Two Extra Feet of Counter Space Transformed This Massachusetts Kitchen

Having lived with their dark and dated kitchen for nearly a decade, a Georgetown, Massachusetts, family was finally ready for a change. Hoping to create a kitchen that felt lighter and far more functional, they turned to designer Leah Hook of Gray Oak Studio.

After assessing the space, Leah quickly realized the existing footprint had plenty of untapped potential. Rather than dramatically reconfiguring the kitchen, she made the square footage work harder, extending both the perimeter counter and an undersized island. The changes added much-needed storage and allowed for a fourth counter stool, giving everyone in the family a place to perch. But extending the perimeter counter also allowed for the most important change of all: relocating the range from a cramped corner to the right of the sink. Those roughly two extra feet of working space are what Leah considers the most critical real estate in the entire kitchen. From there, a thoughtful mix of splurges and saves, pale taupe cabinetry, a natural white oak island and touches of brass gave the new kitchen its soft, cottage-inspired look.

The Design Details

Lighten Up

Expanding the window above the sink brought much-needed natural light into the kitchen, while a trio of brass sconces from Visual Comfort turns the entire wall into a focal point. (Installation was a splurge, as it required cutting into a structural beam.) The porcelain backsplash tile from Tile by Design was initially considered a budget concession but became a favorite element, thanks to variations in tone and slightly irregular edges that give it a handmade look. Together, the window, gleaming sconces and textured tile turn this vital work zone into the showpiece of the kitchen.

Corner Solution

What was once an awkward home for the range now functions a whole lot better. After moving the new CAFÉ model to the other side of the sink, Leah transformed the freed-up corner into storage, including an appliance garage that keeps small kitchen gadgets handy but out of sight. In place of the traditional crown molding that once topped the upper cabinets, she extended flat panels to the ceiling for a more streamlined look that visually adds height. Another easy upgrade: mixing knobs on the top drawers with pulls below. “This little change made everything look more custom and unique,” Leah says.

Worth the Splurge

Leah believes the places you use most are often the smartest places to splurge. Knowing how many hours the homeowners would spend at the sink, she upgraded the everyday experience with a deep, single-basin model, a practical improvement over the divided sink the family was more than happy to leave behind. A statement-making brass bridge faucet brings a dose of polish to the most used area in the kitchen.

Fake It

Pro tip: Not every Roman shade needs to roll up and down. With existing shades already providing function on these windows, Leah opted for a stationary Roman-style valance that delivers the tailored look of a custom treatment without the added expense. The fabric softens the large expanse of glass and picks up the warm neutral tones used throughout the kitchen.

Made to Measure

One of the scariest moments of the entire project came down to inches: Would this freestanding cabinet actually fit? Happily, it slipped into place so neatly it could almost pass for custom. The arched silhouette combined with a clean-lined frame make a modern statement. Glass doors keep the substantial piece from feeling too bulky, despite the serious amount of storage inside. Locally sourced art with coastal scenes nod to the home’s New England setting.

Same Floors, New Finish

The original white oak floors didn’t need replacing, just a lighter touch. Leah swapped their amber-toned oil finish for a water-based one that lets the wood’s natural color come through, brightening the entire space in the process. Black dining chairs and counter stools punctuate all those pale finishes and help visually connect the kitchen and dining area.