Key Features:
- Painted cabinetry paired with quarter-sawn white oak island + hutch
- Antello quartz countertops
- Honey bronze hardware + brass fixtures
- Custom banquette seating with built-in storage
- Tea & coffee station with retractable pocket doors
Project Summary:
Before the renovation, this kitchen was constrained by dated finishes that no longer supported how the family lived. An island with angled corners reduced usable storage, while a tiled kitchen floor further defined the space as separate, making it feel smaller and less connected to the dining area. This renovation was designed to honor what already worked in the home, which hadn’t been updated in over 25 years, while elevating it for the way the family lives today. The goal was not to start from scratch, but to refine and rework the space so it felt more connected, functional, and intentional.
High ceilings and multiple skylights flood the kitchen with natural light throughout the day, creating an airy backdrop for the layered materials and warm finishes. Rather than remove the existing fireplace, it was integrated into the new design, grounding the space and reinforcing the kitchen’s role as a true gathering place.
One of the most transformative changes was rethinking the relationship between the kitchen and the adjacent dining area. Once used only for seating, the space now functions as a true extension of the kitchen, anchored by a generous banquette flanked by built-in storage pantries and a larger window that brings in additional light. The bench cushion and pillows were custom-made, using a fabric the homeowner discovered as the jumping-off point—adding a personal, tailored layer that feels both intentional and collected. Extending the hardwood flooring throughout eliminated the visual break created by tile, allowing the entire space to read as one cohesive, light-filled area that feels larger and more inviting.
The island was also reimagined. The original island featured angled corners that limited storage and disrupted flow. In its place, a clean-lined island anchors the room, offering improved circulation and significantly more usable storage. Finished in quarter-sawn white oak with a glazed finish, the island adds warmth and contrast against the painted cabinetry. Antello quartz countertops, honey bronze hardware, and brass fixtures add subtle richness and continuity throughout the kitchen.
At the range, Ann Sacks tile was used selectively within a recessed backsplash niche, creating a moment of texture and craftsmanship. The niche provides a functional landing spot for everyday essentials like oils and salts, while also offering room for decorative objects. Elsewhere, a more understated matte white subway tile keeps the backdrop clean and allows the layered details to shine.
Throughout the space, thoughtful craftsmanship is evident in every detail. Every cabinet and drawer was planned with purpose, from dedicated storage for cutting boards and cooking utensils to a tea and coffee area with retractable pocket doors that balance accessibility with visual calm.
The result is a kitchen that feels effortless yet highly considered—one that fully embraces the home’s architectural strengths while supporting the rhythms of everyday life and gathering.
