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A Gorgeous Galley

An Ocean Park cottage’s kitchen brings in warmth from the sunny seaside town thanks to a fabulous Arcadia Kitchen and Bath remodel
Words By Jennifer Wolcott
Photos By Abby Lank
The Scarborough-based design build Arcadia Kitchen and Bath recently completed a kitchen renovation in the quaint seaside village of Ocean Park in Old Orchard Beach. The owners of a historic cottage moved to Maine about five years ago and set out just this year to tweak their small, Galley-shaped kitchen’s style. They sought a less decorative look in favor of one that would be modern, says designer Caitlin Tucker, while at the same time, retaining their kitchen’s antique charm and keeping the essence of its location. It was a bit of a task to balance his-and-her tastes (he leaned more decorative, and she more modern), but they weren’t too far apart, Caitlin says, so a happy solution that would marry their aesthetics was easily reached. Caitlin guided them toward a classic Shaker style—which she describes as “timeless”—and introduced traditional elements with a modern twist, like subway-tile backsplash placed horizontally. The original oak floors were kept, but a band of maple was added around the hood to complement the floors and add a touch of modern-chic whimsy.
With such a cool setup and dazzling outside views, who wouldn’t want to prep meals here?
The new contemporary kitchen is not only gorgeous, but also efficient and highly functional.
Shaker-style minimalism dominates a renovation that also integrates many modern touches, including horizontally stacked subway tile and a wood-banded oven hood. Flooring by Atlantic Hardwoods.

Once again, white is dominant, but “not a super bright, clinical white,” says Caitlin, adding: “No one wants their house to feel like a doctor’s office!”

Quartz countertops are white with gray veining, and together with deep blue backsplash tiles, the colors beautifully harmonize with the coastal setting. Smart storage drawers and doors offer organization and rid counters of clutter. And the kitchen sink, situated in front of large windows through which one can glimpse the ocean, now features an inviting workstation, enhancing the prep-cook experience.

Among Caitlin’s favorite features is the pretty pendant over the sink, which stands out amid all the recessed lighting and casts a soft glow over the space. She’s also pleased with the fluted glass on the cabinets flanking the hood. “Fluted glass means you don’t have to keep what’s inside cabinets perfect.”

Caitlin often encourages clients to “have fun with hardware,” explaining “they are easy to change out.” In this case, they went with brass pulls on cabinetry, again striking a balance between traditional and contemporary.

The project was completed in a mere five months, as Arcadia felt a sense of urgency to finish before summer crowds arrived. It will no doubt be enjoyed for many years to come.

This once highly decorative kitchen in the historic village of Ocean Park became the canvas for a modern, minimalistic makeover.

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