BOSTON, MA — The empty nesters who own this home in Williamsport, PA wanted an update to their 1990s kitchen, a space that was modern and welcoming where they could entertain comfortably. For Trevor Fulmer, principal, Trevor Fulmer Design in Boston, MA, the task at hand was transforming this segmented, dark and disjointed space into an open concept design that offered a more efficient layout and better flow.
The 435-sq.-ft. kitchen was taken down to the studs and subfloor to make way for a complete transformation. Using the home’s location – the mountains of central Pennsylvania – as a guide, Fulmer used a modern interpretation of earth tones, paired with elevated finishes, to deliver a kitchen that is warm, modern and welcoming.
The new floor plan provides enough area for two large islands, ideal for hosting large gatherings of family and friends. The dual islands offer more counter space for food preparation and serving, and promote better movement in the room when cooking and entertaining.
“Nestled in the rural mountains of central Pennsylvania, the home called for a modern interpretation of earth tones, paired with elevated finishes that reflect both warmth and refinement.”
“Clean-lined white cabinetry along the perimeter keeps the palette airy and restrained, while dark maple wood islands add contrast and visual weight,” notes Fulmer. He included moody Blue Explosion gray-and-blue quartzite countertops with symmetrical waterfall edges on the islands, which “anchored the islands as sculptural centerpieces. Their striking movement and generous scale add both drama and dimension,” he offers.
The clients requested two sinks, one for food prep and another for entertaining. One was placed below the window along the perimeter, while the other was included in an island. Touch-free faucets add to the room’s overall functionality.
“A key design challenge was fitting both a 36″ sink and a dishwasher into a single island,” Fulmer explains. “Since the dimensions wouldn’t allow for it, we opted to separate them between two islands. Given their close proximity, we agreed this solution maintained both functionality and flow.”
At the husband’s request, copper finishes were introduced throughout the space. “Above the range, a custom copper range hood with chrome strapping sets the tone, echoed by coordinating copper-and-chrome drawer pulls,” he explains. “The oversized hood establishes visual hierarchy between the two islands.”
The range area is finished with steel blue-gray field tiles, laid in a herringbone pattern. “This introduced a reflective surface that subtly shifted with the light,” Fulmer offers.
Creative, conversation-starting lighting was critical to the design of the kitchen and surrounding spaces, and all are voice activated. Not only do the light fixtures provide ample illumination needed for cooking and prepping, but when dimmed they create a romantic, mood-setting ambiance. In fact, the multi-point pendant over the dining table, reminiscent of suspended water droplets, became a central focal point.
That dining area includes a custom banquette backed against one island. A live-edge walnut table sourced from a local vendor sits atop a cowhide run, paired with hammered iron chairs.
A cramped, segmented and outdated space received this open-concept makeover to take advantage of the mountain views.
The custom copper range hood with chrome strapping and mixed copper hardware meets the clients’ request for copper.
Blue Explosion gray and blue quartzite with waterfall edge adds to the moodiness of the dark maple wood islands.
Lighting in the breakfast nook, reminiscent of suspended water droplets, acts as a focal point of the space.
A banquette rests against one island, providing seating along a live-edge walnut table.
White perimeter cabinetry grounds the space and provides a backdrop to the dramatic islands.
Blue-gray field tiles are laid in a herringbone pattern along the walls to add texture and interest.
The clients requested two sinks, so one was placed in an island to aid with meal prep and entertaining.
Copper-toned light fixtures in the entryway are part of the conversation-starting lighting used throughout the space.
The kitchen island with sink and the seating area take advantage of the surrounding mountain views.
Light-toned wood flooring was chosen to brighten the space due to limited natural light.
