Molly here! Knowing how much you all loved Erin’s (actually not so) mini kitchen reno, we thought it might be fun to share another project we’re working on… my family and I are moving into and partially renovating a new (old) house in the next few months, and will be chronicling parts of the process here on the blog!
Overall, the house is in beautiful shape – the previous owners are extremely handy and took amazing care of it – maximizing the space and adding thoughtful touches throughout. We really lucked out in getting it – it’s one of the many old homes near the center of Medfield that I love. I left a note in the mailbox one day saying that if they were ever willing to sell, we’d love to buy it, and they called the next day!
Everything is “move in ready”, but we’re taking the opportunity before we move in to make a few updates so that it works better for our family. Specifically, we’re refinishing the floors, painting, renovating the kitchen, and adding a guest room and full bathroom in the basement. We like to have our parents visit and stay over when we can, so a guest room is important to us, and the basement has a walk out, so it’s private and convenient. Eventually we will redo the upstairs bathrooms and finish the third floor, but are holding off for now.
So, the kitchen design! Despite the fact that we live in suburban Massachusetts in the year 2021, my inspiration for the overall vibe of the house is English country home meets Shaker farmhouse. I am so drawn to the warm coziness of the English country cottage look, but also love the classic simplicity of Shaker kitchens. I am also deeply obsessed with the kitchen in a recent client project in Charlestown (Erin shared a sneak peek here), so I’m adding in some Colonial vibes as well. Basically, I like a house to have all the charm and quirks of an antique, but none of the old-house problems. I’m aware that this all sounds like nonsense. I’m also aware that although I know what I like, I’m not actually a designer, and while the team at EGD doesn’t mind chiming in, they definitely prefer spending their time designing for real, paying clients… so I need to get some professional help.
Enter Metropolitan Cabinets & Countertops. We’re working with them on the kitchenette in our new headquarters (/the old Bertucci’s), and have had such a great experience, we’re working with them again on my kitchen. After meeting in person in the showroom and sharing inspiration and general goals for the layout and functionality, we landed on a floor plan and design that I’m really excited about. I think it’s classic enough that it fits within the footprint of this 140 year old home, but is also modern, fresh and appropriate for a family with two young, cute-yet-demonic children.
Here’s how it looks currently:
And here is the current plan:
We are keeping the refrigerator and range where they are, but removing the peninsula and adding a large island that will mirror the range wall, with the sink, dishwasher and microwave in it, and seating on the opposite side. The floors have radiant heat, which I’m VERY excited about. We’re also adding built ins in the entry to create a little mudroom with storage for shoes, backpacks, etc. (an English boot room, if you will).
We aren’t getting started until later this summer, but needed to make some decisions pretty quickly, as lead times are insane right now, and we need to get moving so that we can get the aforementioned demon children settled sooner. I’ll be back in a few months to share updates, but let us know in the comments if there’s anything else you want to see (or see less of) in the meantime!
I love the design board you shared. Your selections are beautiful and classic. I live in NC and have been playing around with the idea of doing a “mini” reno of my kitchen as well. I love a soft neutral space vs a stark white space and the colors you’ve chosen are right up my alley. I have been hesitant to go with gold hardware although I adore the way it looks with a soft creamy white pallet. After seeing your design board, you may have pushed me over the edge :) LOL! I literally CAN’T wait to see your progress.
Hi, I’m a designer for a high end builder in Orchard Park, NY. I love Molly’s kitchen plan. I used SW Accessible Beige on a model we recently built. Everyone loved it! I also use Bm white dove all the time. Can you inform me of the tile vender for the checkerboard floor.?
Love it!! Do you have a source for your Mudroom Light? Good Luck!
Molly,
Welcome to Medfield! You’ll love it! My husband, Brian, runs the stone operations at Metropolitan Cabinet & Stone. Your kitchen plans look beautiful. Can’t wait to see the end result. – Kim
Terrific! We too are moving to an Architect built lively home …ours is 30 years young. Everything works but we too want to rethink original space usage ..we are drawn to classic lines with a touch of BINGO! We will reuse our collection of 30 years of black and navy and tan leather comfy seating…country oak bedroom pieces ….1940s mid elegant mahogany dining room …3 queen brass beds…contemporary glass desk….good sized collection of original paintings…amish handmade quilts…and new wonderful finds…
Thank you for solid foundations and creative touches!
This is going to be beautiful! Welcome to town! :)
Excited to watch this evolve! It’s interesting to see projects through the lens of a non-designer (even though you’re closely affiliated). I was born and raised near Medfield center–not in one of the most beautiful old homes, but a terrific location nonetheless.
Hi Molly, I thoroughly enjoy your writing style not to mention the style choices for your Kitchen.
Looking forward to seeing updates!
Maybe you could post current and new floor plans soon so we don’t have to wait months to see more of your project ; )…. !?
Good for you, Molly! A note in the mailbox and you avoided all the real estate madness. Smart.
Your finishes are going to be so pretty, and I love that you want a retro look. I do have a few comments.
-Will the white in the floor tiles make the beige cabinets and trim & the backsplash look dirty? It might be too much contrast. This is what I ‘d suggest for the floor: larger format, matte tiles of off black and sandstone to better coordinate with the cabinets and trim. I lived in England and I know the look you’re going for; they almost never use 12″ tiles. Have you priced out marble tiles (instead of porcelain)? You might find remnants somewhere.
– Maybe add another ceiling pendant? Even a semi-flush one near the French doors. There are so many recessed lights, it would be nice to break things up a bit.
– Be sure to donate that quality cabinetry to ReStore/Habitat for Humanity or Boston Building Resources.
– Depending upon what kind of shape the windows are in, if they are original to the house or old, have them restored not replaced. They’re important character-defining elements and you can weatherize them.
Best of luck!
Agree with your comments Rosemary, especially regarding the tile. Maybe they are better in person, but here they look dated. I have same size,gray granite like in my laundry and love them. Oh to have a cottage and kitchen in the Cotswalds.
If you want more English inspired Shaker Inspo check out @uniquekitchensabdbaths – master cabinetmakers, with huge production capacity – 💚
This looks beautiful! Can you provide details on the hood range?
Very excited to see what you do! Would love to see everything you are willing to share – floor plans, demo pictures, what goes well and what (because it’s always something) doesn’t. Thank you for sharing!
Hi! Could you please provide the source for the air switch? I have an unlaquered brass faucet and am having trouble finding a matching one. Beautiful plan! Thank you!
Yes – here you go!
https://houseofrohl.com/air-activated-switch-button-only-for-waste-disposal-unlacquered-brass-as425ulb/
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This is going to be so beautiful! Which faucet did you choose, the luxe gold?
Yes, luxe gold!
This looks beautiful! I’d love to see more of the house. Also, could you provide a source for the floor tiles? We are planning a renovation of our primary bathroom, and they are just what I am looking for.
Thank you!
I believe these are available through Tiles Plus More
Also a big fan of those tiles! Thanks for sharing. The windows look beautiful!!
I’m so excited to see the progress! It’s a great space and plan.
I love how respectful you are of the previous owners, even if their taste doesn’t match yours.