Design + Decor Volume 20 Issue 2

DESIGN DECOR +

DESIGN DECOR +

AN ECLECTIC NEW JERSEY GEM

A well worn Dutch farmhouse gets a modern makeover

Photography by Christian Garibaldi

NATURALLY NEUTRAL

Bringing natural elements and soft tones into the kitchen makes a big impact.

UPSIZING IN STYLE

A prewar condo gets a modern makeover.

Photography by Peter Murdock

Stories by Meryl Siegman

Story by Meryl Seigman

Story by Meryl Siegman

DESIGN +DECOR

Editor-in-Chief

Matthew J. Kolk

mattkolk@me.com

203-820-1092

Managing Editor

James Eagen

Contributing Writers

Deborah Brannon, Lisa Gant, Susan Heller, Alder Grove, Anna von Stelzer-Worth, Kait Shea, Anastasia Storer

Contributing Photographers

Jane Beiles, Michael Biondo, Phillip Ennis, Tria Giovan, John Gruen, John Hannon, Paul Johnson, Neil Landino, Mark La Rosa, Tim Lee, Daniel Milstein, Durston Saylor, Eric Striffler, Carl Vernlund, Jonathan Wallen, Woodruff/Brown Photography

Copy Editor

Elena Serocki

Ilove this time of year in the Northeast. The weather starts to become warmer on a regular basis, allowing us to spend more time outdoors, the grass is green and the beauty of our area shines.

Graphic & Web Design

This year, we finally get a step back to normalcy: vaccinations are available to all, and we can start packing away those pesky masks. What a fantastic gift to bring in the summer months.

East Coast Home Publishing Group Publisher

Shelley E. McCormick sm@dd-mag.com

203-545-7091

We had a great time putting together this year’s Outdoor Spaces Issue. Our wonderful partners shared some fabulous outdoor spaces with us, and we think these impressive projects will inspire you to take your own home to the next step.

Account Managers

Kelly Ames Smith

Jane O’Reilly

Janine Vairo

Kelly Ames Smith

Our feature stories, “A Classic in the Country” and “Modern in Montauk,” are also top-notch. Both projects have that wow factor, and their attention to detail is nothing short of magical.

Design + Decor

349 Forest Hills Boulevard

Naples, Florida 34113

We hope you enjoy this special issue of Design + Decor, and we look forward to sharing our Amazing Transformations Issue—my personal favorite—in July. We’ll be showcasing great projects in a variety of styles. If you’d like your project or firm to be a part of this, please reach out to us.

Best,

+ Decor is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.dd-mag.com; Subscriptions: one year, $28; two years, $50. Back issues can be purchased at www.dd-mag.com. For editorial inquiries: Editor, Design + Decor, 349 Forest Hills Boulevard Naples, Florida 34113 or e-mail: mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No rights for commercial use or exploitation are given or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by Design + Decor are not necessarily those of the magazine.

Design + Decor is published six issues per year. To subscribe: www.dd-mag.com; Back issues can be purchased at www.dd-mag.com. For editorial inquiries: Editor, Design + Decor, 349 Forest Hills Boulevard Naples, Florida 34113 or e-mail: mattkolk@me.com. For advertising inquiries: Please call Shelley McCormick at 203-545-7091. Reproduction whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private, noncommercial use only. No rights for commercial use or exploitation are given or implied. The opinions expressed by writers for articles published by Design + Decor are not necessarily those of the magazine.

Matthew Kolk - Editor-in-Chief

EAST COAST HOME PUBLISHING

349 Forest Hills Boulevard

Naples, Florida 34113

DD-MAG.COM

ver the years I have come to understand that in order to design you must love the industry, even if it’s not easy, because industry is all the good and the bad that we have. If the role of the artist in ancient times was to show the beauty of nature, the role of the designer today is to show the beauty of industry.” - Michele De

Lucchi

This can not ring more true in our industry today. The challenges that we have all faced over the past few years have dramatically changed our industry in so many ways, but in the end we all came out stronger by this test of our passion for what we do.

This past month and a half has been a whirlwind for both Shelley and I. Between industry shows in both Las Vegas and Milan Italy to many trips to openings and events on the east coast of Florida to two separate trips to Connecticut for our own events and to introduce our wonderful new sales representative Janine Vairo, the recent past has been both invigorating and exhausting at the same time.

To see the passion in all of these different geographic locations and cultures of our industry rekindles the fire of design for us as the difficulties that we had collectively faced in the recent past fades away.

We are truly blessed to have the ability to be a part of this industry that shapes not only our landscape, but our lives as well. Thank you.

Best,

Matthew J. Kolk Editor in chief

Treasure Hunt

This past January, Torrco Design Center and Design + Decor held a cocktail party in Las Vagas at the KBIS/ IBS show assigning designers to a “treasure hunt”.

Designers were told to provide us with a few of their favorite picks from the show and in late February, we had an “after party” inclusive of a slideshow where each designer had the opportunity to share their picks with fellow industry partners.

A wonderful time was had by all and it was quite a thrill to see the exchange between them during the presentation. Now we share them with you!

PEGGY RUBENS-DUHL FRESH ARCHITECT

Kohler

“Sprig” Shower Infusion System

“Sprig” is a new wellness, aromatherapy and self care product for your shower and bath experience. At KBIS 2023, Kohler presented this unexpected innovation at their booth. The “oohs and ahhs” and big smiles were notable from our group as the bouquet of botanical scents radiated. It’s a fun and fresh way to enhance morning (or evening) routines, reduce stress and even connect with nature while showering and bathing.

Most of my clients are interested in the spa-like bathroom experience and this adds a new positive dimension.

KATIE CANFIELD

STUDIO KC INTERIORS

Axolotl Axolotl Splice

An amazing surfacing company that can apply thin layers of metal to almost any surface with textures and patinas. Their metal doors drew me in, but they also introduced terracotta coated doors and can apply their metal surfaces to furniture, bathtubs, or do wall panels. This had me so inspired for so many different uses!

PRUDENCE BAILEY

PRUDENCE HOME & DESIGN

Bernier Cabinetry

Slab Wood

Refrigerator Panels

I love the modernity of the wood slab panels in the white kitchen. The organic mix with a classic white kitchen is not only beautiful, its unique and innovative. I believe we will see more and more of this combination in the coming years.

