Mid-Size Stylish Kitchens – Newburyport Kitchen Tour Pt. 2

Ready for some mid-size stylish kitchens? In my first post on the 2019 Newburyport Kitchen Tour, I showcased two larger kitchen spaces. Today, I’m sharing three houses which are smaller in scale, but certainly no less in style.

Christopher Street

Architect: David Keery Design  |  Interior Design: Holly Gagne Interior Design

This cheery yellow house was updated in 2018 by architects Keery Design, interior designer Holly Gagne and builder Gary Ingalls Construction. They rearranged the insides to create this light and airy space from a formerly dark and inefficient one. The cabinets from Newbury Cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove. Actually, all the white paint throughout is the same color, which really unifies and simplifies the space. The center island is  Rift white oak in a natural finish and the counters are quartz. The appliances are Jenn-Air and Miele.

The little side bar is a sweet addition to the space as is the panty closet with the arched door.

The cozy dining area is tucked into the space between the kitchen and fireplace area and access to the sunroom on the left and stairs on the right. I like the judicious use of shiplap. It’s so trendy now as to be a little ho-hum, but keeping it to just this wall gives the wall prominence and integrates it nicely with the fireplace. The flooring is white oak.

The modern, touch-of-glam style of the powder room is almost a surprise, but I liked it a lot. The backsplash tiles are gorgeous!

And a few styling shots – loved the round bread board on the island, which mimics the dining table.

And I loved the casual nature of the flowers.

Atwood Street

So, getting back to modern-day… This sweet house retains its original charm, but is fresh and open. Plus, how great is that blue on the front door!

The paneling is all original to the house, complete with walk-in fireplace and cabinets, which I neglected to photograph.

The kitchen cabinets are custom from Cabico and were designed to complement the rest of the original millwork. The counters are matt black Nordic antique granite and the appliances are Wolf, SubZero and Jenn-Air.

I would imagine the cabinetry on the right below was designed to match the original millwork on the fireplace wall on the opposite side.

One thing I really appreciate in this home is – can you guess? COLOR! I do have to say that this year’s tour was notable for its nearly all white and subdued neutral color palette. And the complete lack of soft window treatments. Not a drape or roman shade to be found in the six homes I visited. The color palette takes its starting point with the glass tile backsplash in the kitchen and is mixed with deeper blue, yellow and orange set against a neutral off-white background.

Art by mostly local artists add sophistication to this lovely space. (Unasked for suggestion: the chandelier should be lowered to 30-40″ above the table. Even though the ceiling is vaulted, it’s really too high).

And finally, the house has a cute little back yard for entertaining. In this area of town, there is little space between houses, as you can see.

Merrimack Street

Architectural and Kitchen Design: Graf Architects

This home, built in 2018, mixes coastal contemporary style with charming farmhouse influences. (Btw – note that the gate at the top of the stairs matches the railing. When does that ever happen???)

Great space planning in the sitting area offers comfortable seating for at least eight.

The sitting area flows seamlessly into the kitchen, which features Cabico custom laminate cabinetry from Timberline Enterprises.

The laminate cabinets looked like washed driftwood and the counters are quartz. The kitchen is flooded with light through the floor to near ceiling windows and doors. The appliances are Kitchen Aid.

I’d like to point out the beautiful graining pattern match on the tall pantry doors below on this mid-size stylish kitchens.

The custom live-edge dining table is black walnut on a steel base, forged by local welders and the capiz shell chandelier is hand crafted in the Philippines.

The French style dining chairs with weathered oak frames is an unusual choice to go with the more modern table, but I like them.

I enjoy that the Nest thermostat matches the art. I also enjoy the moment of color.

I really enjoyed visiting all these mid-size stylish kitchens. Let’s face it, most of us are in mid-size homes (or small homes like my Nook Cottage) and these spaces should provide a lot of inspiration for you if you’re looking to update your home. In all cases, the floor plans have been opened up making the kitchens the main show of these homes. I’m personally still on the fence about this as I think it’s so hard to keep a kitchen clean and tidy and I do like to entertain. On the other hand, my own cottage is open floor plan, which is a bonus in a small space.

Which of these mid-size stylish kitchens is your favorite? I think the Christopher Street space is the most “me”. While not me at all I love the Merrimack St house for its serene nature. And I can’t forget the Atwood Street antique with its great back story and pops of color. Hmm… decisions decisions.

Coming up, in my third installment, I’ll be showcasing one home with spectacular river views, multiple outdoor sitting spaces, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and a cute little summer/guest space that I’d happily move into full time. I’m not sure the owner would be happy with that arrangement, but I certainly would! I have river views now, but they can’t compare to this house!

(All photos, unless otherwise noted ©Linda Merrill, 2019)