Northshore Home magazine highlights the best in architectural design, new construction and renovations, interiors, and landscape design.
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1037573
36 FALL 2018 kitchen and closed-off dining room was priority one. "It wasn't just about the aesthetics," says Ditcham. "The minute I came in, I knew the wall had to come down. Even though Barrett couldn't look at those green coun- tertops one more day, it was more about how tight the kitchen was—it wasn't functional." As it was, the kitchen allowed no opportunity to en- tertain in a way that connected food preparation with guest interaction. Breaking down the wall between the kitchen and dining room resolved this division and resulted in ample space for an inviting kitchen island where family and friends can gather. The open floor plan brought about other improve- ments as well. The decision to move the original kitchen window, which looked out to a very nearby neighbor, allowed more room for cabinetry, improved appliance placement, and brought welcome privacy. Additionally, the shift gave Ditcham the opportunity to match the new window to one existing in the dining area. Together, the pair now deliver a symmetric and cohesive look from the interior and exterior alike. Multipurpose built-in cabinets added on the dining side now act as prime storage while also serving as a buffet and bar area. Details like seeded glass cabinet doors offer a subtle nod to coastal waters. Thoughtful touches like this can be found through- out. "We had to reference the coastal lifestyle without being theme-y," says Ditcham. "The colors we used kitchens nshoremag.com/nshorehome/ Breaking down the wall between the kitchen and dining room resulted in ample space for an inviting kitchen island. and the texture of the grasscloth all helped give that coastal feeling." The use of brass cabinet pulls also lends a nautical vibe. The Thibaut grasscloth wallpaper is Ditcham's favorite feature in the new space. "Grasscloth gives you that instant warmth and finished feeling. It changes the whole atmosphere of the room." Further continuity was achieved during construc- tion when varying floor types, originally set at vari- ous heights, were leveled and unified with a seamless installation of white oak planks stained with driftwood- inspired weathered oak. The only break in the hardwood comes at the kitchen entry, where Ditcham introduced playful cement tile. "I saw this as an opportunity for a fun feature." Instead of