A Bright Family Kitchen in Weston
Contractors installed windows and a reflective terra cotta backsplash to bring light into the space.
Photo by Sabrina Cole Quinn Photography
After outgrowing their Boston townhouse, a professional couple with three young boys knew the space afforded by this roomy Weston home would be perfect. The house’s kitchen—a dark, confined area with stale 1970s décor—however, needed a little help. So they enlisted interior designer Robin M. Anderson, kitchen designer Evan Landry, and architect Diane Lim to help reimagine the dingy, 431-square-foot quarters. “They wanted a bright, happy space, but not too modern, which would detract from the bones of the house,” Anderson says.
The team soon got to work, focusing on shrinking the size of the original kitchen to make room for a much-needed pantry and an adjoining breakfast nook. A new island anchors the revamped, 380-square-foot space, where custom gray inset cabinets boasting rollout trays and drawers flank a snazzy La Cornue range. “Because it was a smaller space, I focused on ease of organization and access,” says Landry, of Metropolitan Cabinets and Countertops, who also designed cabinetry for the island.
To add light, contractors installed windows above the nook and on both sides of the range (including an interior window looking into the pantry). White quartz with gray veining on the island and the counters enhances the brightness, along with a reflective terra cotta tile backsplash. “It has all the elements of a kitchen from 2020—light, contemporary, and super functional—yet doesn’t sacrifice the soul and character of the home,” Anderson says.
Photo by Sabrina Cole Quinn Photography
Photo by Sabrina Cole Quinn Photography
Photo by Sabrina Cole Quinn Photography
DETAILS
Appliances Bosch dishwasher, La Cornue range, and Sub-Zero refrigerator, all Yale Appliance.
Backsplash “Zellige” terra cotta tile, Clé.
Countertops/Island “Calacatta Novus” quartz, Marble and Granite
CONTRACTORS
Architect Lim Design Studio
Cabinetry/Stone Fabricator Metropolitan Cabinets and Countertops
Contractor Hall Construction & Consulting
Interior Designer Robin M. Anderson Interiors
Illustration by Marisa Seguin
Tips
Interior designer Robin M. Anderson offers five easy styling tricks—each a surefire way to infuse your kitchen with a little color and charm.
Use What You Have
Design with things you typically have on hand, such as fresh produce and baked goods. “I like to arrange things by type or color in small woven baskets,” Anderson says. A heap of purple eggplants on the island, a loaf of bread by the coffee maker, or a cluster of tomatoes near the stove adds a welcoming, lively touch.
Raid Your Bookshelves
Instead of stashing your cookbooks in a library, display them on a kitchen shelf or table. “They usually have graphic and colorful spines and are great when you need some easy dinner inspiration,” the designer says.
Say Goodbye to Stainless
Choose splashy finishes to add style and cheer. “We built this kitchen around the blue stove, and it adds so much character,” Anderson says. Punchy-hued coffee pots, mixers, and toasters also add personality, but on a smaller scale.
Make It Personal
Display small artwork or some favorite framed photos throughout your kitchen to customize the space. Anderson loves the way they evoke happy memories when cooking.
Work with Wood
For modern kitchens, add wood for softness and warmth. “The easiest way is through cutting boards,” the pro explains. “They make a kitchen look used and lived in even if you’re the kind of cook who prefers ordering out.”
