Kitchen of the Week: Buoyant Style on the New England Coast
An oceanfront view serves as the backdrop with this kitchen. Set on the shore at Rockport, Massachusetts, the home incorporates the traditional materials of New England and beach influences, but the kitchen features a bold red-orange island to comparison with the gray-blue Atlantic Ocean.
The owners, an active household with four kids, commissioned a leading team, such as S+H Construction, Andra Birkerts and Don Knerr of Charles R. Myer & Partners, to style this space. The contemporary and bright kitchen emphasizes functionality with the family’s summer antics and enjoy entertaining.
Photos by Eric Roth
S+H Construction
The kitchen’s material palette took its cue from the rest of the house, inspired by traditional New England summer house interiors. White painted timber, exposed painted and bright accent colors make a timeless but cheerful look.
Backsplash: Ann Sacks; countertop: Slab Lab; cabinetry: Amherst Woodworking
S+H Construction
Blue tones join the kitchen with the rest of the house. Interior designer Andra Birkerts chose a contrasting red-orange for the island ; the bright color gives a visual counterpoint to the broad ocean views beyond.
Light fittings: Andra Birkerts Design
S+H Construction
The square island places up the L-shape layout. The ocean can be found from the sink of this island and the counter seating. The fridge and microwave sit in the outer edges of the kitchen layout, limiting visitors.
Range, hood: Wolf; fridge: Frigidaire; island paint: Ground Paprika, Martha Stewart Living (discontinued)
S+H Construction
Round the corner a different pantry with a beverage refrigerator lies near the kitchen and the outdoor grill.
S+H Construction
Honed white concrete countertops re-create the expression of soft white sand. The areas near the perimeter are slightly ground down to show off the glints of sea glass aggregate in the concrete.
Countertops: Slab Lab
S+H Construction
A glass counter at a subtle green tops the island. Local glass artisan Peter Houk, director of the glass laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, made this beautiful custom made piece. The sand-blasted ripples, fish and shellfish convey the sensation of water seen from a sun-warmed dock.
S+H Construction
The main light fixture brings immediate attention; there are also smaller fittings with subtler sockets, covered with custom blue and white shades.
Large bottom drawers and spacious upper cabinets make everything easy to find, especially for visiting family and friends. Colorful bring about splashes of color.
S+H Construction
The sink counter gently wraps round to the living space, leading to a buffet cabinet and hutch. Medium-width distressed floorboards were treated using a matte topcoat that provides commercial-grade protection and emphasizes the organic look and texture of the timber.