Kitchen of the Week: A Cape Cod Classic
Check out the ‘before’ and ‘after’ images to see how this remodeled kitchen reclaimed its traditional charm
The kitchen in this historic Cape Cod home underwent a dramatic transformation for a couple who wanted to bring back the classic cottage feel while embracing modern conveniences. With its new coffered ceiling, shiny wood floors and an island to improve flow and prep space, it makes living on the coast a breeze.
AFTER: Keeping the kitchen in the same general location was an important part of staying true to the home’s roots. “As a gathering space for the home, it needed to be functional as well as historically complementary,” Waite says.
She reworked the old configuration, drawing inspiration from the existing historic home, which was being renovated and updated. “We took great stewardship in complementing the 1930s cape cottage style,” Waite says. The space received an open-concept, L-shaped layout. A 10-foot island and coffered ceiling beams were added. Traditional hardwood floors with a warm finish replaced the existing tile. The range was moved to the back wall and expanded. The new layout now flows into the dining space.
She reworked the old configuration, drawing inspiration from the existing historic home, which was being renovated and updated. “We took great stewardship in complementing the 1930s cape cottage style,” Waite says. The space received an open-concept, L-shaped layout. A 10-foot island and coffered ceiling beams were added. Traditional hardwood floors with a warm finish replaced the existing tile. The range was moved to the back wall and expanded. The new layout now flows into the dining space.
BEFORE: The wall to the right of the peninsula housed the refrigerator and wall ovens, along with two doorways. Some of the cabinetry, such as the refrigerator door panel, had a beadboard finish.
AFTER: The new cabinetry space is 23 feet wide by 12 feet deep. Waite chose a warm white paint for the main cabinets and a medium-toned cherry stain for the island to match existing finishes throughout the rest of the home. She also incorporated two different styles of cabinet door. The main cabinets feature a raised-panel door and the island doors have recessed panels. The new cabinetry and layout were chosen to stand the test of time. “This will be a space that carries through with the life of the home,” Waite says.
The new island’s cherry stain coordinates with custom millwork found throughout the home. The island includes a second sink for food prep and cleanup. Waite also integrated an undercounter microwave into the cabinetry.
Bar-style seating replaces the old standup counter. Waite kept the recessed lighting and added three pendant lights above the island to lower the sightline and add visual interest.
The new cabinetry is filled to the brim with custom details, including matching end panels, glass fronts, crown molding and a wood range hood that includes decorative panels and oversized corbels.
Waite says the classic coffered ceiling was a decorative solution to an existing beam. “The extra coffers add intention. They are successful because of the alignment with the focal point of the room: the range top hood.”
Waite says the classic coffered ceiling was a decorative solution to an existing beam. “The extra coffers add intention. They are successful because of the alignment with the focal point of the room: the range top hood.”
Cathedral-style glass made by a local artisan is featured on the front and sides of most of the kitchen’s upper cabinets. “They make the most impact on the tall cabinetry flanking the refrigerator and wall ovens,” Waite says.
Waite is particularly fond of the new backsplash design. “The matching raised-panel wood backsplash is an unexpected touch,” she says. “The tile was selected by the homeowner and I think the texture of the basket weave complements the cabinetry.”
The refrigerator wall was expanded to include additional cabinetry and open shelving. One of the doorways was also removed.
See more Kitchens of the Week
See more Kitchens of the Week
Who lives here: A couple and their dog
Location: Osterville, Massachusetts
Size: 525 square feet (48.8 square meters)
Designer: Andrea Waite, Main Street Kitchens at Botellos
BEFORE: The kitchen was U-shaped and enclosed by a peninsula that included a cooktop. There weren’t many upper cabinets, which limited storage space. One of the top priorities during the remodel was to preserve the home’s historic character. “The home has been consistently and historically maintained throughout its existence,” designer Andrea Waite says. “The pantry, located off the kitchen, still has original cabinetry.”