Kitchen Showcase: A Family Affair

No matter how big the house, the kitchen is where the family gathers, whether to cook meals, eat dinner or entertain.

Imagine a water leak being a blessing in disguise! In this Sunapee home, a burst pipe wreaked havoc in the kitchen, which led the homeowner to embark on a long-desired renovation. “The original kitchen was good-sized but not in keeping with the homeowner’s personal style,” says Amanda Raymond, principal designer of Studio Sage in New London. “They wanted a kitchen that functioned better and felt like them.”

The existing kitchen had a large and much-used island, which the client wanted to keep, so Amanda used it as the starting point of her redesign. New state-of-the-art appliances immediately improved efficiency, and a streamlined layout now allows family members to move easily about the space. Amanda concealed the large refrigerator and beverage fridge drawers behind custom cabinetry panels, and positioned them closer to the family seating area for easy access. The refrigerator is also adjacent to the mudroom, making it easy to unload groceries. Other touches, such as silverware dividers, spice storage and a tall pantry ensure that everything has its place.

Receiving a makeover, the island sports a new coat of dark blue paint, which contrasts nicely with the overall white theme of walls and cabinets and is echoed in other cobalt accents. The enlarged skylight over the sink further brightens the space. A former media cabinet was converted to a dry bar, making entertaining easy.

Amanda chose Cambria quartz countertops for their low maintenance and durability. Their soft gray streaks warm the room, as do the brass drawer pulls and globe pendant lights with brass hardware. Sleek hardwood chairs coordinate with the flooring.

The kitchen’s showstopper element is the prismatic, three-dimensional hexagon tiles that highlight the range wall. Done in tones of white and gray, they carry light through the room while providing a striking visual.

“The kitchen is now the heart of the home,” says Amanda. “It suits the family’s lifestyle, allows them to entertain and, because it flows into the living room, has helped pull the whole house together. They went from a very outdated space to a modern marvel, all thanks to a plumbing mishap!

“The room is understated, but every detail works perfectly together,” she continues. “It really captures the essence of the natural world just outside.”