Here’s an idea!
The holidays are just around the corner and you know what that means….gift wrapping! Why not convert that small, unused space that you just don’t know what to do with into a customized, multifunctional wrapping station.
We have switched over to our fall/winter schedule! Our new hours are Tuesday - Friday 9:30-5 and Saturday 9:30-3. Additional hours are available by appointment. Stop in soon!
Our good friends from In House Custom, sent the captain of a breathtaking catamaran (docked in Fairhaven for annual maintenance) into our showroom to select new Corian countertops for the bar area. They went with the color Sorrell and a custom "no drip" edge.
Here’s how it turned out!
Installation and fabrication by Counter Productions! Great work guys!!!
The “old” ….. like new
When most people think of a “new” kitchen, they automatically think all of the elements are…. well, new. This isn’t always the case. I’ve designed entire kitchens around existing pieces such as a vintage range, butcher block top, and most recently, a gigantic double basin slate sink.
My client was very specific about including the existing 5 foot long slate sink in her “new” kitchen. She felt that the sink would help retain some of the original cottage charm of the beach house. I couldn’t have agreed more! The slate sink created such a lovely counter-balance to the brand new painted cabinetry, modern appliances and Silestone countertop.
Problem: The slate sink had seen a better day. It was stained and cracked from years of use. The sink also had an irregular shape on the bottom, most likely a result of accommodating the original base.
Solution: We contacted our local stone fabricator and he agreed to remove the sink, painstakingly restore it to its original beauty, and then reinstall it into the new custom cabinet. When I designed the new base for the sink, I decided to conceal the funny shape on the bottom. This would eliminate the visual busy-ness therefore accentuating the clean lines of the rich black slate.
All-in-all, I think it’s simply fabulous!
I have just completed a project in Marion that began with a torn page from a magazine and the wish for a “castle-like” atmosphere. My Clients fell in love with the grand mantle piece in their inspiration photo (see below) and had to have it in their home. Here’s where my job begins! I needed to bring their dream kitchen, shown in the magazine photo, to life.
First step: Identification
I did a bit of research and the inspiration kitchen featured a deep stained cherry cabinetry with a heavily-detailed, traditional-style, raised panel door. As for the countertop, the display kitchen appears to have used a green marble (which we all know is not rated for use in a kitchen, right?).
Second step: Product Selection
While touring the Client’s beautiful, waterfront home, I discovered that there were existing mahogany built-ins and architectural details in other areas of the home. This guided me to the obvious choice of suggesting a richly stained mahogany (from our custom Plain & Fancy line) in the new kitchen to keep with the style of the home. The mahogany definitely lends the same “feel” as the cherry in the inspiration picture, but creates a uniqueness that sets their kitchen apart. The clients and I also poured over a ba-zillion granite samples trying to find one that would create the same drama as the green marble, without the maintenance nightmare. We stumbled upon Kerala Green, which worked perfectly!
Third step: The Details
Creating a grand kitchen space is ALL about the details. For example, I custom designed the 7ft. mantle to imitate the design from the inspiration kitchen. This mantle is not only a show-stopper visually, but also discreetly houses the super-powerful ventilation system and pull-out spice storage. I also specified several custom hand carved decorative pieces (placed strategically throughout the kitchen), beveled glass cabinetry, paneled appliances, and beautifully curved countertops.
Finally: Voila!
A phenomenal space fit for any castle and (in my opinion) more breathtaking than the inspiration! Our clients are in the process of moving into their newly re-modeled home and we hope to visit them again for a professional photo shoot. More photos to come!
Kitchen and Bath Details
Our "Allen's Point Castle-Like Kitchen" client graciously allowed us to visit her home with photographer, Phil Mello of Big Fish Studio, to shoot some more photos of this stunning kitchen.
She is so thrilled with her kitchen and expressed how much Tena exceeded her expectations with the design. Her inspiration photo not only came to life, but it turned out much better! 