TORI MCBRIEN

MCBRIEN INTERIORS

Wetstyle

Be Collection Tub with Shelf

Freestanding tubs have been a hot item for years now but they have always left me with one major functional question….where will my clients put all their stuff?! Taking a bath has become part of the modern day selfcare routine: adding candles, Epsom salts, essential oils, having a glass of wine or even reading a book all add to the experience. But most free standing tubs don’t have a place for these items . Yes, some have those wood shelves that lay across the top but it’s not always enough space. This Be Collection tub gives the look and feel of the free-standing tub but solves the functional problem of where to store these essential bathing items.

JENNIFER HOWARD

JWH DESIGN & CABINETRY

Hafele

Loox LED Lighting System

We are longtime fans of the Hafele LED strip lighting for undercabinet lighting using their recessed aluminum channels and with the frosted lens. Hafele’s newest introduction at KBIS features the light strip tape with a silicone finish to hide the glare of the individual bulbs. This small flexible tape can be used anywhere to create a light feature.

GEORGE PUSSER CORNERSTONE CONTRACTING

Watrline

Outdoor Showers/ Frost Free

Watrline comes with a Pre-installed built-in heating element which prevents the pipes, valves inside the shower from freezing thus allowing year-round enjoyment without having to worry about winterizing the unit.

STEPHANIE RAPP

STEPHANIE RAPP INTERIORS

Hacker Kitchens

Sliding Island Counter

Neat exhibition of the Island counter that slides over the cooktop to create a full clean surface for guests and entertaining.

BETH KRUPA

BETH KRUPA INTERIORS

CAROL KURTH

The kitchen cabinetry showcased at

was not only stunning, but innovative. The luxury factor is on point and the impeccable design and construction is fresh and modern.

CAROL KURTH ARCHITECTURE PC + INTERIORS LTD

by

Baldwin Hardware Graphite Nickel Finish

I was honored to attend KBIS as a member of the Baldwin Design Authority, a group of industry design experts selected by Baldwin. I was involved in the launch of their new Graphite Nickel hardware line and developed a visual experience via creation of a mood-board showcasing inspiration as to how I see the new finish utilized on hardware as seen through my lens of design. The timelessness of the graphite hardware draws in the hues of sea creating a warmth through its metal finish. Evoking a serene and calm sensibility, this finish is timeless and modern.

John Michael Kitchens Stainless Steel Trimmed Kitchen Cabinetry

KBIS

John Michael Studio

Kohler Infinity Experience Soaking Tub

This Japanese shaped tub had an infinity edge a fog emitter, an aromatherapy diffuser, and other high-tech features.

LAURA MICHAELS

LAURA MICHAELS DESIGN

LISA DAVENPORT LDD INTERIORS

True

True products are made in the USA, that should be enough to make it to my top three list! Wait, there’s more, check out True Custom, powder coat finishes and custom hardware. No longer are we as designers ‘stuck’ with the standard finishes. Manufactured in Missouri True is truly an all American company.

THE EDIBLE GARDEN

An intimate conversation on the passion of gardening with Merilee Ganim

Story by Eva Chiamulera

Eva: If you are considering growing vegetables and herbs, what type of garden is best?

Merrilee: It really depends on who’s doing the gardening and their level of commitment; how much space is available, whether you need to keep animals away and most importantly do have adequate sun exposure. Optimally the area you select to grow your plants should have a minimum of six hours of sunlight each day. If you’re tight on space or not sure how committed you will be to maintaining your garden, it may be best to start off using containers on your patio or working a few plants into your landscape beds. Container gardens are great for herbs, cherry or patio tomatoes, and edible flowers such as Nasturtium, Calendulas or Pansies. If you have mobility issues consider raised beds or larger planters that you can easily reach into from either a seated or standing position. If you live in a neighborhood where there is an abundance of deer, rabbits or woodchucks you may want to consider a fenced garden, this has some added benefits of providing a built-in structure for plants to grow on, while protecting your hard work.

Eva: My family enjoys fresh fruit, do you need to have a lot of space to have fruit trees?

Merrilee: No need for a mini-orchard at your home, fruit trees can easily be integrated into your landscape. Many of them have decorative qualities from stunning spring flower displays to beautiful fall color and can be used in similar ways to ornamental flowering trees. Apples, Cherries, Pears, Peaches and Plums blend well into the landscape. The key thing is to know if a tree is self-pollinating or requires a second tree or variety for cross pollination, yields are typically better when a second tree is planted nearby. If you only have room for one, consider a tree that has been grafted with several related varieties, not only does it resolve the cross-pollination question, but solves the issue of selecting what to plant. If you are looking for a

native fruiting tree, Amelanchier canadensis, the Shadblow tree is typically found along the edges of lakes and stream banks, covered in lovely white flowers in early April, it produces fruit that looks and tastes like blueberries around the fourth of July. Espalier apples and pear trees are perfect for tight spaces along fence lines, and columnar forms trees can be used to create a formal entrance to your garden.

Eva: Can berries be grown at home without getting out of control?

Merrilee: Raspberries and Blackberries can be a great feature if you are looking for a natural hedge or barrier, and can be grown along the edges of the wooded area. For a more contained standard or semi-dwarf plants can be grown in berry cages, these enclosures typically incorporate raised planters, with T or Box supports that the berry canes are trained onto, with a mesh top to keep the birds and other wildlife at bay. Dwarf raspberry, blueberry and blackberries are perfect for containers on your patio. These have been bred to produce an abundant crop on petite plants, typically 1.5-3 ft in height. Hanging Baskets or Strawberry pots are another way to expand your berry patch, that allows the berries to cascade down the sides. Strawberries in the garden tend to spread quite a bit, but can be a great groundcover plant along the edges of beds or paths.

Eva: How do you prepare your garden before planting?

Merrilee: Amending the garden with compost, Bumper crop, or another soil builder is a great way to get the garden off to a good start by adding nutrients. If you are home composting it’s best to let the compost age for at least a year and so it gets hot enough to kill off any seeds from your leftovers and make sure to turn your pile over several times during the year, the resulting compost looks and feels like fresh soil with earthy odor. To reduce weeds coming up in your soil after you have planted and your seeds have germinated, lightly apply a thin mulch of clean hay or leaf litter to

reduce weeds and hold moisture.

Eva: How do you keep pests away from your plants?

