The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

This kitchen remodel has been 27 years in the making and was ready for an all-around update. During our first few meetings, our client had envisioned what drawers would house which items and really wanted the kitchen to accommodate more people whether for a simple meal or for multiple cooks during a celebratory gathering. The original kitchen did not have enough storage and the island did not allow for much seating space. Our client dreamed of a kitchen where she could cook and entertain her family and friends at the same time. An existing wall enclosing the kitchen was removed and another wall was extended to room for a wall of cabinetry while also allowing the space for a bigger island. Upon entering the kitchen, a base cabinet with beveled glass doors showcases the beautiful china that our client has collected throughout the years. The new kitchen is packed with appliances that allow our client to make the best usage of them. A 48” American Range Lenged Series rangetop and a 48” stainless steel hood by Windster form the heart of the kitchen. A stainless steel backsplash allows easy maintenance for our client who uses the kitchen so often. The new wall now starts with a desk/office area, a 30” American Range Legacy Series double wall oven, a 36” French door refrigerator, ice maker, wine refrigerator and beverage center. A mixer stand is located in the base cabinet of the island to save countertop space and a drawer bank allows for baking utensils. A prep sink is part of the island with a single trash to make cooking, prepping and cleaning an ease for multiple cooks. A microwave drawer is also available on the island. Easy access and once again keeping the countertop work space open and free. Storage is available at the seating area for seasonal items. The kitchen finishes were completely switched out as well. The new cabinetry consists of a Cherry species in the Nantucket door style by Crystal Cabinets. Cabinets were finished in a Cinnamon stain with black glazing in a distressed look with cracking and wearing. The surrounding cabinets have a leathered granite and a marble countertop for the island. The three-part crown was inspired by an armoire that has been with the family for a long period of time. Crystal knobs and cup style pulls provide the finishing touches to this beautiful and functional kitchen. Ever since the kitchen has been completed, our client has spent so much time in the kitchen, cooking at home has overridden the want to go out and eat. Preview First

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Kitchens are seductive when photographed and published, as colors are coordinated, fruit and flowers arranged, clutter removed, lighting just so. What is difficult to tell from glossy images is how well a kitchen really works. The East Bay Kitchen for a Cook is an excellent example of a kitchen that really works. It is a kitchen for an accomplished cook. It is also a kitchen that is independent yet connected to a formal dining room, a kitchen with an informal ‘cafe nook’, and a kitchen ideal for a couple as well as a crowd. It is a true working kitchen for all occasions. There are many things to take into account when designing a kitchen - surfaces, materials, storage, circulation, spatial relationships, natural light. These are all important considerations in designing a kitchen. What is equally important in designing a kitchen is how a person works in a kitchen, and generally, what their kitchen is all about. Is it a kitchen for one or more cooks? Is there a ‘mess factor’ that the client wants to hide? Does the kitchen function purely as a kitchen or as a social center, or both? What is the relationship of the kitchen to adjacent rooms, and if there is a separate dining room, how does the circulation work between the two? For a kitchen to really work well, each one of these items need to be addressed and resolved. There are no generalized correct answers to any of these questions, only a correct answer for each individual cook. The original Kitchen for a Cook was small, dark, and cramped, with no connection to the dining room, which was the main eating area. A discourse began between the architect and the client, centered on how the client works in her kitchen and the desired relationship between the kitchen and dining room, which would remain the primary eating area in the renovated kitchen. Other important considerations were how to incorporate an informal ‘café nook’ in the kitchen, and how to have an easy circulation between kitchen and dining area, for both people and food.

