Kitchen Collaboration with Fresh Start Contracting (#ProjectOliveAndWalnut)
Not long after moving into their side-entrance Colonial in Melrose, our clients embarked on a much-needed renovation to modernize the home’s original kitchen. After selecting Fresh Start Contracting to construct the project, they came to us for design and cabinetry help, with a general layout and strong design aesthetic already in mind.
The couple worked with our designer, Jenni Jacobs, to finesse the cabinetry configuration, accessories, finishes, and other materials to complete their vision for a modern kitchen with a storied, inviting feel. After the design phase, we facilitated a smooth hand-off to Fresh Start Contracting to execute the remodel, and provided design consultation throughout the construction and installation phase. Hats off to Fresh Start Contracting for a great collaboration and beautiful result!
Read on for all the warm, layered details of this cozy and inviting kitchen!
Coming to us with a general layout and aesthetic already in mind for the space, our clients’ vision included removing an original walk-in pantry and adjacent coat closet for more wall space to accommodate the new range and refrigerator.
The white Bertazzoni range and plaster hood (site-built by Fresh Start Contracting) create a gorgeous focal point on this main wall of the kitchen.
The other main wall of the kitchen includes the sink that remained under an original window, restored by Fresh Start Contracting. In the cabinetry design, we maximized storage for food and pantry items with a wall-to-counter cabinet to the right of the sink.
Capturing the previous pantry and coat closet as part of the kitchen allowed for the addition of a small workstation island in the center of the space, which we outfitted in gorgeous walnut. There is a small countertop overhang at one end with room to perch on a stool.
Our clients wanted to carry their home’s vintage character into the new kitchen, with rich colors and finishes. Using the original gumwood molding as a jumping off point, we chose a custom green color for the cabinetry, Sherwin Williams Ripe Olive. Simple painted beadboard serves as a utilitarian backsplash.
Layering on more thoughtful details, our clients chose hardwood floors laid in a herringbone pattern, while the original back door was painted to match the olive green of the cabinetry.
A single wall cabinet with glass fronts bounces light around and highlights everyday dishes and glassware. The soffit above the cabinet conceals the knuckle of a pipe that could not be buried into the wall or ceiling. Working around it, we maintained the same soffit height around the kitchen for a seamless look.
A sweet breakfast area at the far side of the kitchen took over an underutilized nook where the refrigerator previously stood. While the clients maintained their formal dining room, the bench seating and small table allows for casual family meals with their young children. The bench cabinets include drawers for extra storage.
The sight lines and flow of the new kitchen create an easy, welcoming, and lived-in feel. Our clients sourced the light fixtures for a lovely, vintage, Parisian appeal.
Even with deep, rich colors and materials, the kitchen feels light and airy, with ample room to prep, cook and enjoy company.
In the cabinetry design, we incorporated lovely wainscot details on the island and refrigerator side panel, to carry the cabinetry profile throughout the space. Although our clients maintained their formal dining room separate from the kitchen, the opening between the rooms was widened to allow adequate clearance in and around the new kitchen island.
The stamp of a timeless Shaws fireclay kitchen sink fits beautifully in this kitchen, and our clients selected a model with a casement edge detail, for even more vintage appeal.
Pantry staples are within easy reach in the wall-to-counter cabinet that sits directly on the marble countertop, to the right of the sink.
A pullout cabinet in the island organizes spices and oils so that everything is close at hand when cooking at the range.
The combination of beautiful materials and thoughtful layering brings this kitchen to a whole new level. The bridge-style faucet and latch cabinet hardware nod to the age of the home, while the sleek Bertazzoni range and marble countertops – complete with an ogee edge profile – add to the luxurious feel of the space.
We were so thrilled that Northshore Home Magazine featured this beautiful project. Thank you to Marni Elyse Katz (@stylecarrot) for a wonderful article, and to editor Nancy Berry and her team for laying out the feature so beautifully!
Take a walk-through tour of #ProjectOliveAndWalnut with our designer Jenni Jacobs!