Merrilee: A colorful solution is to incorporate plants that naturally repel insects around the perimeter of the garden such as Marigolds, Basil, Chives, Chrysanthemums and lavender. Nasturtium and petunias are examples of decoy plants that draw the insects away from your vegetables. Incorporating plants that attract beneficial insects or in the cooler summer months releasing mail order Ladybugs into your garden can help keep aphids in check. Once your plants are well established you could also try allowing chickens to roam about and remove some of the pests, be observant as they may inadvertently dig your young plants in quest for bugs. Please check to make sure you don’t have any plants that are poisonous to your birds before letting them roam free. In some instances, you may want to remove the insects by hand or consider letting nature take its course. Every now and then you get lucky and that pesky tomato horn worm that was eating your plants has become frozen in place as a host for parasitic wasps.

Garden fences can provide a dual solution as a deterrent for larger animals as well as a structure to train climbing fruits such as grapes and kiwi vines and vegetables including peas and cucumbers. If a fence is out of the question perhaps Deer Scram, Bobbex or similar organic animal repellents are a great alternative.

Eva: How do you decide what to plant and where in your garden?

Merrilee: Most importantly, select vegetables to plant what you and your family enjoy eating so you don’t waste space or time growing items that won’t get consumed. A few things to consider; how the plants interact with each other, how much space is needed and at the end of the day what your personal aesthetic is. A good thing to consider are Companion plants, that share space well and sometimes provide benefits to each other, a good example is tomatoes with basil. You also want to be aware that some plants can be harmful to others by inhibiting growth or attracting pests, dill attracts tomato horn worm, see keep it at distance. Organizing the layout out of the garden will depend upon if you prefer to have plants in spaced out

rows or if you would like to maximize your space by using smaller plants around the larger ones. Succession planting is a great way to get more out the garden by planting different crops in same space after each harvest during the season.

Eva: Could you recommend plants that are easy for children to grow?

Merrilee: If you are starting from seedlings, most of them are pretty easy for children to plant, probably the most difficult aspect is getting the plants out of the pot. When starting from seeds we recommend two types, big seeds such as Sunflowers, Corn, Cucumbers, Pumpkins, Squash, peas and beans that are easy to plant, and tend to sprout quickly, to keep young gardeners interested. Parsley, basil, leaf lettuce and poppies are examples of fine seeds that are either simply sprinkled on top of the prepared soil or can be gently raked or scratched into the surface and also work well due to the quick and forgiving planting method.

Children may be interested in learning about the Iroquois legend of the Three Sisters and the associated planting method for corn, beans and pumpkins/squash. This sustainable method of planting not only provided a well-balanced food source but also used these companion plants to reduce maintenance, the corn stalks provided the structure for the beans to climb, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil to help fertilize the corn and the leaves of the pumpkins and squash shaded out weeds to reduce

garden maintenance.

part, however, it is important to verify—preferably using the Latin name—that the plant is safe to eat by checking with a reputable source, such as the seed company or grower.

Eva: In this day and age, it seems you are never too far from a Farmer’s Market, why do people want to Garden?

Merrilee: There is nothing more satisfying than sitting down to a fresh home grown garden salad of tomatoes and basil that you grew yourself. Many people who get the gardening bug out of the desire to recreate a memory, whether it’s the taste of Grandma’s Strawberry Rhubarb pie or Sunday Sauce with fond memories of time spent with a cherished relative in their garden, it’s hard to deny the emotional connection. The experience of gardening can be very therapeutic, a way to relax, reset and reconnect with your family.

If you dream of creating gorgeous bouquets from your home garden, be sure to select taller varieties; plants that grow two to four feet high have nice long stems and are ideal for making arrangements. Some of the more old-fashioned flowers—dahlias, snapdragons and zinnias—make excellent cut flowers. Annuals also mix well with the cut flowers of perennials and shrubs. The long, trailing flowers of love-lies-bleeding offer a dramatic statement when paired with large, late-season hydrangea flowers. Songbirds also enjoy eating the seeds in the winter months.

Resources:

Merrilee Ganim

Ganim’s Garden Center & Florist

Although you must replant your annuals each spring, doing so provides an opportunity to change the color scheme from year to year. The labor is far outweighed by the reward of seeing beautiful blooms for months—and the satisfaction of growing them yourself.

320 Kings Highway Cutoff Fairfield, CT 06824

Resource:

203.333.5662

ganimsgardencenter.com

Austin Ganim Landscape Design

Eva Chiamulera, ASLA, PLA

Eva Chiamulera, ASLA, PLA

Landscape Architect

Austin Ganim Landscape Design

320 Kings Highway Cutoff Fairfield, CT 06824

320 Kings Highway Cutoff Fairfield, CT 06824

203.333.2003

203.333.2003

austinganimlandscapedesign.com

austinganimlandscapedesign.com

DESIGN DECOR +

AN ECLECTIC NEW JERSEY GEM

A well worn Dutch farmhouse gets a modern makeover

Story by Meryl Siegman | Photography by Christian Garibaldi

You drive along a suburban street in Essex County, NJ, in a neighborhood filled with contemporary homes. Turning onto a long driveway, you are suddenly transported back 400 years. Standing before you, on several acres of property, is what looks like an original Dutch Colonialstyle home, with gambrel roof, sash windows, double chimneys, wood framing and stone exterior. Step inside, and you’re wowed by the interior. You notice the Dutch Colonial influence in the polished wood floors, simple color palette and exposed beams, but then marvel at the totally modern vibe and contemporary decor, made even more stunning by the bright natural light and lofty ceilings.

Dutch Colonial Meets Modern

The home’s new owners got a diamond in the rough when they purchased the residence in 2018. Although the house had plenty of rustic charm, its ceilings were low and it lacked natural light.

A black background, gold accents and unusual shapes add drama to the bookcases.

Mid-century modern furniture blends beautifully with the Dutch Colonial architecture.

Constructed just four years earlier by Pennsylvanian artisans trained in traditional millwork, it had an electrical system that was outdated and a design that was straight out of another era.

The couple hired Karen Wolf, the creative principal of K+Co Living (formerly KBW Interiors), with whom they had worked before. Self-described as a firm where “laid-back luxe” is a lifestyle, and where materials mix, layers live and color pops, the full-service interior design company is known throughout the East Coast for its versality and stellar designs, which include farmhouse, boho, coastal, transi -

The owners’ eclectic art collection is on full display in the dining room.

The dining room features Phillip Jeffries wallpaper and customized Jonathan Adler chairs.

