kitchen Society Design draws up cabinet plans, she leaves nothing to chance. Every appliance is counted; every utensil is considered; even the coffee cups get measured. In the end, everything gets assigned.
“I am noting where I would put everything based on experience, and I love when clients tell me, ‘Hey, I loved this,’ or ‘You know, I would have done this differently,’” said Fitzgerald, who has specialized in kitchen and bathroom design since 2015. “I present the plans with all of that in mind.”
Ken and Malinda Laird’s kitchen plans were no different. With Fitzgerald leading their remodel, every knife found its proper place.
“It could be overkill for some people, but Ken and I really enjoyed working with Melissa and thinking it all through,” Malinda said. “We have so much more space now, because you’re not having to just make the existing cabinetry layout work. Everything’s planned.”
Fitzgerald’s design and her custom cabinet line, Society Cabinetry, were only part of the Laird’s most recent home project. Kent Hoffman with the Hoffman Group made additional changes, including replacing sliding doors with large windows in the breakfast area and exchanging two weight-bearing columns for a support beam in the kitchen. In addition, the kitchen island—previously two levels with a bar-height section—was smoothed into one cohesive surface, and Young Brothers Inc. installed a waterfall countertop in Fantasy Lux Quartzite to complete the look.
The Lairds requested a modern-yet-warm aesthetic, which Fitzgerald achieved through warm-toned woods and metals. Brass and gunmetal finishes were selected for the cabinetry and Urban Electric Company Sconces for above the range. Just off the kitchen, the bar was refinished with new cabinets and a backsplash in Shinju Olympia Glazed Tile from Classic Tile Stone + Marble.
“Melissa recommended that we use the metal-front cabinetry that we use over the cooktop to tie [the bar] in,” Laird said. “Then she found the beautiful tile that we installed, and it’s a little jewel. I just love it.”
On the other side of the kitchen, a glass door fabricated by Monte Cristo Ironworks sections off a butler’s pantry while also maintaining that open-concept feel. This is where the Lairds unload groceries, store appliances, make coffee and prepare food for parties.
“I think that is what everyone’s loving about the butler’s pantry is that it’s food storage, but it’s also like a mini kitchen that can be messy,” Fitzgerald said. “You can close the door and not worry about it until you have time.”
Surrounding rooms showcase cozy seating, artwork from the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts and contemporary rugs sourced by interior designer Molly Cooke through Designer Rugs. They previously renovated the backyard and upstairs, adding their own style to the home throughout the years. Completed in January 2024, the kitchen remodel makes their home feel fully updated, fully complete—with everything in its place.
See This Home on the Kitchen Tour
This kitchen will be one of five showcased on the Alliance Kitchen Tour, happening Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Nichols Hills. With a Naifeh Fine Jewelry raffle and shopping experiences throughout, the event will benefit Peaceful Family Oklahoma, ITN Central Oklahoma and Alliance Community Service. Buy tickets at Culinary Kitchen and Home at 7222 N. Western Ave. or at ocmsalliance.org.
