Project: Kitchen Remodel in Post & Beam Construction in Peabody, MA (#ProjectPostAndBeamKitchen)
This unique project was a full-gut remodel, in that we touched every inch of the space except for one major area, the exposed structure of the ceiling. The 1985 post-and-beam construction home in Peabody had been lovingly maintained when our clients moved in a few years ago, and they freshened up the rooms with light and airy paint, chic light fixtures and beautiful art and furniture. The dated kitchen was lacking form and function, however, so they turned to our team for help.
The couple love to cook and host family and friends, so first we tackled the kitchen’s layout to improve functionality and flow. We eliminated a coat closet in the front entry (a hallway behind the refrigerator wall) in order to gain space for much-needed pantry storage next to the refrigerator. To complete the L-shape layout, we included an island for flow in and around the space, replacing the previous large peninsula that you had to walk all the way around to get into the kitchen.
In terms of aesthetics, our clients envisioned a light, neutral and unfussy palette, but did not want a “white kitchen”, so we selected a soft gray-beige color for the streamlined shaker-style cabinets, and accented the space with pops of matte black for interesting contrast. Layered against the gorgeous wood of the home’s structure, the result is a warm, inviting and happy space to cook and gather with friends and family. Bon appétit!
The flow of the kitchen was drastically improved with the L-shape layout and center island instead of a peninsula coming off of one wall and blocking the walkway. A large pantry cabinet to the left of the paneled refrigerator takes the place of the coat closet, increasing storage in the kitchen.
The handsome 36” Thermador range and hood vent create balance on the other side of the kitchen.
This home has a lot of inherent character, with the exposed structure and thoughtfully placed windows that flood the space with natural light. We replaced dated tile flooring in the kitchen with hardwood planks that blend seamlessly into the rest of the first floor for a harmonious feel.
The Thermador suite of appliances are thoughtfully laid out in the kitchen, and partially concealed with cabinetry panels. The refrigerator and dishwasher are both paneled, which quiets the space visually, leaving the gas range, undercounter beverage refrigerator and microwave drawer as the main elements of stainless steel.
Our clients loved the idea of creating a little nook in the corner of the kitchen to serve as a coffee or cocktails bar when entertaining. For added interest and to highlight sparkling glassware, the wall cabinets feature open fronts with flat black metal mesh and glass shelves inside. It feels like a swanky spot to mix up a drink!
The kitchen sink stayed centered at the existing windows, but we dressed up the space and created visual height with new light fixtures installed above the windows, and a soft backsplash tile installed all the way to the beam. To maintain a more contemporary feel, we installed tile right to the window frame instead of casing it with traditional wood.
The gorgeous exposed structure of the home is such a unique feature, creating instant warmth and rich character. Our electrician installed new cable lighting between the beams, a big improvement over the dated track lighting that was there before.
The timeless Shaw’s fireclay apron-front sink creates a nice focal point at the window, accented with the matte black sconces and faucet. We included a piece of quartz countertop below the sink to act as a drip catch, preventing water damage to the cabinetry and floor.
The pantry cabinet next to the refrigerator took the place of a framed coat closet that was accessible from the entry hall behind the kitchen. The homeowners decided it was worthy space to capture for more storage in the kitchen, and we designed it so that the doors line up perfectly with the heights of the refrigerator panels.
Just a few of the functional and lovely details of #ProjectPostAndBeamKitchen!
This handsome project had its fifteen minutes of fame as the “Style Watch” feature of the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine! Thank you to Marni Elyse Katz for a wonderful write-up of this gorgeous project!
Take a walk through the space with our designer, Jenni Jacobs, to hear how everything came together.
