Boston Kitchen Transformation

Our Fulton Court project is complete! What a transformation!

Our clients' main objective was to open up the kitchen area, while keeping as much storage and functional space as possible. They also wanted a nice area to sit and eat with family and friends. Tena was able to design a new space which met all of our their needs. The end result is breathtaking! The white painted cabinetry and black granite countertops make the space look very elegant, yet comfortable!

Amazing design transformation by Tena

 

Sending a big “thank you” to our clients for sharing the photos! We are thrilled that you love your new kitchen!

A Castle-Like Kitchen Come to Life

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!

Details featured in Clarke's Design Gallery

Our fabulous SubZero and Wolf distributors, Clarke Corp, has featured one of Tena's kitchen designs on their website. Click here to check it out!!!

Using Reflective Surfaces in Kitchen & Bath Design

Tena’s thoughts on…………… REFLECTION

 re-flec-tion - the return of light after striking a surface

In my opinion, one of the most important things to remember when designing is not to forget the little details.  It is those little details that together create amazing spaces.

 

I have found that one of the more important details is in the creative use of reflective surfaces.  We, by nature, seem to be drawn to reflected and refracted light in everyday objects; the “bling” of a diamond ring, the “sparkle” of the morning sun dancing on the water, the “shimmer” of beach sand.  In the context of kitchen and bath design reflective surfaces can be used to brighten a dark room, visually enlarge a smaller more compact space, bring the beautiful outdoors in or simply make all of the non-reflective surfaces PoP. Reflective surfaces in the kitchen or bath can typically be found in the use of shiny tiles, polished stone countertops, certain metals, glossy wood floors, decorative glass in cabinets or hardware, glazed ceramics - or - quite literally, mirror and incandescent lighting.

One example would be the use of small iridescent glass tiles in a wide range of soft hues in an otherwise non-descript crisp white bathroom. (I personally LOVE Walker-Zanger tile)  These types of reflective tiles are like chameleons. They will create completely different atmospheres depending on your mood or time of day.  For instance, bright daylight would bounce off of these tiles and create a light, bright and cheerful appearance great for morning preparation.  In the evening, illuminated by candlelight or under the dimmed light of the incandescent bulbs these tiles would create a soothing backdrop perfect for relaxing in the tub after a long day.

In another example, my Client’s lighter-toned polished granite countertop in close proximity to an enormous glass patio door reflects her absolutely phenomenal view.  My Client was spot on with her selection of polished granite to contrast with her beautiful limestone floors and low-sheen painted cabinetry.  The reflection of the sparkling water and lovely surroundings seem to brighten her kitchen on even the gloomiest of days.

In the end…. It’s always “all about the details”!

Cohasset Kitchen Redesign

When Kitchen & Bath Details was asked to work on a kitchen remodeling project for this Cohasset client we loved the directive – take a small kitchen in a historic home, open it up a bit, provide some seating, an amazing fireplace and keep it cozy! Our designers began Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry in white with a low sheen enamel with absolute black honed granite countertops and installed Sub-Zero & Wolf Appliances.

A hutch with open glass doors and lighting showcases beautiful china and adds a warm glow to the room. A desk provides an office workspace, while cozy dinners are prepared the flat screen TV allows the “chef” to catch up on the news.

Please contact Jill Muldoon to schedule an appointment with one of our designers or visit our showroom to see more of our work.