Two years ago, Kerri and Ajay Batra bought a 20-year-old custom Hopkinton home that was designed with entertaining in mind. These two busy doctors, their two daughters, and dog Bob, were excited to host epic family events and Super Bowl parties at their new home. But first the house needed a significant remodel to better suit their needs. They attended one of our annual kitchen tours and envisioned the possibilities! Their home featured large open rooms, but it had support columns in the kitchen that interfered with flow and lines of sight. For ease of entertaining, they wanted to add a butler’s pantry, a separate walk-in pantry with improved shelving, and double dishwashers to handle the extra loads. They also wanted upgrades to make their new home their own – a quiet respite from their demanding jobs as physicians.
We were happy to deliver. We added six steel columns and two steel beams in the basement to eliminate the columns in the kitchen, removing the obstructions and improving the kitchen’s flow in the process. We added a butler’s pantry to an underused nook and kept it partially open, so if someone is at the bar sink or built-in coffee system, they can still easily socialize.
Nothing is better for entertaining than a large expansive island equipped and ready to serve food and drinks to guests. An equally large built-in refrigerator makes food prep and storage a cinch. Quick, easy, and close access is critical when you’ve got a house full of hungry guests. Finishing touches like hardwoods throughout the kitchen and family room and coffered ceilings brought elegance and warmth into the home.
The powder room needed a complete overhaul. They were able to bring their own style and taste with the help from Waterspot, which supplied the striking fixtures and fittings. Here’s the before and after to see how this room was changed from heavy and dark to light and bright:
The project was completed in the fall of 2019 and the Batras immediately enjoyed entertaining in their new space. Kerri shares, “This beautiful kitchen has been a wonderful gathering place for family. We had a Thanksgiving for the ages here, with both of our extended families joining us. More importantly, it’s been a daily treasure.” Little did they know that a pandemic was around the corner. Six short months later, they were at home with their family more than ever before. Kerri describes their remodeled home as an “oasis for them,” a calming retreat from the worries of the world.
The Batras look forward to the day when they can host again. Kerri notes, “When we welcome people to our home again, it will be with a joy we may have slightly taken for granted in the past.” We all know exactly what she means!
Are you ready to discuss the changes needed to improve how you host family and friends (once we are socializing again)? We’d love to speak with you about what you have in mind. Request a project consult here.
