Built circa 1912, this waterfront home in Falmouth, Maine had almost everything the clients wanted when they purchased it in 2010…except their ideal kitchen. The space was characterized by dark, outdated cabinetry, low hanging soffits that housed lighting, and an unfortunate “U” configuration that created isolation and bottlenecks around the bar and kitchen island. The homeowners desired a kitchen that maximized function and convenience while also evoking a unique and well-thought-through aesthetic. They had a few guiding principles going into the design process, one of them being that they “wanted a new looking kitchen which had references to the era of the original house.” The stove was an important selection because it is so large and central to the space. This was an opportunity to go ‘back in time’ as far as look, but get a modern appliance. Having considered some French ranges, the clients ultimately settled on the Italian made Ilve because it was sold in Maine. Needing a sink that would wear well in a heavy use environment, Knickerbocker Group found a modern solution. The result was the creation of a custom, stainless steel, single-basin, double-drain board sink constructed by Specialty Stainless of Buffalo, New York. It achieved the look the homeowners wanted, but is more durable than the original inspiration. The statement piece lays flush with the marble slab countertop. The most stunning and memorable feature of the new kitchen is its custom aquarium. The homeowner explains that “the aquarium was a special request from my husband, who is an avid mariner, scuba diver, and lover of sea life. He always wanted an aquarium, but we could never find the right place for it.” A major task was finding the perfect location… something that didn’t feel intrusive or out of place. The chosen spot was previously occupied by a large antique wood stove that received little use. Opening up that corner also created direct circulation into the pantry and bar spaces beyond. Knickerbocker Group, in conjunction with Marine Ecological Habitats of Biddeford, worked together to blend in the aquarium as seamlessly with the custom cabinetry as possible. There are panels above and below that open to reveal the mechanics and filtering system. Also, the lighting within the tank changes throughout the day to mimic the characteristics of a true underwater environment.

Read the full project story of the Foreside Kitchen: https://www.knickerbockergroup.com/project-stories/foreside-kitchen/
Knickerbocker Group | DESIGNER
Knickerbocker Group | BUILDER
Katy Gannon-Janelle | INTERIOR DESIGN
Rob Karosis | PHOTOGRAPHER