Homeowners Christian and Alexis DuBois opted for solid cabinet fronts over glass ones, allowing them to hide a desk and a TV in plain sight. “We have two kids, so there is always stuff around, but it never feels cluttered,” says Alexis. Barn-red walls, an oak floor, and a tawny beadboard ceiling warm up a room lined in vintage white. “People come in,” she says, “and have no idea it’s new.”

Before: Cramped and Dated

The dated kitchen had just 3 feet of prep space and one drawer.

After: Open and Airy

Bigger and brighter, it now has tons of storage, plus workspace, with a peninsula perch for Eleanor, 3.

Original Floor Plan

Just 108 square feet, the kitchen was too small for an eating area or island. A separate butler’s pantry held dishes, but there wasn’t much prep space.

Renovated Floor Plan

Adding on in back and moving two interior walls enlarged the kitchen to 282 square feet:

  1. Extended the room 16 feet, allowing space for a light-filled breakfast area.
  2. Added a 4-foot-long peninsula for prep space and a snack bar, and put in a window over the sink.
  3. Built in a desk with a drop front to hide paperwork.
  4. Widened the room by 3 feet with space from the broom closet
  5. Moved the old closet wall in by 3 feet so that it now lines up with the existing flue.

Bright Whites

Crisp white cabinets, subway tile, and trim allow the Atlantic Black granite countertop to pop. Sink and faucet: Rohl. Tile: American Olean

Behind the Design

A flip-up cabinet door slides back to reveal the microwave. To its left is a doorway to the butler’s pantry; cabinets along the passageway, made to match the pantry originals, hide recycling bins. Microwave: GE

Key Details

V-groove paneling on the range hood echoes the wainscoting. Satin-nickel latches and bin pulls reinforce the period look. Range and hood: Wolf. Latches: B&M Hardware. Pulls: Hickory Hardware

All the Trimmings

New window casings and crown molding were based on existing trim in the 1908 house. Paint (walls): Benjamin Moore’s Brick Red

A Cramped Kitchen Opens Up to Make Room for the Whole Family - 49A Cramped Kitchen Opens Up to Make Room for the Whole Family - 77A Cramped Kitchen Opens Up to Make Room for the Whole Family - 37A Cramped Kitchen Opens Up to Make Room for the Whole Family - 84A Cramped Kitchen Opens Up to Make Room for the Whole Family - 95A Cramped Kitchen Opens Up to Make Room for the Whole Family - 98A Cramped Kitchen Opens Up to Make Room for the Whole Family - 8A Cramped Kitchen Opens Up to Make Room for the Whole Family - 39A Cramped Kitchen Opens Up to Make Room for the Whole Family - 76