Back when shades of blue were synonymous with cloudy coffee and rainy days, Lindsay Farnsworth, in-house designer at Crown Point Cabinetry in Claremont, New Hampshire, bathed the updated kitchen within a once uncoordinated Greek Revival circa 1809 in a bold coat of the color. Surprisingly, it was just the pick-me-up the space needed.
“We chose this rich shade of Indigo Batik by Sherwin-Williams long before blue was considered ‘in,’” explains Lindsay. With the color introduction, the kitchen project quickly became her and builder John Meserve’s favorite space. “It was risky, but in part I think that’s exactly why it worked,” Lindsay says.
For homeowners who love to entertain, the color makes a statement gracing the custom-made cabinetry of their Kennebunkport vacation home. “The clients’ wish list consisted of a bar area, more storage, and certainly more function,” Lindsay adds. “Our greatest challenge was creating a kitchen that could be timeless and stylish while hitting upon all of their desires.”
Thanks to Lindsay, John, and designer Michael Souza, the clients’ wishes were granted. A corner bar-nook proudly houses a collection of drinkware displayed behind glass-covered cabinets, and a wine cooler below chills bottles for dinner parties. “That section was tricky,” Lindsay says, noting how the bar built-in conceals an existing pipe that functionally had to stay put. On another wall, the team constructed a hutch for extra storage and worked diligently to get the most out of every square inch of the kitchen.
“Swapping the layout from galley style to L-shaped with an island allowed for more flow and function. A magic corner cabinet determined where we could position the range, and we optimized the refined look of the space by paneling the dishwasher and refrigerator to match the cabinets,” Lindsay says.
With sleek gray and silver touches—noted in the island pendants, floor tile, appliances, and marbled countertop—the result of this highly collaborative effort yields a handsomely appointed space, fit for uplifting gatherings that banish the notion of blue being synonymous with blah.
