Balancing Character and Function

Designing Flow and Function in a Classic Coastal Home

When these homeowners decided to purchase their family summer home in Annisquam and make it their forever home, they partnered with our designer, Alicia D’Annolfo to help transform their kitchen into a space that felt as thoughtful and welcoming as the rest of their home. Working closely with their architect, Brown Fenollosa and contractor, Ken Mills of Mill River Carpentry, Alicia helped reimagine the layout to create a better flow and stronger connection between the front entry, dining & living room, and deck — making this coastal cottage both beautiful and practical for everyday living and entertaining.

The original kitchen was a tight galley, full of charm but short on space and versatility, it was difficult to see guests as they entered or feel connected to the rest of the action of the home while they were entertaining family and friends.  The goal was to preserve that charm while improving function and visibility and optimize the space to feel more open and airy.   

Additionally, the homeowners knew they wanted a beautiful blue shade that would mimic the amazing water views and ultimately decided to go with the Shiloh Hanover door-style in Niebla Azul.  This was also a very intentional design decision to match the color to the trim and new Marvin Signature windows and doors that were installed throughout the home to create continuity and flow.

Alicia added a custom pantry in a complimenting natural maple near the entrance with a designated opening so that the homeowners could see to the front door and not feel closed off to the entrance.   In addition, opening the kitchen to the dining area brought in light and made the space feel larger, while keeping the original slip ceilings and incorporating structural adjustments added complexity — and opportunity — to refine every design detail and still keep a feeling of originality to the home.

With limited square footage, storage and organization became top priorities for the homeowners during the design process. Alicia used the Shiloh custom shop to incorporate custom cutlery dividers, spice inserts, and magnetic drop-ins to make the most of every inch. Each cabinet was carefully considered for its purpose, helping the family cook, entertain, and stay organized without clutter. Even the refrigerator and pantry were strategically designed to fit within ceiling height constraints, aligning door heights and appliance sizes for a balanced, built-in look.

For hardware, the family chose a mix of classic and playful pieces from Top Knobs, including a Daisy backplate added especially for their daughter — a personal touch that makes the space feel uniquely theirs and has special meaning for their family. Some cabinets feature backplates, others don’t, creating just the right balance between polished and lighthearted.

And with a newly installed Marvin Signature sliding door leading directly to the deck, entertaining is effortless. Guests can move easily between indoors and out, while the homeowners can keep an eye on everything from the heart of their home — the kitchen.

This project is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform a small footprint into a space that lives large. By blending timeless details with smart storage and a deep understanding of flow, this family now has a kitchen that feels connected, functional, and full of character — just like their home.

Cabinetry: Shiloh Hanover Door Style in Niebla Azul and Natural Maple

Hardware:  Top Knobs Aspen Bronze Collection

Designer: Alicia D’Annolfo

Contractor: Mill River Carpenters

Architect: Brown Fenollosa Architects