Bold John Richards light fixtures are offset by muted tones and a ceiling painted black.

tional and modern. “Our goal was to transform a dark and antiquated Dutch farmhouse into a light-filled, unconventional but approachable home for our clients’ growing and extended family,” Karen explains. “The clients wanted to keep the authentic Dutch exterior, but had us create a 21st-century interior that reflected their personal style.”

How did K+Co accomplish this mission? “The interior was chock full of levity, color, a mixture of different materials and patterns, and eclectic art,” Karen responds. “Our goal was to weave their bold point of view into a consistent design throughout the house, while keeping things balanced and staying faithful to the farmhouse’s rustic bones.”

Scope of Project

With three floors, six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a nanny suite in the basement, and more than 5,000 square feet of space, this remodel was indeed a very large project. Setting a goal of totally modernizing the home, and then enlisting the help of an architect, the designers planned to open up the front foyer by making the ceilings higher, gutting and reconfiguring the kitchen area to create a flow into the den, adding millwork to the dining-room ceiling and transoms in the great room, and widening the downstairs hallway.

K+Co designed the interior in keeping with traditional Dutch Colonial elements, but with a modern twist. “It was up to our design team to decide which original elements to retain,” Karen says. “Of course, we kept the large, wide-plank floors—although we re-stained them to a more rustic brown—the wood doors, living room millwork, fireplace and double-hung windows.” The design scheme included enhancing the

The cabinetry was customized to retain the Dutch farmhouse style. Brilliant gold details add a touch of splash.

The kitchen island is by Jaxon Home.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a sitting area featuring mid-century leather chairs and a custom steel fireplace.

ceiling beams in the great room, adding beams in the mudroom and kitchen, and sourcing fire-clay red brick for the mudroom. The team painted the millwork white, added sliding barn doors, and installed shiplap with perfect nickel gap spacing on the kitchen ceiling.

But K+Co does not take complete credit for all the fabulous features of the house. The original windows that line the kitchen and living room were left intact. “When you walk in the front door,” Karen points out, “you can see straight through to the living room and its wall of expansive windows. That marvelous architectural detail was already there, so we didn’t touch it.”

Interior Design Details

“Once we laid the foundation for a modern farmhouse,” Karen continues, “we turned to creating a personal and cool vibe. The owners’ design style was ‘maximalist.’ They hired me to maintain a sense of balance, so I refer to the overall design as ‘refined maximalism.’ We wanted to make it suitable for everyday use, but timeless and fresh at the same time. The design wasn’t oversaturated with so much color and pattern as to be overwhelming, but there was enough of what the

The mid-century table with gold frame enhances the Dutch Colonial architecture.

The pillows by Kim Salmela add pops of color

clients wanted to make them feel fulfilled.” In other words, the design paid homage to the clients’ “wild” side, but balanced it out in an elegant and timeless way, making it suitable as a family home for a couple with three young children.

The foyer makes a dramatic statement. Black, white, gold and brown abound in striking contrasts, echoed by the ceiling, shelving, walls and art of the nearby living and dining rooms. The space features high ceilings, polished wood floors and white wainscoting, and its ever-changing display of orchids and other flowers adds a pop of color. But then the adjacent great room, the anchor for all the adjoining spaces, beckons. Its stunning fireplace, flanks of windows and soaring height take one’s breath away. Evocative original artwork catches the eye, while bold pops of navy and fuchsia are softened by tones of yellow and cream.

In the living room— defined by “refined maximalism”—more is

Orange dominates the boy’s room. Original artwork by an unknown street artist adds a quirky touch.

The vintage furnishings are by Modshop and the carpeting is from Mat The Basics.

Soft pinks and gray tones prevail in the master bedroom. More of the owners’ striking artwork is displayed on the wall.

more. Its bold display of pattern is offset by accessorizing the shelves with neutral tones. But in the dining room, the ceiling millwork is painted black, toning down the bold statement made by the living room.

The kitchen features a large island that is stained in an oilbased black finish and finished with extra-wide Xs on each end. The high-maintenance Calacatta marble backsplash is one of several risks the owners took to achieve the dramatic ambience they sought. The matte black hood with brass strappings was customized to complement the room’s bright metal finishes, while the opaque milk glass in the cabinetry is a daring alternative to regular glass.

Adjacent to the kitchen is a sitting area featuring two slouchy, mid-century leather chairs strategically placed in front of a custom steel fireplace. Off the kitchen are a TV den, back hallway, mudroom, bathroom, kitchen eating area and butler’s bar, all designed with both high style and functionality in mind. Karen personally curated the home’s intriguing and eclectic artwork. It includes everything from well-known contemporary masters to a quirky piece by a street artist.

The interior designer reveals one of the secrets behind the project’s success. “Whenever I start working with clients,” she says, “I ask them to elect a ‘design leader,’ so that our team has one point of contact. In this case, it turned out to be the husband. While he was focused on the impact of the design, his wife was concerned with function and practicality, layered with a feeling of softness. Together, they were the perfect complement to our design team.”

A Joyful Project

“It was a very joyful project to work on,” Karen concludes. “We used color intensely, thoughtfully weaving it throughout the home in small doses. We tried to take the palette through just enough to connect the spaces.” In the end, the owners got exactly what they were looking for: a modern “old” farmhouse in a secluded setting, comfort and functionality, a masterfully toned-down maximalist look, and a house that is truly home to a growing family.

Resource:

Interior Design: K+Co Living

Karen Wolf

38 Chatham Road

Short Hills, NJ 07078

973.220.2171

kandcoliving.com

KITCHENS 2023

NATURALLY NEUTRAL

Bringing natural elements and soft tones into the kitchen makes a big impact.

Stories by Meryl Siegman

Cardello Architects in Westport, CT, is known for creating innovative luxury homes that expertly blend harmony, timelessness and functionality. These modern kitchens from two recent projects showcase the firm’s skill, creativity and versatility. What the kitchens have in common is the way in which modern and traditional elements such as oak and metal are thoughtfully woven together to create highly functional spaces for their owners. Their aesthetics, however, couldn’t be more different.

David LaPierre, a partner at Cardello Architects, says, “We completely renovated this home in Darien, CT. The existing house was very traditional, with compartmentalized rooms and a kitchen that was practically an afterthought. We opened it up to the adjacent family room and dining area to create a space where the family would enjoy hanging out.” He goes on to describe the space as a “clean, crisp interpretation of a kitchen, with everything tucked away.” For example, the freezer, refrigerator, dishwasher and secondary beverage storage are seamlessly integrated into the dark gray millwork to create a pristine look.

