The October nor’easter couldn’t deter hearty New Englanders from attending our recent kitchen tour event in Sherborn. A little weather was not going to keep our guests from enjoying the evening. Some came to get ideas for their own renovations, others just came to be inspired and to learn about new kitchen trends. One attendee came to identify a solution to one specific kitchen challenge: how to make the best use of dead corner space. So while interests varied, everyone enjoyed learning about how these homes were modified to better meet the needs and styles of their owners.
At the first home of our kitchen tour, guests learned how the hosts reconfigured their space to convert a walk-in laundry room into a walk-in pantry. Their solution for the washer and dryer? Tuck it behind a sliding barn door to keep it out of sight.
The homeowners were both in agreement; the old laundry room was not the best use of space for their busy family, so an organized walk-in pantry was much preferred.
Several attendees noticed that the “before” pictures with the dark cabinetry resembled their own kitchens. It was inspiring to see the transformation to the new light-splashed space.
This lighter, warmer look was achieved with the installation of custom built cabinetry, built-in appliances, an enlarged window over the sink and an oversized white marble island (put to good use with this bountiful spread of appetizers).
Jeff McLinden, owner and founder, shared a bit about what makes JM Construction unique. He summarized the company’s 30 year history, how it grew over time, and how it’s stayed true to its values over the years. JM Construction continues to deliver a higher level of excellence while meeting all of their clients’ wishes and goals.
Everyone braved the storm to visit the second home on the kitchen tour, and were rewarded with the smells of roasted lamb and a healthy pour of wine when they arrived.
This home featured a new eat-in dining area and mudroom, which was converted from a pre-existing three-season porch. For a family with young children, this was a much better use of their space. When the table was moved to the eat-in area, the kitchen could then accommodate an oversized island, which was the perfect place to serve the tour’s catered meal.
Our team was happy to answer questions about the project. Pictured below is this home’s project lead, our in house designer, and Jeff, our owner and founder.
Then it was onto the final home on the kitchen tour, one that featured some inspiring, unique and custom features. This stunning kitchen beckoned everyone in.
While the kids sampled the cupcakes, adults enjoyed seeing the latest in kitchen trends like this Miele built-in coffee system. Cappuccino and frothed milk at the touch of a button? Yes, please! There were treats for all ages.
Many features were dramatic, like the expansive center island with Cambria engineered stone coupled with a plank style walnut border edge. This striking light fixture from Vermont’s Hubbardton Forge was eye catching in this newly renovated family dining room.
Also striking was this large barn door used to separate the kitchen from the mudroom. Why not slide wet boots and backpacks behind a closed barn door?
Guests had fun knocking on the two Miele built-in dishwashers to see them automatically open. Carl, the homeowner, said his own children enjoy the feature too, but it hasn’t inspired them to embrace kitchen cleanup. (Sorry, parents. We’re still trying to find the solution to that one!)
The lead carpenter for this home’s project, Skipper Farwell, was a valuable resource, sharing how such a complex job was implemented and how certain challenges were overcome along the way.
And he also was caught eating the cupcakes…
Also a valuable contributor to this project was our in-house designer, who answered questions about the designs and floor plans. She explained why certain features were selected and how each contributed to the homeowners’ goals.
It was a lovely evening where guests enjoyed forging new friendships while exploring the latest in kitchen design trends. Even our youngest guest looks happy in this beautiful space!
We want to send out a hearty thank you to our generous hospitable hosts of this kitchen tour: Michelle and Michael, Heather and Joe, and Carl and Ingrid. Thank you for opening your homes to all of us and for making this event possible.
View more photos of the Sherborn kitchen tour in our Facebook album.
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