Fall on the East Side of Providence is an autumnophile’s dream. Tree-lined streets are covered in fallen leaves, a non-stop parade of walkers briskly traverse Blackstone Boulevard, and there’s a general air of bookish academia – especially when the Bears play and cheering fans can be heard bellowing from Brown Stadium on Elmgrove Avenue. It was all this and more that a couple wanted when they purchased their 1920s Colonial in the Blackstone neighborhood nearly 10 years ago. However, recently retired and spending more time cooking at home, the pair decided it was time to give the kitchen an update, and turned to Cypress Design Co. in nearby East Providence.
Craig Couture, design manager at Cypress explains that the kitchen, not original to the house, didn’t quite function the way the couple needed it to. He was tasked with creating a larger kitchen with better functionality that would be open to the dining room, resulting in a single space for cooking, entertaining, eating, and enjoying time together. He notes that the biggest challenge was making the kitchen feel like it fit into the architecture of the home, but still presented the personality and contemporary aesthetic of his clients.
“The homeowners love to infuse their contemporary style with the traditional elements of the home. They love bold colors inspired by their personal art collections: clean lines, quality materials, and unique elements that add personality,” says Couture.
Aiming for a sleek space that worked with the existing structure of the kitchen, Couture notes that the decision to inset cabinetry with flat panel doors truly set the tone: “This one decision really allowed us to create a contemporary design that works in the traditional architecture of the home.” He explains that similarly, wood-look tile was installed to blend with the existing flooring; however, it was given an elegant twist with a custom marble inlay to resemble an area rug.
Another challenge was creating a balance within the space. To accomplish this goal, a two tray ceiling – with a wallpaper insert and pair of pendant light fixtures – was employed to visually divide the kitchen from the dining room while still having an open concept. “We also included a new window that mirrored an existing window. This allowed us to create symmetry for the range wall,” says Couture. “The clients love the ample space, large bar area, and now the newly renovated kitchen.” Let the entertaining begin!
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
For a no-fail coastal vibe, Couture recommends balancing wood tones and good design with blues, grays, and whites. “Don’t go overboard if you are not necessarily close to the water,” he says.
The use of various metals throughout the kitchen lends collected character. Faucets and cabinetry hardware are gold and connect to the brass of the backsplash, while the chrome of the bar stools echoes the appliances, and even the quartz of the countertops.
The entire project included a full bathroom, wet bar, and kitchen with Cypress Design Co. at the helm. Says Couture, “We believe in the power of communication. Our personalized approach guarantees a custom-tailored design that reflects your vision, while our attention to detail ensures a flawless execution.” He notes that appliances for the kitchen and wet bar, and lighting for the bathroom are from Wickford Appliance, construction by East Side Construction. Learn more at CypressDesignCo.com; WickfordAppliance.com; EastSideConstruction.com
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