The kitchen blends modern materials, such as metal, with natural stone and wood. The plank flooring and ceiling beams are made from a warm and inviting white oak. The long island countertop from Absolute Granite and Marble is crafted from elegant black granite, featuring a waterfall edge on both sides.

These details are but a backdrop to the focal point of the kitchen: the stunning back wall that immediately catches the eye from the adjoining spaces. Above the stovetop, the architects designed a three-paneled hood in painted white that is perfectly integrated into the matching cabinetry. But it’s the striking marble backsplash that makes the statement, rising from the stovetop and bleeding up behind the symmetrical shelves that frame the hood.

“The stone has a lot of activity in it,” says David. “It makes a great contrast to the millwork, which is very clean and very white. It took the owners a long time to choose that stone slab. It’s quite unique.” The matching shelves on both sides of the hood add a delightful detail. They’re made of quarter-inch-

thick glass with bronze trim that ties into the three brass light fixtures on the ceiling. The shelves, David explains, “are set right into the stone and jut out just far enough to hold a glass mixer and serving goblets, which reflect the light beautifully. It’s a very subtle and unique treatment.”

By comparison, this home in Westchester is a new build rather than a renovation. It is designed with lots of natural materials,

including oak floors and beams. “Because the homeowner is a serious chef, this is a highly functional chef’s kitchen,” David explains. “It has a commercial range fitted with an enormous hood, a salamander for grilling steaks, a large island with a butcher block top and a professional knife rack. It’s used every day; it’s more user friendly, and everything isn’t so tucked away.” Antique mirrors behind both sides of the range and the window provide a visually interesting detail.

One architectural firm, two very different takes on modern, functional kitchens that are designed to meet the distinct needs and desires of their individual owners.

Resource: Cardello Architects

Dave LaPierre 60 Post Road West Westport, CT 06880 203.853.2524

cardelloarchitects.com

CROWN POINT CABINETRY BEATRICE A. BUNKER ARCHITECTURE

Photography by Crown Point Cabinetry

This mid-century modern home in Falmouth Heights, Cape Cod, MA, has been in the family for two generations. It is now used as a summer home, and its current owners wanted to modernize the house while restoring it to its original condition. A classic “deck house,” it is typical of a popular type of residence that was built in the middle of the 20th century using panelized prefabricated components in a post-and-beam construction to make it affordable.

The owner hired Crown Point Cabinetry in Claremont, NH, a family-owned business known for handcrafting high-quality custom cabinetry for kitchens and bathrooms, and offering a wide variety of period styles, including Early American and Shaker. The project’s architect, Beatrice Bunker, says about the project, “It was so much fun to work with this very unique

architecture, which is defined by its smallness” as well as by its expanses of glass, use of utilitarian wood, and open floor plans.

With a ground floor measuring a mere 875 square feet, including the main bedroom but lacking a dining room, this kitchen renovation was a challenge. “The intent was to integrate the dining area with the kitchen and make a sculptural element out of the center island,” Beatrice says. The dining table is integral to the working island, designed to minimize circulation and maximize the limited square footage to accommodate sit-down dining. “That’s why the island seating is at table height,” she explains.

The kitchen’s design details include painted Shaker cabinets with walnut veneer slab doors. “The cabinetry is very plain,” Beatrice says. “Because original deck houses used mahogany slabs, which were dependable and affordable, we wanted to tie in the stylistics of the windows and doors to unify all the spaces. By doing that, the space became visually enlarged.”

The floor is waterproof luxury vinyl plank, while the ceiling with its exposed rafters is the original tongue-and-groove fir. All the trim and windows have retained the mahogany used when the house was built, but were stained walnut to match the original. Wherever walnut cabinets were used, Beatrice specified matching solid wood countertops, whereas all the painted center door cabinets have a solid quartz surface beneath them. The refrigerator and dishwasher are fully integrated into the cabinetry to save space and create a streamlined look.

Two interesting features reveal the ingenious design needed to modernize but restore this traditional deck house kitchen. The first is the stovetop, which was placed in the center

of the island. “The house was so small, we had to choose between incorporating either the sink or the cooktop into the island,” Beatrice says. “By picking the stove, that meant there was no place for a hood, so we used an induction cooktop, which doesn’t generate heat.”

The other distinctive accent is the monorail lighting system by Tech Lighting. In addition to the three mini-pendants, there are thin wires that hang off the spotlights, which the owners can aim wherever they choose. “The reason for this selection,” the architect explains, “is that in these kinds of houses with post-and-beam construction, there are no cavities to hide wires—the ceiling and walls are just too thin.” The monorail lighting acts as a tasteful and functional alternative to exposed wires.

“We had a great time restoring the kitchen of this mid-century deck house to its original condition,” Beatrice concludes. “The end result is a kitchen that makes the best use of the space with the most modern conveniences.”

Resources:

Crown Point Cabinetry

462 River Road Claremont, NH 03743

800.999.4994

crown-point.com

Beatrice A. Bunker Architecture

164 Katherine Lee Bates Road

Falmouth, MA 02540

508.540.6577

LEICHT KITCHENS GORAN SAVIC

M. STUDIO GALLERY MARYANN SYREK

Photography by Zdravko Cota

This elegant, modern kitchen is the stunning result of a collaboration among Leicht Kitchen, interior designer Maryann Syrek of M. Studio Gallery, and the clients, an empty-nester couple. The homeowners had recently built a new home in Rye, NY, where they plan to spend half the year.

Leicht Kitchen, with showrooms in Mt. Kisco, NY, and Greenwich, CT, is known for providing classically timeless, top-quality kitchens that satisfy homeowners throughout the Northeast. Goran Savic, from the Mt. Kisco location, was Leicht’s in-house designer on this project. “This is a perfect home—not huge, but homey,” he says about the residence. “With all the rooms distinctly unique, it’s anything but a typical cookie-cutter house.”

The spacious kitchen is defined by its monochromatic color scheme combined with a variety of finishes and textures. The base cabinets are finished in a dark carbon gray and accented with copper handles and channels to give them an unusual highlighting detail. The upper cabinets are crafted from matte glass, which Goran recommended when the

owners expressed the desire for a soft, light feeling in the kitchen.

