Kitchens 2015: Recipe for Success

Photograph by Jane Messinger

Splash of Splendor

Location Seaport District
Architect + Designer Jeff Swanson, Renovation Planning
Contractor John Benjamin, Benjamin Construction Inc.
Cabinetry SieMatic Boston
Tiler Paul Grubb, Paul Grubb Tile

THE PROBLEM

Though the brick-and-beam loft in the Seaport District felt contemporary, its kitchen was woefully outdated. “It certainly was a laminate dream,” says architect and designer Jeff Swanson of Renovation Planning: Its plastic oak aesthetic “was the coolest thing ever…in the 1980s.”

THE SOLUTION

Swanson swapped in a deeper-toned laminate to satisfy his client’s desire for a contemporary look. Neutral quartz countertops and a crisp backsplash, plus stainless steel hardware and Thermador appliances complement the space’s industrial vibe.

Photograph by Jane Messinger

STORAGE

In place of upper cabinetry, Swanson installed tall pantry cabinets along one wall of the kitchen: One conceals a structural post, while another disguises a 36-inch Thermador refrigerator. The rest provide plenty of storage for pots and pans, cookbooks, food, and cleaning supplies.

Photograph by Jane Messinger

APPLIANCES

The owner, a California native, wanted space to showcase her expansive wine collection. The new design accommodates a built-in 24-inch Thermador wine chiller that can hold up to 70 bottles. Glassware gets stored above; below hosts a bevy of liquor bottles and a Scotsman ice machine.

Photograph by Jane Messinger

“WOW” FACTOR

This kitchen’s true pièce de résistance is the backsplash, made of chevron-cut tile from Island Stone, which took roughly a week to install. Cantilevered laminate shelves, fitted with recessed LED lights, complete the look.

Photograph by Jane Messinger

“The design came out of the owner’s love of this loft style. She grew up in California wine country, and wanted that rich wood tone, but in an industrial way.” —Jeff Swanson, Renovation Planning

The Credits

Backsplash Island Stone “Palms” glass tile, Tile Showcase.
Cabinetry “Mali Wenge” laminate, SieMatic Boston.
Countertop Silestone natural quartz, Cumar Marble and Granite.
Sconces Tech Lighting “DJ Wally” and “DJ Archie” chrome sconces, Wolfers.
Appliances Thermador 30-inch Masterpiece Series, Yale Appliance + Lighting.

Suburban | Loft | Brownstone | Rural