Classic Colonial

Don’t let this Classic Colonial exterior fool you! You know you’re in for a treat when the front door, painted a bright cerulean blue, happily welcomes you in. Access to the kitchen is via the formal living room to the right or the cozy family room to the left. Warm hardwood floors lead the way to this urban farmhouse kitchen. This busy working homeowner and new grandmother acted as her own designer. She sourced all of her own materials and what she couldn’t find, she had created from inspirational photos.

 

The family room is a gathering spot for several generations – enjoying board games at the round table at the front of the room, with lots of natural light and a fabulous chandelier from AntiqueFarmhouse.com or a movie night curled up on the over-sized sofa from Harvest Furniture. Notice the vintage schoolhouse light fixture above, designed by Omega Lighting. Original art by Dominique Caron, Kristen Benson and Tom Soltesz from the Studio Shop in Burlingame grace the walls.

 

The beverage bar is one of the homeowner’s favorite elements, perfect for leading guests away from the island! The Calacatta marble countertop is off-set by a backsplash made of San Felipe Arabesque red ceramic tile with a glossy white finish. Wine and soft drinks are stored in the U-Line beverage center and the brushed nickel undermount sink by Native Trails, along with the instant hot and cold faucet from Water Inc., make cocktail-fixing and clean up a cinch! Notice the custom-mixed paint color (she’s calling it Newhall Green) and glazed finish on the cabinets. You’ll see this again on the kitchen island.

 

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but to this owner, the island is. Plus, it’s one of the changes they made along the renovation way – altering its dimensions and making it bigger and more functional. The abundant drawers for linens, china, flatware, cooking utensils and small appliances make everything so accessible when entertaining friends and family.

 

Another homeowner design favorite are the slim cabinets to the right of the refrigerator storing her bounty of cookie sheets and baking pans. The custom cabinets from KB Cabinets flank two walls, with Caesarstone Pure White countertops from All Natural Stone and a classic subway tile backsplash. The Franke farmhouse sink is reversible and the homeowner opted to flip the design to reveal the fluted apron. Large paned windows and French doors lead the way to the outdoor entertaining space. The Dutch door also allows lots of natural light and fresh air to circulate in the home and is painted in a whimsical blue called Fun ‘n Games by Benjamin Moore.

With a nod to the past, this homeowner found the perfect pendant fixtures in a salvage yard in San Francisco. The pair of vintage lights are beautifully highlighted against the tongue and groove ceiling.