When owners of a cottage on Moose Pond in Denmark, Maine, decided to start over and rebuild a larger full-time home, they knew they wanted a customized experience that would offer a direct relationship with their cabinetmaker—and a highly skilled one at that. So, they approached Crown Point Cabinetry, a shop long known for its personalized service and quality craftsmanship.
“The couple impressed me from the start,” recalls designer Josh Doonan. “They were enthusiastic, creative, engaged, and interested in treating each part of the project with intent.” What blossomed into a sympatico working relationship smoothed the way for a successful outcome—and they even had some fun along the way. “At one point,” recalls Josh, we shared a picnic in the space. That was a first for me. The fact that they didn’t have an operating kitchen didn’t stop them from enjoying themselves.”
The owners sought a contemporary look while retaining an informal, lake-house feel, and Crown Point helped them strike that balance. For cabinets, Josh maintained a traditional aesthetic with Crown Point’s Newport door style for the fully custom spaces, and Crown Point’s new approach with Crown Select and the Cornish door style for areas that could utilize a limited custom approach to find the best value. “Clients might not know what’s possible. When discussing their interests, solutions often evolve out of the process.” For paint colors, they decided on Maine’s most classic color combination—white and blue, specifically, Sherwin-Williams’ Extra White and Commodore blue.
White was also the choice for the island’s Cambria Quartz surface. “White kitchens are still the backbone of most projects,” says Josh. Cherry countertops harmonize elegantly with the bright white and deep, rich blue. Antique wood furnishings, including thumbtack chairs, a simple dining table (one of many pieces the homeowners made themselves from a local wood mill), and a tall decorative hutch, introduce a bit of history into the contemporary design, while woven baskets, handcrafted pottery, and bold graphic art lend it authenticity and personality.
Life at the lake has never been better. Just the other day Josh heard from his clients, who called to tell him once again how pleased they are with their new kitchen. Perhaps it’s time for another picnic.