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Outdoor Dining and entertaining continues to be fabulous in the Hamptons. This Euro Outdoor Kitchen by The Outdoor Kitchen Design Store in Southampton clearly depicts living beyond the walls of your home Fabulously. The Caliber Grill Rockwell model is clearly unique with its hood rolling back into the cabinetry. Farther to the right past the outdoor refrigerator and ice machine is the EVO grill which diversifies the cooking experience outdoors. The Evo offers a generous 30" cast iron surface allowing you to cook omelets, crepes, french toast, grilled sandwiches, fajitas, luncheon sandwiches, scampi, swordfish and chicken fillets. With this fully equipped outdoor kitchen you can cook anything outdoors that you would normally cook indoors. Time to get Outdoors and entertain Fabulously with friends and family. Elevate your outdoor living lifestyle with this contemporary Outdoor Kitchen.

Outdoor Dining and entertaining continues to be fabulous in the Hamptons. This Euro Outdoor Kitchen by The Outdoor Kitchen Design Store in Southampton clearly depicts living beyond the walls of your home Fabulously. The Caliber Grill Rockwell model is clearly unique with its hood rolling back into the cabinetry. Farther to the right past the outdoor refrigerator and ice machine is the EVO grill which diversifies the cooking experience outdoors. The Evo offers a generous 30" cast iron surface allowing you to cook omelets, crepes, french toast, grilled sandwiches, fajitas, luncheon sandwiches, scampi, swordfish and chicken fillets. With this fully equipped outdoor kitchen you can cook anything outdoors that you would normally cook indoors. Time to get Outdoors and entertain Fabulously with friends and family. Elevate your outdoor living lifestyle with this contemporary Outdoor Kitchen.

A kitchen traditional for today. This beautiful, bright kitchen is nestled within a colonial style home located in Manchester, NH. Created to blend the traditional style of the home with the contemporary entertaining style of the home’s newest owners, transforming the kitchen into a functional cooking and entertaining space did not come without a few challenges. The dated kitchen lacked counter, storage and pantry space. As with many older homes, there were sloping floors, chimney chases, and a lack of wall space. Rising to the challenge, I created three unique designs, each one designed to manage these challenges while offering the homeowners their choice of WOW factors. Indeed, the final design includes plenty of necessary counter space, amazing deep drawer storage, and wonderful pantry space. To make cooking easier and far more efficient, I accessorized with complements of oil pullouts, tray dividers, dual waste pull outs, and utensil dividers. The layout is also perfect for two cooking at the same time, and the additional counter seating makes this island the hot spot for all gatherings. To keep the “HOT” out of the hotspot however, guests remain comfortable with the pop up down draft installed alongside the 6 burner range efficiently drawing in that heat. Additionally, the raised bar behind the range top not only covers the down draft when in its raised position, but shields guests from any cooking splatter. 
AND, it’s the perfect bar height for leaning on or standing around those trays of yummy appetizers set upon it during a party! The final transformation of space into the perfect entertaining spot is the bar. The kitchen is open to the dining room so placing a small bar between the two spaces creates an easy bridge for guests to grab a drink without crossing the entire kitchen to the fridge. Lighting from the bar’s mullion wall cabinet softly cascades into the kitchen/seating area, illuminating the homeowner’s fine crystal wine and champagne glasses as it reflects the warmth and style of the new kitchen. Next to the bar is the creative addition of an oversized but streamlined chalk board where the signature drink of the night can be whimsically showcased restaurant style. Or, if they choose, guests may leave a note… White painted cabinets wrap around the perimeter of the kitchen while grey glazed cabinets ground the island. A traditional raised panel door and drawer style suit the home perfectly. Both are topped with polished black pearl granite countertops. The stainless steel double ovens, refrigerator, and dishwasher coordinate beautifully with the grey glazed island and rustic iron cabinet hardware. Large windows on two walls open to scenic views and let in lots of natural light. Smokey glass pendants and recessed lighting strategically light work stations while artfully illuminating the entire kitchen. Day and night, this now organized, streamlined kitchen embraces the home with a sense of light and warmth; an inviting space perfect for cooking or enjoying time with friends and family. Photography by Scott Sherman

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

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Dave Burk
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view of sliding door to play area/ kids rooms
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