Home and kitchen renovations in the Wellesley area are always interesting, not only for the style and age of the homes in the area but also because homeowners are continuously bringing in new styles, ideas, and stories to the mix. Such was the case for this kitchen remodel of an 1890s cottage complete with 1920s moldings; the homeowners wanted the austere lines of a European design while playing up the warmth of natural woods, natural stone, and natural light.
To deliver on what these homeowner’s envisioned, we teamed up with D. Michael Collins Architects, who provided the plans for this clean and airy design.
Airy Concept
One of the biggest differences between a typical “American” kitchen and one of European stylings is in the wall cabinets; in the European layout, there aren’t any. The only tall cabinet you see isn’t a cabinet at all, but rather the refrigerator, cleverly hidden behind wall panels that match the base cabinets. Coupled with white Carerra Marble perimeter countertops, the Hagit Belfer-designed cabinets create a kitchen that feels open and bright, which is necessary for a family with four school-aged children vying for a seat at the island.
Weighted Island
In order to anchor the kitchen visually, the homeowners selected a gorgeous piece of black Belvidere polished granite with deep golden veins that spill over the side with a waterfall edge. Black cabinets tuck under the slab for additional storage, and the overhang provides ample seating space for kids and adults alike.
New Heights
Pushing the ceilings toward their upper limits was made possible with foam insulation, which is quickly becoming the norm thanks to its ability to provide dense protection from the elements without taking up a lot of space. This made room for Pella Architect Series windows and plenty of that Massachusetts sunshine.
New Floors
White oak flooring is warm underfoot, owing to its golden color and matte finish — and to the Hydronic radiant floor heat that runs throughout the surrounding rooms. The wide planks run the length of the renovated space, connecting the breakfast nook to the kitchen and living room areas.
And a Kitchen Nook for Every Occasion
It’s hard to call this room a “breakfast nook” because you can easily see why anyone would want to eat (or read or do homework) there as often as possible. Filled with light and views of the patio and surrounding landscape, this large angled room gives you a full view of the day, at any time of day.
Busy families need renovated kitchens and living spaces that can keep up with their hustle and bustle, while also giving them the space and composure to wind down, connect, and switch gears. This Wellesley kitchen remodeling project captured all of those components with room to spare.
Ready to transform your house–and your life? We’re here to help.
