ELEVATED PIED A TERRE

A Project with MEG CORLEY INTERIORS

When their in-town residence was in need of an update, these empty-nesters turned to us for updating the homes aesthetic while planning for aging in place. We began with the primary bath in 2018, which quickly lead to the lower level family room, kitchenette, and wine cellar. It wasn’t long before the excitement spread to the upstairs ensuites, finally culminating in the main floor areas in 2023.

Situated at the back of the home in a long, somewhat narrow space, the kitchen posed an interesting layout challenge. While we typically have seating for at least 4 along one side of the island, the existing kitchen space was too narrow to accommodate it on the long side. Not wanting to give up on inviting seating in the kitchen, we decided to tuck 2 stools at the end of the island for this cute couple, and added a builtin banquette and breakfast table by the window to create a cozy, informal sitting and dining area.

Another interesting factor in the space is that there wasn’t a dedicated space for a butlers pantry or bar where we typically see them (situated between the kitchen and dining room). Not wanting to lose kitchen space, we opted not to add the separate butlers pantry, but instead to accommodate that functionality within the kitchen. An existing prep sink on the wall opposite the main sink posed a perfect option for a versatile butler area. We carved out a cavity in the wall about the prep sink to accommodate shallow storage (ie. Glassware and liquor) behind paneling in the wall. Mirrored paneling, and polished stainless steel sink, and accent lighting give the space the elements it needs to be able to go from day to night seamlessly. A rollout stone shelf in the corner houses a coffee machine for when this area is active in the morning.

Throughout the home over the years we embraced a clean, but warm aesthetic. Clean, crisp lines were balanced with rich materials such as walnut, quartzite, polished nickel, and brass accents. When it came to the main floor we wanted to keep the same aesthetic, but soften it a bit since this is where they spend most of their time.

We opted to keep the walnut island more crisp in styling to tie in notes from the lower level areas, but in an inset application to bring in more of the timeless, handcrafted feel. Hand-forged brass brackets help support the stone overhang while providing flexibility for stool positioning. The walnut is repeated in all the tall elements of the kitchen, evoking an armoire-like style with more traditional doorstyles. Burled walnut panels at the hutch introduce another element of texture and interest, while staying well within the cohesive design.

The surrounding white cabinetry is styled with a more modern door style, but in a modified inset application to soften it. The real star of the show though, is the intricately molded stone alcove for the range.  Beautifully carved marble molding frames the alcove and translates into open shelves to the right. The quartzite countertop is repeated in the range alcove backsplash, beautifully framed by calacatta marble.

The light blue moments found in the kitchen are repeated in the adjacent laundry/mud room. Here the light blue cabinetry helps brighten the windowless room, while offering a connective design element to the kitchen. Graphic and textured tile from Ann Sacks creates a fun element in an otherwise utilitarian space.

Moving to the more formal areas of the home, the powder room vanity is posed in a more formal setting with the room enveloped in textured, intricately detailed wainscot panels. The reeded white oak and elegant curvature create an elevated look that fits perfectly within this rich, formal space. No details were spared within this space – even the sink drain is beautifully designed in brass and mother of pearl!

The material palette of the powder room transitions beautifully to the living room. Here, slightly different textured wainscot panels warm the space and creep into the contrasting black and glass builtins. Interior cabinet lighting shows off the veneered panels within the cabinet that continue along the fireplace wall. White moldings tie in with the rest of the room and prevent this focal wall from feeling too heavy, balancing both ends of the room nicely.

BEFORE & AFTER

{ PLEASE SLIDE BELOW }