After living in their historic 1835 house for a few years, this Milton, Massachusetts, couple with three kids wanted the basic kitchen to better match the traditional charm of their home. Their existing space felt cramped and dated with aging white cabinets and black countertops. A wood-topped island and disruptive range hood above a peninsula crowded the limited space. They hired architect and interior designer Keri Murray to rethink the floor plan and create a larger kitchen with an elevated classic look, modern functionality and an improved connection with surrounding areas.
Murray pushed the kitchen into the adjacent den, which she relocated to another area. The former kitchen became a breakfast area that sits open to the new kitchen. The expanded footprint allowed for a breezy feel with a large walnut island that seats three people. Channeling English country style, Murray created custom cabinets painted a soft blue-gray, inspired by the color of common pigeons seen around London. Unlacquered brass hardware, exposed original wood ceiling beams and soapstone for the countertops, custom sink and backsplash add to the across-the-pond look.