As the holiday season fades and the new year begins, many homeowners turn their thoughts from hosting to home improvement. “The holidays are when people really live in their kitchens,” says designer Marcia Lenci. “That’s usually when they realize what’s not working. As soon as the new year hits, our phones start ringing with homeowners ready to design their dream kitchens.”

For Melissa and Seth Lasater of Columbia, that dream began the moment they purchased their historic home on Academy Lane—a property Melissa had admired for years. “I’ve loved this home since first driving past it while dating my husband,” Melissa said. “We later moved to the same street and became friends with the owners. When they considered assisted living, we hoped to buy it. Five years later, when it went up for sale, the family came to us first.”

The Colonial Revival home featured a grand formal living room and a small kitchen, perfectly suitable when it was built in 1946, but the rooms posed challenges for modern-day living. The Lasaters knew they wanted a kitchen that honored the home’s character while accommodating life with their three boys.

What began as a simple galley kitchen remodel took a bold turn when Lenci proposed something unexpected. “The original kitchen was small and limited, so we explored other parts of the home,” Lenci explained. “Moving it to the opposite end of the house was a game changer. It allowed us to create the spacious kitchen the family needed, and we transformed the old kitchen into a beautiful, functional laundry room for their busy household.”

The former formal living room, with its striking pre–Civil War hand-carved mantle, became the new kitchen. Its marble, salvaged from the original owner’s soda counter at Reynold’s Drugs on the square, is now the most interesting design element in the room. With the kitchen repositioned, Lenci set out to turn the old kitchen into a laundry and mud room, eliminating the home’s original laundry closet.

The final piece of the remodel puzzle was a refresh of the butler’s nook located off the dining room and between the kitchen and laundry room. “Marcia suggested ideas we never imagined,” Melissa said. “The new layout gave us space for kids to hang out and a sunroom for casual dining.”

Preserving the home’s original charm was central to the project. “We wanted to honor the home’s architecture and make thoughtful changes,” Lenci said. “Only what was absolutely necessary was removed to bring the new design to life.”

To achieve a look that felt timeless, soft, and warm, Lenci used vanilla-toned semi-custom cabinetry, Taj Mahal–inspired quartz countertops, and warm brass hardware — a palette that feels both sophisticated and durable enough for daily family life.

One of the biggest surprises for the Lasaters was how smooth the entire renovation felt. Unlike traditional firms that divide responsibilities between separate designers, cabinet dealers, project managers, and contractors, Marcia Lenci Design brings every stage of the remodel under one roof. With one point of contact guiding the entire process, clients enjoy a stress-free experience from the first sketch to the final installation. “Working with Marcia was seamless,” Melissa said. “We expected delays in an old house, but there were none. I’d work with her a thousand times over.”

Lenci notes that timing is key for homeowners hoping to remodel in the coming year. “Because so many people start the process in January, our design calendar fills quickly,” she said. “We’re typically booked about six months out, so clients who begin design work in summer are usually cooking in their new kitchens by fall.” As for construction, she added, “Barring any backorders, a full kitchen remodel typically takes eight to ten weeks from start to finish.”

For the Lasaters, the renovation didn’t just modernize their kitchen — it reshaped daily life, creating a space that feels like the true heart of their home. And for those emerging from a busy holiday season with fresh ideas and long-awaited plans, the new year may be the perfect time to meet with Marcia Lenci Design and start a remodel every bit as inspiring and beautiful.

Marcia Lenci Design is a designer, cabinet dealer, project manager, and licensed contractor team. One point of contact makes for a stress-free experience. Call (615) 970-9094 or visit marcialencidesign.com. License #82154.

KATIE BAKER is a local REALTOR and the owner of Baker Group, Maury County’s boutique brokerage. Baker Group specializes in Fine Properties, Historic Homes, Vacation Homes, and Commercial Real Estate in Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee River. Call (901) 351-7235 to schedule an appointment and follow them on social media @bakergrouprealty.