Photo by Alise O'Brien
The owners—who work in politics—chose traditional Americana with functional elements for their kitchen. Chelsea Smith stayed true to the home’s classic character, but envisioned a kitchen from 100 years ago. “We selected finishes that speak to an all-American Ralph Lauren vibe,” she says. The colors also coordinate with the rest of the house—decorated in a red, white, and blue scheme.
Cabinet Cues
A wall of custom, inset-construction cabinets add to the historical character of the room, while concealing a refrigerator, freezer, pantry, and coffee center. Fashioned from maple with a gray glaze, the cabinets offer ample functionality without skimping on style.
Details, Details
The Grecian-blue, marble-mosaic tile backsplash adds some color to an otherwise neutral space. It’s the right amount of color while “staying within a classic American aesthetic,” Smith says. The gray Cambria stone counters are durable. The stove’s stainless steel backsplash features two removable shelves that serve as cooling racks. The client’s mother had these in her own kitchen, so it was something the owner requested to “remind her of her Mom.”
Island Top
The original plan was to repurpose a dresser into an island, but Smith decided instead to design a piece that would support the weight of the marble top and provide additional storage. The dark alder wood gives the island the appearance of a piece of furniture, she says.
Photo by Alise O'Brien
Lovely Lighting
Before the renovation, the room had just one small window. Smith decided to enlarge it and add a window on each side of the original to allow more light in. Schoolhouse Electric’s utilitarian light fixtures with brushed brass bases and clear saucers are used in place of can lights. Smith selected a large pendant from Hudson Valley with a “big industrial Americana vibe” to hang above the dining room table. “I thought it helped welcome the table into the space,” she says.
Upward Bound
The kitchen’s wood ceiling mirrors the ceiling material in the adjacent living room. The two nonfunctional beams are meant to draw the eye to the stove.