All the countertops and the backsplash are made from Neolith, a manmade porcelain, in Calacatta Gold. Neolith, Goran explains, is a highperformance, extremely durable material that offers a combination of functionality and beauty. To the right of the stove, Leicht designed floor-to-ceiling laminated wood panels to discreetly cover an oversized freezer, state-of-the-art refrigerator and bar cabinet with retractable doors. The expansive island, which matches the base cabinetry, features a glass-covered wine cooler and ample storage.

Instead of a formal dining room, the homeowners opted for a spacious, inviting eat-in kitchen, where they could dine alone or with family and friends. The Neolith countertop on the island was extended on one end to provide room for additional seating. Flanked by a family area—which is designed with a comfy sofa, TV and fireplace— the open kitchen is one of the couple’s favorite places to hang out.

“The clients’ goal was to have a unique, modern kitchen with one-ofa-kind finishes,” Goran says. “They were not afraid of color, which is why they picked a bright copper accent for the channels and bronze for the doors.” The move away from more traditional stone to Neolith porcelain and from natural wood to a laminated finish reflects the

owners’ willingness to experiment with something new. “That’s what sets this kitchen apart,” he concludes. “Its innovative finishes, colors and textures.”

Resources:

Leicht Kitchens

Goran Savic

200 East Main Street

Mt. Kisco, NY 914.218.3433

11 East Putnam Avenue

Greenwich, CT 203.340.9933

leichtgreenwich.com

M. Studio Gallery

Maryann Syrek

P.O. Box 344

Cold Spring, NY 10516

914.715.1913

leichtwestchester.com

KAREN BERKEMEYER KAREN BERKEMEYER HOME

Photography by Joe Buzzeo

The owners of this elegant family home in Rye, NY, needed an experienced specialist in kitchen design when they built an addition that added over 12 feet to the length of their existing kitchen. They hired Karen Berkemeyer Home (KBH, formerly Ceramic Design) of Westport, CT, which has been specializing in kitchen and bathroom design for more than 30 years. Offering an extensive collection of cabinetry, tile, stone and countertops, and a team of talented and dedicated designers with extensive knowledge of cabinetry and plumbing, KBH was the perfect choice for this exciting project.

KBH designer Iris Michaels undertook the task of converting the original, cramped galley kitchen into an open and welcoming space where the family would enjoy hanging out. “The clients wanted a very clean, open feeling,” Iris says. “We were able to accomplish that goal by installing very plain slab doors and drawer fronts, and hiding appliances behind the cabinetry, among other design details.”

But what kitchen project doesn’t have its own set of challenges? A looming issue was the location of the door leading to the outside in a spot that wouldn’t interfere with the flow of the space. “The owners have a beautiful outdoor area with furniture and a grill they wanted easy access to,” Iris explains. “The original plans called for putting the door on the same wall as the refrigerator, but that didn’t make sense. I came up with the idea

of placing it between the oven and range walls, breaking up what would have been an L-shaped design. The clients were thrilled with the results.”

In addition to using very clean slab doors, the designer chose light woodstained Wood-Mode cabinets crafted from rift-cut natural oak veneer, paired with cabinets covered in a bright white paint, for a warm and inviting feel. Matching windows were added on both sides of the range hood, along with a large picture window by the refrigerator.

For a modern house whose design was “transitional with a touch of contemporary,” according to Iris, the shiplap hood over the stovetop was the perfect choice. The extra-large island was topped with a Corian countertop so there would be no visible seam to break up the expanse. The appliances were hidden behind the wood veneer panels to help complete the clean, sleek look the owners were looking for. The only stainless-steel appliance in the room was the refrigerator.

Iris mentions the built-in coffee bar and liquor bar stations, which are discreetly located behind pocket doors that slide shut when they’re not in use, resulting in a supremely sleek look. “These days, everyone wants a separate area for their coffee and wine, to keep as much stuff as possible off the countertops,” she explains. KBH customized the spaces with inserts and a deep drawer large enough to hold liquor bottles. A small walk-in pantry keeps additional clutter out of sight. Just off the open

kitchen is a relaxing family area, complete with a comfortable couch and large-screen TV over a cozy fireplace, the perfect space to unwind.

With this stunning project, award-winning KBH has proved once again that a little extra space—in this case, 12 feet—can go a long way!

Resource:

Karen Berkemeyer Home

Karen Berkemeyer

175 Post Road West Westport, CT 06880

203-454-0032

karenberkemeyerhome.com

DIANE DUROCHER DIANE DUROCHER INTERIORS

Photography by Mike Van Tassell

Diane Durocher, the founder of Diane Durocher Interiors, has been designing exquisite residential interiors for more than 25 years. She is known for her keen eye for color, outstanding spaceplanning skills and talent in designing customized pieces to bring her client’s vision to life.

The renovation of a 14,000-square-foot home in Franklin Lakes, NJ, reflects Diane’s infinite skills as a designer. In this project, she helped reimagine the interiors of this gracious residence, staying faithful to its traditional architecture while modernizing it to meet the owners’ specific needs. “The house has a beautiful two-story entryway and a spectacular great room,” Diane says. “It’s a very formal home, and the clients wished to keep it that way. But they also wanted it to be inviting and comfortable.”

Diane enjoys talking about the home’s unusual octagon-shaped kitchen and adjoining breakfast room, in which she incorporated a variety of different materials, textures and colors to create a visually interesting space that is both functional and beautiful.

Starting with the room’s color and texture scheme, Diane describes the palette as neutral, but accented in green, one of the clients’ favorite colors. In contrast, the hardwood floor is stained to a dark walnut. “The striped silk window treatment panels influenced the palette of the room,” she explains. “They accentuate the height of the ceiling while calling attention to the architectural tray ceiling that we painted with a soft glaze finish to complement the wall color.” At the same time, the creamy white wood cabinetry around the perimeter was designed to contrast with the natural walnut inte-

grated refrigerator/freezer, island and beverage station. Green-painted cabinets flank the kitchen’s entrance, showcasing the clients’ collection of cookbooks and accessories.

Diane took advantage of the architectural millwork to add interest and texture to the overall design. The eye-catching trim on the refrigerator is mirrored by the seeded glass cabinet doors on the beverage station, while the elegant coffered ceiling adds dimension to the room. But, despite the intricate and eye-catching details that went into the design of the kitchen, it’s the 60-inch stainless-steel range that is the focal point of this thoughtfully designed, one-of-a-kind kitchen. You instantly notice its custom copper hood with stainless-steel trim and arabesque marble mosaic feature as you approach the impressive space.

