Who ever heard of a kitchen remodel that’s done twice and the second time is replicated almost exactly like the original one? Talk about déjà vu. But there’s good reason for it: This home in Kennebunk was built in 2012 and recently endured significant water damage. Hence the need to get back to the drawing board eight years later. But what’s so interesting is that the homeowners were so happy with the original kitchen that they decided not to change a thing. Well, almost. They did add a built-in Miele coffee system. Otherwise, from floors to cabinets, island to sink, all stayed the same—as did the design company, Crown Point Cabinetry in Claremont, New Hampshire, and the designer, Lindsay Farnsworth. “It’s a gorgeous, classic white kitchen with hand-brushed maple cabinets and a black island, which is hugely in now,” she says. “For round one, as we call it, we worked closely with the architect, interior designer, and builder to meet the clients’ wish list, and it makes us proud that they wanted to re-create the same layout, design, and details.”
The owners love to entertain friends and their large family, including grandchildren, so it was important to them to create a beautiful, inviting space where everyone could gather comfortably and casually. Those stools surrounding the island were a priority, as was plenty of cabinet space high and low for tucking away every imaginable appliance, tool, or pantry item. “This is a well-appointed kitchen and more,” says Lindsay. “Everything you could ever need is there, though you might not see it since they wanted a clean, uncluttered look.” From the start, she says, the owners were clear about their taste and the classic kitchen they wanted, and its timelessness is perhaps what helped it survive round two. After both projects and also working on a design project at these clients’ Florida home, Lindsay has become a friend, one who could pull up a stool at their island. “You work so closely with people when designing the heart of their home. You really get to know them. Corny as it sounds, one of the best aspects of working with these clients is that we’ve become friends.”
