Butterfliesare free

Remodeling a home often provides an opportunity to correct shortcomings in the original design. This was certainly the case for the owner of this rural property, who felt her English-manor style house did not take advantage of its country setting.

"The house needed more light, and more shade and shelter, too," she says. "Converting to a Cape Cod style allowed us to add verandas and increase the number of windows."

The kitchen was completely gutted as part of the whole-house project. No trace remains of the exposed brick walls and slate floor which made this room seem dark and small. Major structural changes were not required, but new floor-to-ceiling windows in the adjoining dining room make the space light and airy, and give views of the picturesque outdoors.

An open-plan layout suits informal modern lifestyles. It means the kitchen can be seen from other areas, so cabinetry was constructed to match the paneling and fittings used throughout the house. The heavy wood cabinets resemble furniture and conceal major appliances.

One appliance was not concealed a freestanding oven takes pride of place in a recess and mantel, built to look like a chimney in a traditional Colonial kitchen.

The soft pinks, greens and taupe of a favorite dinner set inspired the color scheme of the whole house, the owner says. The fabric of the Roman blind over the kitchen window is a particularly good match, and was found by interior designer Elise Fayers.

Dante hardwood was chosen for its rich brown tones, adding warmth to the color scheme. It is used on the island, and for the parquet flooring.

Traditional-style cabinet hardware adds to the Colonial look. A farmhouse sink is set in a countertop made of Staturio marble. This marble is noted for its exceptional whiteness, and harmonizes with the extensive white paintwork, a hallmark of the Cape Cod style.

Story by: Trendsideas