Builder: MacNamara Construction
Architect: Armour Architecture
Photography: Thomas Kuoh Photography
Styling: Jody Blaine Moon
A Kitchen in Its Best Light
For San Francisco interior designer Ritu Nagpal, a well-designed home begins with the people who live there. A native Californian, Ritu draws inspiration from the state’s landscapes, architectural diversity, and rich color palettes. Through Retiro Design Co, she brings those influences to spaces that feel warm, balanced, and personal, pairing her creative eye with the practical perspective of a background in business and investment.
Her approach leaves room for both timeless materials and individual expression.
“My design style is predominantly quiet luxury, but I love incorporating color in subtle yet impactful ways,” Ritu shares. “Ultimately, every project should feel like a true reflection of the client.”
That philosophy comes to life in this Modern Mediterranean remodel, where expressive marble, glossy zellige, and abundant daylight create a kitchen with a relaxed sense of luxury. Set within a grand great room with 12-foot ceilings, the space feels open and expansive, yet thoughtfully grounded by its materials.
A Natural Starting Point
Selected at All Natural Stone’s Burlingame showroom, Calacatta Borghini marble brings natural movement to the kitchen countertops and waterfall island. Ritu sought a stone with enough presence to complement the room’s scale while preserving the calm, inviting atmosphere.
“The veining and movement struck the perfect balance—impactful without being overwhelming,” she explains. “The soft greys and blue-green undertones complemented the indoor-outdoor living beautifully.”
The waterfall island gives that movement room to unfold. Veining travels across the surface and down its sides, turning a functional gathering place into the kitchen’s defining feature.
“Watching this kitchen come together was incredible. The stone on the island took my breath away—and it continues to be my favorite feature.”
A Little Texture, A Little Light
A white zellige tile accent wall adds another layer of character. Its glossy glaze catches and reflects daylight, while the subtle irregularities of its surface send light in different directions. As the sun moves throughout the day, highlights shift from tile to tile, bringing a changing play of light to the kitchen.
Together, the marble and zellige create a thoughtful balance: sweeping natural veining alongside smaller, imperfect surfaces. Each brings depth to the palette, giving the room interest without relying on strong color contrasts.
Builder: MacNamara Construction
Architect: Armour Architecture
Photography: Thomas Kuoh Photography
Styling: Jody Blaine Moon
Good Design Takes Good Company
Finding the right materials was a collaborative process. When the slabs Ritu originally had her eye on sold, our Burlingame team helped her explore alternatives and discover stone she loved even more.
“ANS was extremely helpful in helping me find the perfect stone. The slabs I originally wanted sold, but their team quickly guided me to options I liked even more. They were responsive, thorough, and even helped with renderings to confirm quantities.”
From comparing slabs to working through material quantities, those conversations helped Ritu move forward with confidence and bring her vision into focus.
The finished kitchen reflects Ritu’s thoughtful approach: timeless design, subtle color, and room for natural materials to shine. Calacatta Borghini gives the space a distinct personality, creating a centerpiece for everyday living and gathering. A culinary retreat, materialized.
Inspired by this kitchen? Visit an All Natural Stone showroom to explore the stone and tile that will bring your dream kitchen to life.