When empty-nesters Karen and Gary Rogers began designing their new home in Belmont, they engaged Sarah Catherine Garvin to assist them with selecting exterior colors. But after reviewing their architectural plans, Garvin was struck by several things about the interior that she wanted to change, particularly the kitchen.
“The kitchen was this crazy, asymmetrical plan that blocked the flow of traffic and felt very disconnected from the rest of the house,” Garvin explains.
She and Gary Rogers had worked together on another project, so the couple trusted her opinion and followed her lead. “It went from ‘Hey, can you help us with exterior colors?’ to basically redesigning the whole thing,” Garvin laughs.
Garvin completely changed the layout of the kitchen, opening it up to the living room and creating a flowing, open floor plan for the house. “The kitchen is now the heart of the home,” Garvin says. “It is the foundation and the cornerstone of the entire space.” The Rogers enjoy cooking and entertaining and wanted a simple, comfortable space where they could host family and friends with ease. Garvin’s modern style is a departure from the more traditional decor in their previous home, but they welcomed her ideas. “I didn’t want to give them a total shock, so I tried to blend the earthy colors they prefer with a more modern twist,” Garvin says.
The warm colors and clean lines create a soothing, serene ambiance. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets by Millwork on 31st allow for ample storage, and magnetic catches eliminate the need for hardware while maintaining a sleek facade. The Sub-Zero refrigerator, finished in the same custom stain as the cabinets, blends seamlessly.
The generously sized island, flanked by Lee Industries barstools in Joseph Noble vegan leather, includes a Wolf induction cooktop that is flush with the countertop and a linear light fixture by Visual Comfort. A Kohler apron front cast-iron sink with Brizo Solna matte black faucet anchors the Bianco Albion marble counter and backsplash behind the island. Large windows in the breakfast area provide plenty of natural light and a beautiful view from the Mr Brown table and Bernhardt chairs. The round light fixture is by Currey & Company.
The immaculately designed space is sophisticated yet functional, achieving the warm, welcoming environment the Rogers had envisioned. “The best compliment my clients have given me is that walking through their new house makes them happy every day,” Garvin says.