Other outstanding design details include Taj Mahal quartzite countertops on the island. The kitchen window is adorned with a woven floral window treatment in a fall-inspired palette, which is repeated on the back of the upholstered breakfast room chairs. The green faux leather vinyl that Diane selected is attractive, sustainable and easy to clean. The grand acanthus leaf iron chandelier is proportionately balanced by the 84inch round walnut table that comfortably seats eight in the adjoining breakfast room.

Diane describes the project as a Christmas miracle, saying, “We started the project right before the onset of the COVID pandemic. The biggest challenge was getting all the work done before the holidays, but we managed to pull it off.”

Resource:

UPSIZING IN STYLE

A prewar condo gets a modern makeover.

Story by Meryl Siegman | Photography by Peter Murdock

One of the most delightful icons of New York City architecture is the prewar apartment. Built between 1900 and 1939, these lofty residences are prized for their high ceilings, working fireplaces, sturdy construction, large foyers, charming architectural details and abundance of character. One lucky guy became the proud owner of such a sought-after property when he moved from a one-bedroom apartment in Sutton Place to a “Classic 8”—living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom, three additional bedrooms and maid’s room—on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Great Bones but Needs Work

The new owner of this prewar beauty had been living in an apartment in Manhattan’s Sutton Place, which he’d converted from a two-bedroom family home into a one-bedroom bachelor pad. But shortly after the renovation, he met his soon-to-be-wife and inherited two stepchildren along the way. It was time to move to a larger apartment to accommodate the new family.

He found the perfect apartment in an elegant white glove prewar building, which has appeared on annual lists of the 50 best buildings in Manhattan. The 2,400-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bathroom condo had been owned by a single family for more than 50 years and had never been renovated, so it needed a lot of work. Like many prewar apartments in the city, however, it had great bones, with a grand foyer, oversized living room with original woodburning fireplace, maid’s quarters, formal dining room and eat-in kitchen.

Interior Designer to the Rescue

The buyer hired Douglas Graneto, founder of Douglas Graneto Design, who had helped him with his previous apartment, to renovate his new home. A boutique interior

The dramatic entry foyer features a Dennis Miller dresser and High Style Deco Mirror. The wall plaster is from L’Artigiano.

The foyer lighting is a compelling mixture of a Lindsay Adelman lamp, vintage Carl Fagerlund sconces and a period chandelier that was used in the owner’s previous apartment.

The white curved sofa is from Studio Van Den Akker, the upholstery from Donghia Fabric. For lighting, the designer chose a floor task lamp from Visual Comfort & Co, lamps from Holly Hunt, and a David Weeks chandelier.

The lounge chair is from Lepere with Pollack Fabric. The pair of Milo Baughman chairs was reupholstered in Seville Fabric and Samuel + Sons trim.

design firm based in Greenwich, CT, Douglas Graneto Design provides comprehensive design services ranging from new builds to home renovation and redecoration. Douglas is known for his classically influenced modernist style and flawless dedication to individuality. With a background in furniture design and antique restoration, he is recognized for his knowledge of vintage furniture and his talent for creating a classic juxtaposition between traditional and modern.

A Total Renovation

The project turned out to be a full-gut renovation. It included converting the maid’s room into an office, reconfiguring the kitchen, creating a home office out of one of the bedrooms, and installing central air conditioning, a feature seriously lacking in the majority of prewar apartments.

When asked which part of the renovation stands out, Douglas mentions creating a six-foot-wide opening between the living room and dining rooms to connect the two spaces. “In addition, we had to decide whether to expand the master bathroom,” he says. “In the end, we kept the original configuration of the his and hers bathrooms.”

The design team gutted the kitchen. “We used the original pantry to create a laundry space,” Douglas explains. “We built in as much storage as possible. The owner really enjoys cooking, so he finally got the kitchen of his dreams, complete with top-of-the-line appliances and customized cabinetry with a

lovely metal detail that goes around all the panels.”

What particular challenges did the project present? “Nothing unusual for a Manhattan renovation, which always presents its own issues, such as opening up old walls,” says Douglas. “We were able to install recessed lighting—which is hard to do in a prewar— without a hitch.”

A Combination of Taste and Style

“The couple wanted an apartment that felt like ‘them,’ not like ‘his’ or ‘hers.’ The result was a perfectly balanced mixture of the two of them,” Douglas says. The home was furnished and accessorized with a combination of pieces that each of them brought from their previous homes, plus new acquisitions curated by

Douglas. “She was a fashion stylist during her career,” he explains. “She had the right background and a great eye. She was very involved in the process, choosing fabrics and furnishings.”

Douglas’ meticulously curated design was perfectly suited to the grand entryway, down to the smallest details. The walls are covered with a L’Artigiano gold/bronze plaster, and the cabinet is finished in suede and walnut. The light fixtures and sconces are vintage, while the chandelier was repurposed from the owner’s previous apartment. The period bench is also from the old apartment, but reupholstered in alpaca fabric by Holly Hunt. A customized Edward Fields carpet was chosen for the floor.

“Because the clients did not use the formal dining room very of-

The vintage Vladmir Kagan table had been in the wife’s family and was recently refinished.The dining chairs were his, but reupholstered in Holly Hunt fabric.

ten, we created a library in the space as well,” Douglas says. “The wife brought with her the Vladmir Kagan vintage table, inherited from her mother, but we had it restored. The dining chairs came from his old apartment, but were recovered in Holly Hunt fabric.” Another customized Edward Fields rug was used for the floor, and the sideboard was brand new. The built-in cabinets and shelving are custom-made.

The living room is a sophisticated combination of color and texture, and vintage mixed with modern. Muted tones prevail, punctuated by pale blue window treatments and soft gray upholstery and throw pillows. Douglas designed a small banquette in the corner of the room for additional seating and intimate conversation. The furniture and accessories represent a cross-section of some of the most sought-after vendors in the design industry, including Studio Van Den Acker, Holly Hunt, Holland and Sherry, Samuel and Sons, Romo and Doris Leslie Blau.

The designer chose Lepere counter stools finished in JAB fabric.

For the living room, the couple selected a large piece of artwork by the contemporary Brazilian artist and photographer Vik Muniz. He is best known for creating works of art that reference old masters’ paintings and celebrity portraits, and then photographing them.

