Very good friends of mine, who’s kids are all grown, asked us to update their kitchen. Living just a block from the beach in an English Cottage style home, they didn’t want to move and leave the shore. They did want more space, however, when everyone came back home to visit. Plus, they wanted a breakfast room and overall more functionality and storage.
Our biggest challenge was opening up the space while working within the constraints of a post and beam structure. We can’t move walls, plus lighting and closets are limited because of the beams. We always try to use every inch of space. We’re not just interior designers – we do the floor plan, we measure and see what space is available.
Stealing space behind the kitchen where an old closet used to be, we put up a barn door to give them a walk-in pantry. Where the entrance to the old pantry used to be, we created a wet bar.
When starting the design, we picked the stone for the countertop first and did everything else around it. It is dark green with a lot of colors running through it and it’s leathered — more of a matte finish — not shiny like usual granite. The mosaic backsplash pairs nicely with the white cabinetry.
Additional wire track lighting highlights the space and solved the problem of not being able to cut into the ceiling to run wire and add electrical boxes. All new appliances add extra appeal to the new look.
Custom banquette seating in the breakfast room allows for maximum seating and built-in storage underneath. An island with drawers offers additional storage. The breakfast table was an antique find. It has four leaves, so that it can be expanded when entertaining. It took two years, but we finally found the perfect one.
Sally Scott Interior Design has completed hundreds of projects, large and small, residential and commercial. Sally and her dedicated team’s ability to think conceptually and design practically, with an eye for details—including budget and timing—results in extraordinary interiors. www.ssidesign.com
Photos Courtesy of Karissa Van Tassel Photography
