At 7’6” x 5’9” the large white river granite-topped kitchen island is the hub between the outdoor dining area and formal dining room. It gets used all day long. The clients fell in love with this particular variety and purchased eight slabs to disperse throughout the remodel.

As found, the kitchen had nondescript white laminate cabinets a la a generic builder's kitchen. Designer Kerry Fidler took everything out, but was happy to salvage the tile floors which worked just fine with the new design plan.

The homeowner’s tea set inspired some of the kitchen color choices, including the sandblasted mosaic glass tile. The glass tile is chameleon, and changes color with the light source. At one point during construction, the client had it removed because he thought it was the wrong tile. It went back up the following week.

Furniture-grade cabinetry, finished with a lacquer and hand-rubbed pewter glaze, was constructed by a local cabinetmaker. Kerry says the color resembles the inside of a sea shell. Nickel pulls are clean and modern.

Kitchen island details include a chunky 3” reverse-bevel solid slab of white river granite, a stainless farmhouse sink and a multifunctional industrial-style faucet. Kerry says, “You can fill the sink with ice and use it as a giant champagne bucket.”

The trio of galvanized paint bucket lights was an early find and sets a polished but casual tone for the kitchen. Custom rust-finished chains enabled the fixtures to be dropped at varied heights over the island.

The woman of the house pared down her cookie jar collection and brought her favorites into the new house. Kerry designed display shelves in the family room area specifically for them. The jars add color and personality to the space.

Sleek graphite cabinetry replaced a bulky cherry wall unit. Kerry built the wall out a few inches to accommodate all the wiring.

New wallpaper features vintage English postage stamps. From afar it looks like a tonal geometric print; upon closer inspection it nearly always starts a conversation.