“In the master bedroom, the headboard was the only piece of furniture that was reused,” Douglas says. “We chose the bedside tables and the pop-up at the foot of the bed.” The bed itself is completely customized, highlighting Douglas’ experience as a furniture designer. The cabinetry is customized as well.

Because the owner was drawn to texture, Douglas chose fabrics from Holland and Sherry, Creation Bauman, Holly Hunt and Donghia throughout to add depth and dimension to each room.

A Prewar is Eased into the 21st Century

The end result is a stunning Manhattan apartment with all the fabulous features of a Classic 8 prewar, but brought up to date with a combination of vintage, modern and custom items. It is the ideal combination of “him” and “her.”

Resources:

Interior Design: Douglas Graneto Design 61 Ridgeview Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830 203.622.8383 douglasgraneto.com

Architect: Joshua Pulver A + C Architecture and Construction 611 Broadway New York, NY 10012 212.845.9611 apluscny.com

Most of the furniture and finishes in the master bedroom, including the built-in cabinetry, rug and plaster for the walls, were custom made for the space.

The master bed belonged to the owner was reupholstered. The bedside tables were custom.

The Swing Arm Lamp is from Circa Lighting, the chandelier from Lindsay Adelman.

Desiron supplied the dresser and bench, which was upholstered in Holly Hunt mohair.

Wagner Pools Legacy of Luxury

Over a century’s worth of Connecticut’s finest pools

Story by Hunter Powell

Wagner Swimming Pools is not your typical family-owned swimming pool company. While designing and building some of the highest quality luxury pools in the country, the firm also has a uniquely storied history that distinguishes it from the rest. Founded in 1919, Wagner holds the title of “The Oldest Swimming Pool Company in America”— and it is owned and operated by the family that started it all. What has set Wagner apart in the industry to keep the firm so highly regarded and sought-after for over a century? We caught up with Vice President John Gedney III to find out more about the legacy of the company and the quality of its service.

Wagner was founded back in 1919 by Edward L. Wagner. He and his company played an integral role in introducing swimming pools to New England as a typical luxury feature that homeowners might want to have in their own backyards. The firm created swimming pools for some of the wealthiest people in America, including Hollywood producers and business moguls. Edward also pioneered many solutions for privately owned pools, such as developing the first swimming pool purification system to utilize ultraviolet rays.

The same creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that helped launch Wagner more than a century ago still exist today. Wagner Pools is now managed and operated by Edward Wagner’s three great-grandsons, who continue to champion the founder’s business, bringing New England some of the most advanced luxury pool systems for heating, cleaning and automation.

According to John Gedney, what most sets Wagner apart from other swimming pool companies is its forthright honesty and transparency with clients throughout the construction process. “We do not sugarcoat anything with any client,” says John. “To construct a pool from the ground up, exactly how the client wants it, involves jumping through a lot of hoops to get the

proper clearances to make it happen. There’s a lot of legwork involved in every pool design. With every client, we ensure that the process is clear every step of the way—financially and time-wise.”

In addition to its extensive knowledge of the pool construction process, Wagner has continued to pioneer new industry standards in the same way the company did when it was founded. John notes just a few of the many exciting new pool features that Wagner has to offer. Ozone and ultraviolet pool water systems in particular have been revolutionary for pool cleaning, as the sophisticated systems can powerfully clean the pool while dramatically reducing chemical usage. In-floor cleaning has also been a big step forward in the world of pool cleaning, says John, “acting in theory like a sprinkler system that blows all the debris on the bottom of the pool into the filter system.” Other notable new features include automatic pool covers that keep pools safe conveniently, and vanishing edges that give swimming pools unique aesthetic looks.

Whether a customer is looking for a brand-new pool, the remodeling of an old pool, or pool maintenance, Wagner Pools has proven itself to be a team that can be trusted. With its impressive history, standard-setting innovation and textbook knowledge of the process, Wagner continues to design and construct some of the highest quality luxury pools that New England has to offer.

Resource:

John Gedney III, Vice President

Wagner Pools

101 Noroton Avenue

Darien, CT 06820

203-904-2429

wagnerpools.com

Whether you’re a homeowner, an interior designer, an architect or a builder, when you’re working on a kitchen project, Torrco Design Center is the go-to source for all your needs. This family-owned company has been faithfully supplying decorative plumbing, fixtures, lighting and hardware for over 100 years, with fourth-generation family members still hard at work in its showrooms. Torrco has six showroom locations and 14 plumbing and HVAC wholesale locations. Clearly, this company knows kitchens!

Dawn Corbo is Torrco’s director of business development. The first thing she mentions about the company is its commitment to customers and attention to detail. “We focus on customer service,” she says. “We believe our clients should have the best experience from beginning to end as we guide them through the entire process, from product selection to after-sales services.”

The showrooms carry a full range of products, starting at the mid-range price point and going all the way up to the most high-end luxury brands in the industry. One of the company’s specialties is its ability to do highly customized work, allowing clients to design their own sizes and styles to create something entirely unique for their projects. “Many of our clients come in looking for the best use of their space,” says Dawn. “Part of the service we provide is helping them achieve that. We’re up to date on all the current trends and latest products, so we can suggest the newest and greatest to make their kitchen as efficient as possible.”

Dawn notes that one of the big trends right now in kitchen design is

Torrco Design Center

the workstation, as seen in the photos. The only appliance sold by Torcco, the kitchen workstation is particularly popular because it helps the entire kitchen to be more efficient and multifunctional. “It makes it easier to clean as you prep, so don’t have to deal with a huge mess afterwards,” she says. “The cutting boards and drying racks all fit within one compact area, providing more counter space and minimizing the chances of crosscontamination.”

Other trends Dawn has been witnessing is the use of natural wood in cabinetry and natural stone countertops with more movement in their patterns. “For a long time, kitchens were clean and white,” she says. “Now, people are looking for something more dramatic and are using colors more boldly.”

As a final thought, Dawn adds that today’s kitchens serve as a hangout for family and friends, and are often designed as open spaces. “The act of prepping and cooking together is an activity,” she says. “People want to make the best use of the entire space. Kitchens are being set up so many people can do multiple tasks at once and still keep things organized.”

Resource:

Torrco Design Center

63 Harbor View Avenue

Stamford , CT 06902

203.965.4980

torrcodesigncenter.com