SMALL WONDER

This small kitchen remodel
serves up lots of Old World charm.

Design and construction by Schoolhouse Construction

Text by Lori Fanning Smith

Color photography by Steve Vierra

Lorraine Donnelly started thinking about renovating her kitchen the day she and her husband, Robert, closed on the house. Fast-forward nine years, and her wish has finally materialized.
The family loved the location of their 1960s Cape-style home nestled on a hill in Harwich overlooking sparkling Hinkley Pond. The kitchen, however, was a different story. At 144 square feet, with Harvest Gold Formica countertops and backsplash, cracked linoleum flooring, aged appliances and honey pine cabinets, the kitchen was dated and less than inspirational.

“I always planned on renovating,” says Lorraine, “but two children, one full-time and one part-time job and then the adoption of our rescued Greyhound put the project on the back burner.” The dream of a new kitchen finally manifested itself with the arrival of Kevin and Lorrie Blute, owners of Schoolhouse Construction in Harwich, whose motto “No House Left Behind” applied to this ’60s kitchen.

“Schoolhouse Construction is a design/build company,” says Lorrie. “We are able to not only act as general contractor, but also help the client make timely decisions and coordinate the final interior design of the project.”

The primary goal of this kitchen remodel was twofold: to update a tired 40-year-old kitchen and to create a space that is at once a friendly and romantic gathering spot. Though open to change, the Donnellys did not want the kitchen to overwhelm its limited space nor detract from the traditional feel of their home. And Lorraine, who likes to cook, wanted to make sure the kitchen worked for her. Collaborating with the homeowners, the Blutes came up with a Mediterranean-style theme that could accommodate the black appliances the homeowners wanted and that would provide the convivial atmosphere of a trattoria. They thoughtfully laid out the new kitchen to maximize efficiency and water views.

The family planned to live in the home during the entire remodeling process and to continue running their business, the Frame Shop in South Yarmouth. Staying on schedule became critical to their sanity. “We set up a makeshift kitchen, ate a lot of salads and grilled outdoors,” says Lorraine, “but doing dishes in the bathroom got a bit old.” The project took eight weeks to complete.

For many homeowners ambivalent about undertaking such a major project, the Donnellys can attest that the results are worth the inconvenience. Not only did they end up with a fabulous new space, but they also significantly increased their home’s value. “New kitchens and baths are the most effective tool in helping a home sell,” says local real estate agent Toby Harrison. “The first question I’m usually asked by a buyer is, ‘What is the kitchen like?’”

The finished renovation is truly refreshing. The kitchen maintained its original size, yet is now a warm and inviting space in harmony with the rest of the house. New wheat-colored maple cabinets coordinate with engineered quartz countertops in “tea leaf” with ogee edging. Cabinets extend to the ceiling for maximum storage, and special details, such as crown molding, satin nickel hardware and fluted trim around the curved under-mount sink, create architectural interest. While some storage space was lost in the remodel to accommodate the addition of a dishwasher and an above-range microwave, the new cabinetry includes some special features: a sponge rack, pull-out cutting board, spice rack and full extension drawers.

The kitchen is brightened by new recessed lighting replacing the original fluorescent fixture. A new tile backsplash features custom accent tiles ordered online from an Armenian potter in Jerusalem. They provide a designer’s touch when combined with bisque-colored tiles run on a diagonal. A fresh coat of almond paint on the walls and white trim help unify and open up the space.

The old linoleum flooring has given way to porcelain floor tiles in dark chocolate, adding a rich dimension and a practical solution to a high-traffic area. The porcelain tiles were also incorporated in the hallway and entryway, with additional accent tiles used for design delineation in the front hall.

The black appliances offer a unique contrast to the small space, and the homeowner finally added a dishwasher, absent in the old kitchen.
A custom banquette, handcrafted by Kevin, provides convenient built-in seating and additional storage. In combination with a round Old World-style table, the space accommodates up to five in a more casual and intimate setting than the home’s formal dining room. The banquette is covered in sumptuous red cushions (made by Lorraine’s mother), which can be changed seasonally for effect. Located just above the banquette is a recessed, tiled niche with shelves to display pottery and objets d’art.

“The project met all our expectations, and we finished on time and on budget,” says Lorraine. “Our builder even brought us eggplant parmigiana for our first meal.”

“It’s included in the budget,” says Lorrie with a smile.


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