Designer Spotlight | Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, Zephyr Mesa Wall, Zephyr Presrv™ French Door Wine & Beverage Cooler, and Zephyr Microwave Drawer

A Maximalist Makeover with Modern Soul

Beth Diana Smith is an interior designer serving New Jersey, New York, and beyond. Beth’s designs spark conversation with expertly curated art, layered textures, and diverse cultural influences. Her bold use of color and pattern creates spaces that are sophisticated, luxurious, and aspirational. Each unique piece and custom detail is thoughtfully chosen to tell the story of the home and its owner.

In her recent home remodel, Beth incorporated the Zephyr Mesa Wall range hood in matte black, the Zephyr Presrv® French Door Wine & Beverage Cooler, and the Zephyr Microwave Drawer. In this stunning renovation, Beth Diana Smith transformed a newly purchased home into a maximalist yet modern haven for a mother and her preteen daughter. From replacing dated flooring with rich wood underfoot to solving tricky kitchen storage challenges, every detail was designed to blend function with a soulful, layered aesthetic. The result is a space brimming with personality, warmth, and sleek sophistication, anchored by standout appliances that make a lasting impression.

Read below to find out about Beth’s design process and inspiration.

Q1: Tell us about your design renovation project.

A1: The project focused on transforming a newly purchased home for my client and her preteen daughter into a [maximalist-yet-modern] space. It included removing tile and carpet throughout the home to install wood flooring, renovating the kitchen, updating the powder room, and reimagining the living room, dining room, and primary bedroom. The kitchen posed a challenge in terms of storage, as there was no adjacent room to take space from, but creative design solutions were employed to maximize storage within the existing footprint.

Q2: How did you approach the starting point for your design?

A2: The starting point was addressing storage solutions. With no existing pantry, my first priority was determining where to fit ample storage for dry goods, specialty glasses, and wine, ensuring that everything had a dedicated space while maintaining the home’s [maximalist-yet-modern] aesthetic.

Q3: What were some of the challenges you faced?

A3: The angled wall in the kitchen presented a major challenge. Initially, I thought I could remove it since initial probing showed it only contained water lines. However, I discovered it also housed the main vent for the second floor’s HVAC system. Modifying it would have significantly affected the airflow on that floor, and redoing the HVAC system would have been a substantial budgetary concern. Ultimately, I decided to embrace the angle and work with it in the design.

Q4: Tell us about the design inspiration for this space.

A4: The goal was to craft a bold yet neutral color scheme, steering clear of bright hues while embracing an earthy, modern feel. Black cabinetry was essential for most of the cabinets, complemented by a statement art piece to add personality. The design aimed to evoke a soulful, layered atmosphere, with depth and texture throughout.

Q5: What were some “must-have” appliances for this space?

A5: Some “must-have” appliances for this space included a statement hood, a microwave drawer, a wine and beverage cooler, and a French door refrigerator, all chosen to balance style with functionality. The wine and beverage cooler, designed to be part of a dry bar, allows both mom and daughter to quickly grab what they want without taking up space in the primary refrigerator, offering convenience and enhancing the overall design.

Q6: Why did you select the Zephyr Range Hood, Presrv™ Cooler and Microwave Drawer?

A6: I selected the Zephyr Range Hood, Presrv™ Cooler, and Microwave Drawer because of both design and functionality. I first saw the Mesa hood in matte black at their San Francisco showroom in 2022 and instantly fell in love with its sleek, modern design. I had been saving it for the right project, and this space was it. When I discovered that Zephyr also made microwave drawers, I reviewed the specs and knew it would be the perfect fit. Additionally, I was very impressed with Zephyr’s wine and beverage refrigeration options during that same visit, and when looking for an [under-counter] solution, Zephyr once again proved to be the perfect choice.

Q7: How do these products enhance the space?

A7: Appliances play a crucial role in the overall aesthetic of a kitchen, as they are a major visual element. The quality and style of the appliances can either elevate or diminish the space, making it feel either low-end or high-end. My favorite appliance in this kitchen is the Mesa hood — it’s truly a modern beauty and adds such a sleek, sophisticated touch to the design.

Q8: Do you have a favorite vignette or design feature within the space?

A8: This is a tough one, as I’m torn between two favorite features. The dry bar with the under-counter Presrv™ Cooler, complemented by the fun textured wallpaper and matte black wine pegs, really stands out. It’s such a striking, functional vignette. On the other hand, I also love how the mustard tile beautifully contrasts with the black hood and cabinetry — it creates such a bold, dynamic visual that pulls everything together.

To explore more images of Beth’s home renovation, please visit our Design Inspiration Gallery.