Historic Cottage to Dream Kitchen

A Kitchen Designed for Gathering: Classic Cottage Meets Family Function

Designing a kitchen in a historic cottage—especially one that’s part of an old inn—means walking the line between honoring the past and creating a space that works for the present. This project was part of the second major renovation to the property, expanding the front of both the first and second floors. The goal was to create a kitchen that felt open and bright, but also warm and welcoming for family and their grandchildren.

Our designer, Leah Bonarrigo worked with Justin Knowlton of Core Builders on the project, looking at the kitchen space as well as a custom buffet and two bathrooms.  The homeowners were also very involved in the design process with Leah from start to finish providing a balance of design aesthetic from the wife and logistics and functionality from the husband.  

From the start, ceiling height played a big role in how the kitchen space was designed.  Leah knew she wanted to make the most of the vertical space to help the room feel more expansive and open. The homeowner was insistent on full-height cabinetry, not only to emphasize the height of the room and provide more cabinetry space but also to avoid dust-collecting gaps above the cabinets. The result is a clean, streamlined look that draws the eye up and enhances the spacious feel of the room.

There were other design choices inspired by the homeowner that Leah was able to incorporate in a creative way - one being the two-seated island that is the perfect scale for this compact kitchen but provides a hideaway for their microwave as well as the perfect spot for breakfast and prep work.

The other interesting design element was the cabinetry corner adjacent to the refrigerator cavity - this was a very tight space and during the design process Leah was concerned that a cabinet there would be difficult to operate being so close to the fridge.  The decision was made to incorporate an open bookshelf to create a convenient space for the homeowners collection of cookbooks and still provide functional space.

While the original design leaned toward white cabinetry to reflect light and open the space, that idea evolved. Once the walls came down and the natural light poured in, the homeowner felt confident enough to follow her instincts. She chose Shiloh's Evergreen Fog finish—a soft, muted green that added just the right amount of color and warmth. The palette was inspired by a painting she loves, tying the kitchen to the rest of her home in a subtle, personal way.  

The cabinets also feature a custom seeded glass insert by Beverly Glass, adding character and texture without overwhelming the space and staying true to the coastal aesthetic the homeowner envisioned.

The countertops are Dolomite stone, fabricated and installed by Gerrity Stone. The natural veining and soft tones of the Dolomite complement the Evergreen Fog cabinets beautifully, creating a harmonious and timeless look.

Lighting was another key element. The homeowner selected Visual Comfort fixtures to bring in style and warmth, with the unlacquered brass providing a living finish that would patina over time beautifully.

Every choice in this kitchen—down to the color of the cabinets and the type of glass in the lighting—was made with intention. It’s a space that feels elegant without being precious, practical without sacrificing charm. Designed for family, built for life, and finished with details that tell a story.

Work done by: Core Builders

Cabinetry: 

Shiloh Semi-Custom Cabinetry - Full Overlay
Door Style: New Haven with matching drawerfront, Species:
Maple, Finish: Soft White