Hosting Haven

Our client was looking to design a new kitchen that allowed for entertaining and gathering of friends and family. A few challenges included a cramped kitchen with limited prep and storage space, a cluttered dining room, and a bathroom and pantry that encroached on the kitchen (limiting the opportunities for expansion). In addition, they wanted to renovate the dilapidated sunroom while bringing in more light to the dining room and find a solution to the cluttered entry area.

Inspired by the homeowners’ Japanese heritage, we designed a “Genkan” or entryway used for the removal and storage of shoes, a sitting bench, and a storage closest to hide outerwear and accessories.

Based on the principle of “yin and yang” our team incorporated “traditional and contemporary” and “dark and bright” to balance the existing traditional spaces in the front of the house with the renovated rear of the house. The back of the house was transformed by completely opening up the rear half of the house combining the kitchen and dining room, and relocating the intruding half-bath.

The newly polished space features natural maple cabinets, white Caesarstone counters and a backsplash of matte white tile. These color choices create a monochromatic, modern appeal allowing the main feature of the space to be showcased: a live edge island made of walnut. It is important to note that the homeowner is a gifted artist and her artwork was thoughtfully integrated into the design of the space. The ample storage pantry now expands the length and height of the entire kitchen and adds an interesting artistic element of angles along the interior wall and throughout the space. Finishing off this now inviting and functional hosting haven are a built-in desk, display shelving, and a beautiful dining space.

The renovated sunroom, where the family spends much of their time, now boasts two walls of glass sliding doors allowing light to pour through to the dining room, a shingled wall clearly separating it from the main living area of the house, and a pine batten wood ceiling creating a space that feels natural and organic. Japanese inspired design continues outside with a step that runs along the perimeter of the sunroom creating the perfect pallet for a floating garden.

Featured design elements:

• Cabinetry: Greenfield, Augusta A, Maple – Natural, Paint Grade Glacier
• Kitchen Island: Live Edge Walnut, Berkshire Products slab, fabricated by Erik O.F. Schutz.
• Lighting: Exos Wave 5 light adjustable pendant, white
• Kitchen Counter: Caesarstone Calcutta Nuvo
• Tile: Matte White New Yorker
• Appliances: Bosch

• 2019 EM NARI Contractor of the Year (CotY) – Silver Residential Kitchen > $150k
• 2018 Master Design Awards – Gold Kitchen More Than $150,000

When this project – and the subsequent one underway now – are completed, we already know we will be extremely happy with the total transformation of our home. The people at and through Feinmann were, without exception, great to work with.