A Kitchen Oasis

Clients we had worked with previously asked us to reconfigure the first floor of their Jamaica Plain Victorian so that they had better views and access to their wonderful urban garden. They wanted to update the kitchen with a bigger eating area as well as modernize a full bath, all within the same footprint.

Access to the garden was through a back hall, separated from the kitchen, where a non-functioning chimney was blocking views to the rear of the home.  Removing the chimney and incorporating space from the original back hall and an abutting closet achieved a redefined connection to the kitchen and rear garden. The use of an arched pediment, flanked by traditional columns, gives the impression of a separate, larger eating area while keeping the space open and airy. As there are several arches throughout the home, the element also ties the old spaces to the new.

The buttery yellow painted cabinetry by Showplace harmonizes with the red oak floor and the Iroko exotic wood surface on the island, making the kitchen feel warm and inviting. Three vessel-shaped, jewel-tone pendant lights hang over the island. With their tubular incandescent bulbs, light pours through the Pharos fixtures with an amber glow. A wall of cabinet doors with mainly glass fronts reflect light as well as show off the homeowners’ eclectic collection of pottery and decorative items. The gold and cream Solarius granite countertops offer great workspace and mix well with the matte glazed cream tile of the backsplash.

Similar honeyed tones were used in the bath. By placing the new tiled tub/shower parallel to the back wall, the L-shaped bathroom appears more spacious. A cherry wall-hung cabinet features a semi-recessed white porcelain sink.

New stacked laundry machines fit into a smaller closet in the kitchen. Floor to ceiling casement windows and a glass panel door bring abundant light into the kitchen while providing the sought after views and access to the homeowners’ urban oasis.

2013 Eastern Massachusetts NARI Silver CotY Residential Kitchen $100,000-$150,000

2013 Eastern Massachusetts NARI Silver CotY Residential Bath $30,000-$60,000

The finished product is phenomenal.  With Feinmann you are guaranteed a high level of expertise and attention to detail and aesthetics that is unparalleled.  Concerns and problems during the project were handled with sensitivity to our needs and with great attention to making the process an enjoyable one. All in all, I would recommend Feinmann to all those looking for a high-quality renovation.