Boston Back Bay - Kitchen Renovation
For this design/build kitchen renovation in Boston’s storied Back Bay neighborhood, we embraced a rich and layered palette with an unexpected edge. Deep olive green lower cabinets ground the space, while creamy uppers with glass fronts maintain a light and open feeling in the space.
Previously a narrow, closed-off galley kitchen, this Commonwealth Avenue, Boston Condominium desperately lacked natural light and flow into the main living areas. From an aesthetic perspective, the primary objective of our design was to add rich color, unique and interesting. This kitchen went from a space that felt tired, dark, poorly functional and closed off to one that is refined, modern, and light.
To create a more open layout, we removed the wall that previously separated the kitchen and dining area and replaced it with a peninsula to create better flow and more lively entertaining space. The back of the peninsula features a reeded walnut panel which adds visual interest, texture, and warmth right when you enter the space. We utilized a mix of polished and antique brass hardware, which warmly reflects light and perfectly balances the dark wood accents throughout.
In the design development phase, our client fell in love with Farrow & Ball’s “Bancha” paint color and that became the starting point for our overall palette. Next came the selection of Pompeii wallpaper by Jennifer Shorto to adorn the area inside the banquette alcove, which is a perfect match for our client’s love of sophisticated graphics. From there, a trip to the stone yard tied everything together with the selection of “Blue Roma” quartzite - a gorgeous natural stone featuring blues, greens, greys, copper and gold, all resembling a rocky river bed. With these three primary selections as our start, the rest of the design elements came together and we started our design/build project.
To make better use of the small dining space, we built a custom banquette with an easy-to-clean performance seat in a gold fabric by Jennifer Shorto. The custom dining chairs, made in North Carolina, feature durable olive green fabric on the seat, and contrasting decorative fabric on the back, by the French brand Nobilis. The brass leg caps and reeding on the chairs compliment with other elements throughout the space. It is all about the details! Previously narrow and cramped, this space is now warm and inviting – perfect for hosting family and friends.
Before
After
Glass blocks, that 70’s trend are back in this season’s, and we couldn’t be more excited to feature this original glass brick window.
Providing natural light to the space while still maintaining privacy, it truly completed this corner of the kitchen.
And finally came the fun part to our Boston kitchen renovation— decorating! To finish this space, we added vintage rugs, antiques, colorful art, and funky pillows. These finishing touches are the final element, bringing out the colorful and elegant vibe our Boston clients were looking for.
