Using paint to make a dark space seem sunny
How to design a kitchen that looks bright and airy despite a lack of direct sunlight? Kasie DiNella, founder of Mend Interiors, used a crisp, cool white — Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace — on cabinetry that straddles modern and beachy in this new summer cottage-turned-primary-residence for empty nesters in Dennis. Contrast trim in a taupe-y neutral — Benjamin Moore’s Sea Pearl — adds warmth while a glossy, textured backsplash bounces around the sunlight that filters in. Using rift-sawn white oak shelves with a clear matte finish instead of upper cabinets helps, too. “They’re highly functional for daily use and encourage the homeowners to display personal items so the look can evolve with them over time,” DiNella says.
1 Poly & Bark stools with woven rope seats and a natural wood frame combine a coastal feel with a softly curved, midcentury modern silhouette, mirroring DiNella’s overall approach of mixing multiple styles to achieve a well-balanced aesthetic.
2 The nickel-gap island base channels New England and the colors in the natural Taj Mahal quartzite top tie to the sandy landscape. “The square plinth leg lends a table-like quality reminiscent of old Cape cottages with eat-in kitchens,” DiNella points out.
3 Seeded-glass pendants by Palecek provide interest without interrupting the sightline to the ocean while the rope-wrapped brass stems introduce a nautical element higher up.
4 Handmade Cedar & Moss sconces in unglazed clay with satin brass accents contribute an earthy layer and a touch of shine. “The off-white, matte material adds subtle contrast against the shiny white backsplash and the exposed bulbs really highlight the shelves,” DiNella says.
5 Charcoal-colored, soapstone-like quartz counters ground the perimeter, disappearing so the white cabinets and tiles pop. Satin brass hardware in a contemporary profile modernizes the inset framed cabinets, and the nickel-gap hood draws the eye up.
6 Although the sink faces a wall, the open shelves above it keep the space from feeling closed in. “The owners wanted to preserve all of the island for prep, eating, and serving,” DiNella says.
Marni Elyse Katz is a contributing editor to the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StyleCarrot. Send comments to [email protected].
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