Project: Mid-century modern kitchen remodel in Melrose, MA
What a treat to partner with Skip Miller of American Dreamwrights Custom Builders, and his team, on this kitchen remodel in Melrose, MA. The homeowners had worked with Skip on a number of improvements to their home, and the kitchen was the last major project. They wanted to open the space to the living room for an open-concept layout, while staying true to the unique mid-century aesthetic of their home and embracing color along the way. They turned to our designer, Jenni Jacobs, for help with the kitchen’s improved layout and fresh design.
Fun fact: The homeowners in this project are friends and neighbors of our clients in #ProjectForTheLoveOfLavender! We were so grateful for the positive referral and thrilled to work with another awesome family in this neighborhood!
Photography: Regina Mallory Photography
What an amazing space! We were so excited to bring another colorful kitchen to life! Our clients had a great vision for a funky, colorful, fun space for their family, and the custom jewel-toned cabinetry takes center stage.
Removing the wall between the kitchen and living room created an open concept layout for cooking, dining, entertaining and relaxing. The vaulted ceilings in the living room lighten the transition and highlight the home’s original Capiz shell pendant lights.
We updated the layout of the kitchen for improved functionality and comfort, creating more space between major workstations (cleaning, prepping, cooking). The kitchen sink was previously at the window, and double ovens were tucked to the right of the cooktop, tight against an exterior door. By moving the sink to the island, new double ovens are anchored next to the refrigerator, allowing for more pantry space near the cooktop and a long, uninterrupted run of countertop along the perimeter.
A beautiful feature in this kitchen is the warm cherry wood mixed in with the teal cabinetry. Open shelving creates balance to the wall cabinetry and keeps the window wall feeling light. The oiled butcher block in the island gives the homeowners a central spot for chopping and prepping.
Stainless steel appliances and brushed nickel hardware keep the kitchen grounded, along with the quartz countertop that has a cloudy, almost-cement look. The mosaic backsplash tile has a retro mid-century shape and a subtle raised texture, adding a neutral but interesting layer to the design.
To further connect the kitchen and living room, we added more cabinetry to an underutilized wall. Between the sliding doors to the backyard patio and large picture windows, a beverage fridge, base cabinet and more floating shelves add storage and serving space, perfect for morning coffee, dinner parties and everything in between.
This happy corner of the kitchen highlights all of the beautiful materials in the space: colorful cabinetry, warm cherry wood, durable quartz countertops, and funky geometric backsplash tile.
Who can resist a beautiful, organized kitchen, both inside and outside of the cabinetry? In every kitchen, we partner with our clients to include thoughtful details that maximize the storage and functionality of every cabinet door and drawer, from rollout trays for pots and pans and pantry items, to custom-fitted spice racks and knife blocks.
Skip Miller and his team at American Dreamwrights Custom Builders did an excellent job installing the cabinetry and bringing every layer and detail to life in this beautiful space. It was a wonderful collaboration and we hope to partner with them on more projects in the future!
It was such a privilege working with this awesome family to reimagine their kitchen for the next era of their mid-century modern home’s history.
Take a walk through this wonderfully retro—yet entirely functional—space with our designer, Jenni Jacobs.
See how this space was transformed in our Before and After Gallery!
We love collaborating with local contractors to bring kitchens to life through great design, thoughtful construction, and personal style. Every remodel is a chance to create a space that works better for everyday life—and truly reflects the way our clients live. If a kitchen update is on your mind, check out our design services and let’s start planning something great together.
