Island Life

A Barrington kitchen gets reimagined with an eye on entertaining

By Elyse Major

So much time is spent in the kitchen. This statement rings true whether it’s a tiny galley style or an expansive space that looks like something from a Nancy Meyers movie. It’s where food is prepped and, for most homes in Little Rhody, the entrance, as we use the side or back door rather than the front. After 17 years, the homeowners of a then-new construction Colonial in Barrington were ready for some updates to the hub of their home.

“We wanted an open floor plan, great for entertaining family and friends, and cooking,” said the homeowner. “We also like a coastalcontemporary look because it’s calming.” With that in mind, Michelle Parenteau of Michelle Lee Designs, an interior designer based in Johnston known for bringing panache to both residential and commercial spaces, was called in. What she

Above: A range of blues adds unexpected panache in the kitchen prescribed was a soft serene color scheme with a few unexpected touches to keep things lively, along with nods to both coastal and farmcoast styles.

“Lighting was very important,” says Parenteau, who kept the kitchen window bare, and installed both recessed and pendant lighting. A standout feature is a trio of lamps over the island, with an unexpected choice of teal with a weathered gold and ivory finish. Another bold selection was turning the kitchen island into a focal point. “I chose a navy blue island that would coordinate with the pale blue tiny hexagon backsplash tile. The homeowners

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Cafe Water Street ∙ 279 Water Street, Warren, RI ∙ 401.245.7071 Open seven days a week, all year wanted to create a coastal farmhouse feel, so I chose the new Emerald Designer Color palette from Sherwin Williams,” Parenteau shares.

White cabinetry provides the foil for elements that imbue a seaside vibe such as wide plank wooden flooring in a bleached sandy tone and shimmering tile. Wooden bar stools with rattan seats connect with various fixtures throughout the space including the twisted decorative roping of the pendant lamp about the sink.

With their new kitchen ready for entertaining – including the addition of a wide refrigerator – the homeowners are delighted with their remodeled space. “It’s the room in the house that makes us most happy.”

Get Rhody Style

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

Discover Barrington

For this pair of homeowners, the best part of living in Barrington is “being so close to the water. So many fantastic restaurants in close proximity.” Favorite places to patronize include Daisy Dig’ins, Blue Kangaroo Café, Miku Japanese Cuisine, and Spaghetti Lane.

Bright Idea

“Adding pendant lighting over a kitchen island or kitchen sink can serve two purposes: a decorative element for your space as well as task lighting,” says Parenteau. “Size and scale of the pendants is very important depending on the height of the ceilings.”

Rhody Resources

Parenteau has a solid rep for using local talent. Here are some vendors used for this project: EastCoast Countertops, Lighting & Design by J&K Electric, Rhode Island Design Center, Rhode Island Tile, and Sherwin-Williams Paint Store. “I strive to use the best quality of materials. I listen to my client’s needs and wants and try to bring that vision to life.” Learn more at MichelleLeeDesigns.com

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