Food Pro Relishes New Kitchen

Inspired after a career in the food industry, the client approached Feinmann and asked for an updated and expanded kitchen that enabled her to give cooking classes. She envisioned students gathered around a center island.

The older split-level home in Lexington backed up to wetlands. The homeowners wanted to maximize their bucolic rear view, however, the wetlands prevented expanding beyond an additional 100 square feet. The staggered rooflines presented another design challenge as the renovation plan also included enlarging the undersized master bath, a half-floor up from the kitchen. Finally, the kitchen lacked functionality, with a cramped eating area tucked into a corner by the staircase to the lower level.

The solution for expanding the footprint included taking space from the existing deck that ran along the back of the house. A portion of the deck was retained, off of the dining room, and the view preserved by using modern cable railings. The design solution for the rooflines provided extra ceiling height for the new eating area. Oversized Andersen gliding and fixed transom windows along the rear wall contribute to the feeling of spaciousness while giving the homeowners the backyard view they desired. A cedar brise-soleil was added over the rear windows to block the intensity of the summer sun while still providing filtered light.

Expanding the kitchen allowed a large island to be built with a cook-top and second prep sink, perfect for culinary demonstrations. The Bosch exhaust hood features a glass canopy, minimizing obstruction of the new view of the backyard. The island countertop is Charston by Cambria, a charcoal quartzite with iridescent flecks of blue. A neutral ceramic tile backsplash is enlivened by a glass mosaic pattern over the main sink. The expanded kitchen provided additional cabinet space for the homeowner who keeps a kosher kitchen with several sets of cookware and tableware. Custom maple cabinetry has a natural finish. Additional display shelves were built in the eating area to house the homeowner’s extensive cookbook collection and favorite serving pieces. The new, contemporary kitchen brings all of the elements together in harmony.

We appreciate the team approach that Feinmann takes, providing the contribution of many people. We ended up with a finished project that is much more than the sum of its parts. We also like that Feinmann stands by their work and makes sure that the client is completely satisfied.