I
T WASN’T THE FIVE-BEDROOM, 7,000-square-foot house with three fireplaces that wowed Dirk and Marie Antoinette Boot. Rather, it was the sunny, two-acre property with a sports court, swimming pool, and where the house was situated that convinced this family of four to do a cross-town move. The Boots are sociable people and love to entertain. Marie Antoinette is a talented cook with a passion for both food and interior design, so it made sense for the couple to initially focus their renovation budget on a complete kitchen remodel with a refresh of the adjacent family room. The ho-hum, builder-grade kitchen was demoed and NuKitchen of Norwalk came on board for the design and install process. Today, the sleek and efficient space is a showstopper, boasting a chic Italian aesthetic. The room is anchored by a massive island, topped with a five-inch thick slab of white quartz. Above the island, hangs a striking bubbled glass light fixture. Custom white lacquer Poggenpohl cabinetry adds an element of sophistication. In addition to the top-of-the-line Miele and Thermador appliances and custom add ons such as pop-up drawers and a camouflaged step stool, there is a swoon worthy coffee station that can whip up a cappuccino with the push of a button. Countertops are fashioned out of Neolith, a manmade stone from Spain that doesn’t stain and is highly heat resistant. It can be made to resemble marble or leathered granite and is virtually indestructible—so much so, that it’s used on the exterior of the space shuttle. A casual eating area features a Saarinen-inspired Tulip table, clear acrylic ghost chairs with fleece throws, and a cornered banquette with graphic pillows. The family room flows from the kitchen and was updated by replacing the dated brick fireplace surround with gray concrete. White built-in shelves have been added to display books, objets d’art, and family photos.
38 //
RIDGEFIELD MAGAZINE May/June 2020
