Project Overview

After two decades in their home and with their children now off at college, these homeowners were ready for a complete refresh. Nestled along a leafy, wooded road, the house had plenty of natural charm outside—but inside, things had started to fall apart. The kitchen cabinets were pulling away from the walls, the appliances were past their prime, and the entire first floor felt tired. Their renovation wishlist included a bright, open-concept kitchen ideal for hosting, more windows to draw in the surrounding greenery, and a dining area that could easily flex between intimate family dinners and large gatherings. Just as important: the finishes needed to hold up to the daily activity of three energetic dogs.

Design and Layout

Our redesign focused on opening up the floor plan to create a larger, eat-in kitchen with multiple prep zones and comfortable walkways around the island. We removed the peninsula and the wall separating the kitchen from the butler’s pantry, extending cabinetry across the back wall and clustering taller elements to the left. This opened up the remaining perimeter with lighter, more accessible storage. A triple set of deep drawers flanks the range top, with hidden shallow drawers inside for utensils, cutlery, and other small essentials. A similar drawer setup was created at the sink, disguising a paneled dishwasher to match the cabinetry. To maintain a clean, cohesive look with the adjacent living room, most major appliances were concealed behind custom cabinetry panels.

Design and Layout Style and Finishes

The design strikes a balance between modern and organic, with an emphasis on texture and warmth. Natural oak appears throughout—from the kitchen cabinetry to a wrapped structural column—bringing a cozy, grounded feel. Off-white cabinets help brighten the space without feeling stark or sterile. In the butler’s pantry, dark blue cabinets add contrast and depth. For surfaces, we paired soapstone in the mudroom with soft-toned quartz in the kitchen, creating a durable and welcoming material palette that stands up to daily use.