A Collaborative Kitchen Design in Natick, MA

After reviewing Kitchen Associates’ vast gallery of completed projects, this homeowner selected some specific design elements he liked, and contacted Kitchen Associates to work with him at his newly purchased home in Natick, MA.

He confessed from the start that he would take his time to gather ideas and make decisions, as this was a house he would stay in for good. The existing kitchen had a peninsula blocking the flow of the room and hanging peninsula cabinets from the ceiling, which were an obstruction as well. They had to go! An island was to take it’s place, featuring a Wolf CI36ST induction downdraft, pullout spice cabinet, tray storage, and a cutlery utensil drawer, all within reach. This set the stage for the kitchen and allowed the homeowner to keep guests at bay while he worked in the cooking area.

As the designer, Ruth Bergstrom found an inspiration photo with a tiered island and open ended cabinet to encapsulate the cooking area, also keeping seating guests comfortably out of the way. The wine storage at the end and Cambria quartz top allow for a small serving/appetizer area. The homeowner liked the idea and mocked his own drawing of the layout in contemplation (shown).

Rather than keep the Cambria continuously, Walnut Plank was decided on for the bar top and peninsula, made by a local woodworking company. The Peninsula allows the single homeowner to dine and listen to music from the family room behind him. The warmth of the wood offers a comfortable place to linger, or open his tablet as well. Allowing him to work from home, a station was made, opposite the island, where he could stand and work – an ergonomic solution for comfort.

Additionally, the closet at the entry of the garage was converted to a mudroom with specific storage needs collaborated by the homeowner & designer. Overall, design is about “form and function” and there were countless, well thought out conversations that culminated in transforming this outdated space into the best possible use for the homeowner and his family and future guests. There will be many!

BRAND: Brookhaven

DOOR STYLE: Winfield Recessed

FINISH: “Alpine”

COUNTERTOP: Main - Cambria “Parys”; Bar Top & Peninsula - Walnut Plank

HARDWARE: Top Knobs M393 Black

DESIGNER: Ruth Bergstrom