A Home for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for connection, warmth, and—let’s be honest—a lot of time spent in the kitchen. For the owner of this classic 1950s home in Beverly, the vision was clear: they needed a space that could handle everything from quiet mornings alone or a bustling holiday soirée with a packed house.

Our designer, Leah Bonarrigo along with Spencer For Hire Construction worked directly with the homeowner to create a beautiful and functional open concept for the kitchen that would provide an immense amount of storage and organizational space for the multitude of entertaining events and family gatherings.

We know that the best kitchens aren't just for looking at; they are for living in. This project, a true family affair where everyone brought ideas to the table, was the final hurdle in updating the home. By taking down a restrictive wall between the kitchen and a small dining room, the entire first floor was opened up, creating a seamless flow perfect for entertaining.

Setting the Stage for Guests

As with kitchens designed around entertaining, the kitchen island becomes the gravitational center of the party.   The homeowner worked with Leah to design a stunning Cambria Travella quartz countertop with a dramatic waterfall edge that added a different level of interest to the space. It serves as the perfect stage for setting out hors d'oeuvres or holiday cocktails, inviting guests to gather around without crowding the cook.

The color palette sets a sophisticated tone. The homeowner decided to incorporate the Medallion Loxley cabinetry in a two-tone finish: White Icing on the uppers to keep the space feeling bright and airy even in the darker winter months, and Celeste—a rich, deep navy—on the base to ground the room and add continuity to the color palette that was throughout the home, tying the space together beautifully.

The Bake Center & Prep Zones

Holiday baking is a cherished tradition, but the mess is not. To solve this, Leah integrated a dedicated "Bake Center" hidden behind sleek pocket doors. It’s the perfect spot to roll out dough or frost cookies, and when the guests arrive, simply slide the doors shut to hide the flour and mixers.

Storage was meticulously planned to keep countertops clear. Leah incorporated in the design the Medallion spice drawers, cutlery inserts, and pullout tray dividers. Even the corner cabinets work hard, featuring a LeMans II pullout that swings pots and pans out and provides visibility to all the kitchen supplies without having to dig in the back for that one roasting pan.

Appliances That Work as Hard as You Do

Hosting a feast requires heavy-duty support. The KitchenAid Range—custom-ordered with a navy front to perfectly match the base cabinets—is the workhorse of the kitchen.

To keep the aesthetic clean and elegant, Leah designed the space to make the heavy appliances invisible. The Sub-Zero refrigerator features a panel-ready front that blends seamlessly into the cabinetry. Perhaps the ultimate luxury for a host? A double dishwasher (also panel-ready) blended into the cabinetry and was a must-have for the homeowner so she could make quick work of the clean-up to return to enjoying time with her guests.

Cheers to the Details

No holiday party is complete without a toast.  Leah designed a distinct bar area featuring vertical reeded glass cabinetry, adding a layer of vintage texture that nods to the home's mid-century roots while storing glassware in style.

From the full-height backsplash milled to a substantial 3/4” thickness into the window jamb, to the beautiful selection of Emtek Select hardware in knurled finish, the attention to detail for every aspect gives the space a feeling of elegance but also usability. The homeowner’s vision carried through beautifully, creating a space that is as functional as it is festive.

Cabinetry: Medallion Loxley in Celeste (lower) and White Icing (upper)
Countertop: Cambria Travella
Hardware: Emtek Select Line
Designer: Leah Bonarrigo
Contractor: Spencer 4 Hire Construction