Westport-Wakeman Transformation

An energetic couple, both retired teachers, have lived for 45 years in their Westport, Conn., home. A published photographer, the home owner has a serene and minimal style that provided project inspiration.

The existing kitchen was a small, dark galley. The home owners dreamed of modern, harmonious spaces for gathering, cooking and creating dialogue between the kitchen and the landscape. A new addition boasts an open, light-filled kitchen and dining area with gliding doors to the outside. A large island with seating, functional cooking areas, plenty of storage and a “coffee and appliance bar” were designed. The kitchen seamlessly incorporates aging-in-place features.

Modern details marry with warm materials in the mid-century aesthetic, including bleached walnut and painted cabinets, walnut shelving set against stacked glass tile, and walnut beams in the new vaulted ceiling. Warmly veined quartzite tops the counters and is featured behind the stove. Pendants reflect bell flowers found in their garden, and the dramatic “vines pendant” suspends its branches over new spaces. The clients feel the transformation of their kitchen has created a heart to their home.