Water Street Project: Kitchen

Projects

Feb 11

STONINGTON BOROUGH, CONNECTICUT

Our latest project, the Water Street Project saw a total transformation of our clients’ kitchen through thoughtfully considered updates and without any major construction. We were up for the challenge to upgrade and elevate their beloved coastal Connecticut home.

Twenty years prior, this home had a full-scale interior renovation that included the kitchen. While the finishes of the space no longer felt like a reflection of our clients’ style, they loved the quality hand-crafted cabinetry (which was still in mint condition) as well as the layout. From the first meeting, our clients knew they wanted to create a classic white kitchen with enduring style- and that goal became our North Star throughout the design process. A few ways we achieved this was through painting the cabinets a crisp white, replacing the countertop, adding a classic white subway tile backsplash, upgraded plumbing, updated lighting, and all-new furnishings, styling selections and countertop accessories.

For cabinet colors, we explored and swatched a bunch of whites, and landed on an AGH favorite: Simply White by Benjamin Moore, which is a bright white without feeling too stark in an otherwise warm space. For countertops, we selected Mysterio Quartz- we loved that it was a mostly crisp white countertop with minimal muted grey veining that didn’t overpower the counters. For plumbing, we went with a timeless Kohler Artifacts Deck-Mount Bridge Faucet in Polished Nickel. The white subway tile and white grout pulled together that classic white kitchen aesthetic. When it came to lighting, we wanted to provide as much illumination as possible- while the open layout is generally light throughout the day, there is only one north-facing window within the dedicated kitchen space; and in addition to that, we wanted to increase the size of the lights without taking up too much visual space. So, we landed on glass fixtures! We were then able to create a little bit of variation within the glass category with a round drum-style chandelier in the dining area, three globe pendants over the peninsula and kitchen, and three fluted wall sconces up the stairs. Though we love the opportunity to mix finishes/metals, we felt this kitchen called for polished nickel throughout, and the lighting was no exception.

We brought some depth back into the space with both furnishings and styling selections. From the counter stools to the countertop accessories and area rugs, we incorporated materials like oak, woven rattan, ceramic and jute to bring in warmth and personality. Furthermore, with more neutral selections like the dining chairs and a front entry cart, the linen material adds just enough texture and variation. We love picking up on elements of our clients’ original space that they’re drawn to. Knowing what naturally inspired them tips us off on what details we can add to the end picture that’ll make them smile. In this case, it was spotting the affinity for feminine accents, and translating that to details like scallops and ball feet in the accessories. The coastal theme comes through in the color palette, materiality and details, without feeling too overstated.

Our Partners Builder: Craft Design + Build | Electrical: River Valley Electric | Interior Painting: Paint the Edge LLC | Photography & Videography: Frank DiNardi | DiNardi Visual Productions

Source List Countertops: Salem Stone Design | Plumbing: Kohler via Plimpton & Hills | Paint: Benjamin Moore via Ring’s End

PROJECT SPECS

Project Type: Renovation, Furnish & Style
Home: Cedar-Shingled Gambrel
Year: 1860 (Full-scale renovation in 2004)
Square Feet: 2,100
Bed/Bath: 3 Bed, 3 Bath
Style: Contemporary, Coastal, Traditional
Completion: February 2024

BEFORE

“This kitchen project is a great example of taking a space that has a great foundation and layout to work with, and making it feel updated and contemporary without having to start from scratch.”

— Chelsea Wade