Crown Point Cabinetry creates distinctive custom-designed cabinetry reflecting America’s famous Shaker style and framing this home’s simply beautiful seaside views.

Courtesy of Crown Point Cabinetry

When a home is located near the water, the architect usually takes special care to site the structure so that it takes advantage of the coastal location; the most well-lived-in rooms boast the best views. But that was not the case for this Westport, Massachusetts home. With the kitchen tucked away in the back of the house, the home definitely did not showcase one of its best qualities. “The kitchen window looked out at the driveway,” says Chandler Fritz, who owns the home with her husband Matt.

Three years ago, the couple decided to make some significant changes to the house. Adding on a family room with a master bedroom above and a screened-in porch off the family room, the kitchen was moved from the back of the house to the front and designed so that it opens up to the new family room, allowing views of the Westport River and the ocean beyond to spill in.

With three young children and limited space in the summer home, high on the family’s priority list of must-haves was plenty of storage space. Crown Point Cabinetry was called in to design and build the cabinetry throughout the home. The homeowners along with a team of architects and designers collaborated and the results of this renovation are stunning.

Stylish Shaker cabinets in the kitchen painted in Farrow & Ball’s “light blue” hue pick up on the cool tones of the ocean beyond the home, evoking a charming beach-cottage style. Though white cabinets are a popular trend in today’s kitchens, Crown Point’s designer Nina Archambault says people are opting for “other neutral” tones. “People are being brave and they are choosing a lot of other options for their cabinet colors,” she says.

Fritz says she is completely happy with her Farrow & Ball choice. “I wanted a color that was a reflection of the coast and the beach and this color achieves that. This is a blue, but it is a neutral blue and it is timeless. Depending on the light, it changes throughout the day,” she says.

Courtesy of Crown Point Cabinetry

Archambault praises the upscale Farrow & Ball line. “We started using this product because of its eco-friendly components,” she says. “It doesn’t hurt that it has a wonderful palette of colors, applies easily, and offers a finish that is uncompromisingly beautiful.”

Archambault notes that the paint line is a favorite among designers, not only because of its application and the way the light reflects on the surface, but because it is a true color regardless of where it is purchased. “The paints are mixed in the United Kingdom by the Farrow & Ball colorists, so there is control over the color,” she says.

“Because it is being mixed by Farrow & Ball and not by individual store employees, the color is consistent across the board—whether you are buying a gallon of paint in England, or here in the United States.”

Another popular trend in today’s kitchens is the combination of two seemingly opposite design styles, creating a unique and eclectic look. This homeowner certainly wasn’t afraid to follow that trend.

While blue Shaker cabinets above glossy, mini subway tiles on the backsplash flank the perimeter of the kitchen, a reclaimed wormy chestnut island with white granite countertop takes center stage. “The rustic design of the island picks up on the country style of the kitchen table. The stools at the island are an exact match with the chairs at the table,” Archambault says.

In keeping with the rustic style of the island, Fritz chose oil-rubbed bronze hardware. “I love the Shaker-style cabinets with their clean simple lines juxtaposed with the rustic style of the island,” Fritz says.

Courtesy of Crown Point Cabinetry

She points out that the distressed look of the wormy chestnut resembles driftwood, in keeping with the beach-cottage theme she was seeking. “Driftwood is such a reflection of the casual beach design style,” says Archambault.

Distinctive custom cabinets complemented by a carefully chosen paint color are only one part of this successful design. The layout of the cabinets and the provision for plenty of storage space—both open and hidden—is another key element in Crown Point’s design. A beautiful, yet functional built-in cabinet in the back hall with 18 cubicles is every bit chic as it is sensible. With beach towels filling six of the compartments and country -style wicker baskets that hold necessary, but not always pretty to look at items such as books, pails and shovels, flip flops and sunglasses, dog toys, and fishing gear, the remaining 12 cubicles provide space for lots more items. Two floor-to-ceiling closed cabinets on either side of this cubby area make up for the lack of closet space in the home. “We use those for hanging jackets and other things,” says Fritz.

White cabinets creating a knee-high wall separate the kitchen from the family room—all without compromising the open floor plan. This custom cabinetry does double duty, providing additional storage space. Within the family room, three floor to ceiling built-in shelves separated by two window seats flank one side of the room, providing even more storage. “We have games and toys in there for the kids. Everything is still at hand, but is out of sight,” says Fritz.

Of all the amenities that were added to the kitchen and the home during the renovation project, Fritz says it was showcasing the views that made the most impact. “I just love the kitchen-family room combination,” she says. “I am so happy we were able to move the kitchen from the back of the house to the front, while opening the space up. It allows us to enjoy the beautiful views and to really appreciate where we are.”

For more information, visit crown-point.com and farrow-ball.com.

Farrow & Ball paints shine with great coverage and elegant hues

Courtesy of Crown Point Cabinetry

There is a reason that Farrow & Ball paint is finding its way into today’s upscale homes around the world. The company has a well-earned reputation for lines of premier paint and wall coverings.

One of the qualities that make this paint a frequent preference among discerning homeowners and painting contractors is its rich depth of color.

“There is less water concentrate in our paints, so more color is getting on the walls and spreading further. One gallon can cover up to 570-square-feet of wall space, so you get a ton of coverage from one can of paint, giving you good value for your dollar,” says Luke Ehlers, gallery manager and office manager for Toby Leary Fine Woodworking in Hyannis.

“The application is fantastic. I recommend a primer with two coats. Because the pigment is so rich, many homeowners are tempted to stop after the first coat, but I always recommend the second coat. It just takes the color to the next level,” he adds.
Among the qualities that make this paint outshine others is an ability to refract light, rather than reflect it, says Ehlers. “There is titanium dioxide in our paints, so when light is directed at the wall, it is not reflected. You are seeing a richer color, a better depth. It is amazing how it reacts with light.”

With only 132 colors available, homeowners are not overwhelmed by options. “The colors are true, so it makes the decision process that much easier for homeowners,” says Ehlers.

With four different finishes, including one for floors—or even countertops—that can stand up to almost any abuse, the Farrow & Ball line has the perfect shade and finish for any room or project.

Another product that is popular among discerning homeowners is Farrow & Ball’s wallpaper. Painted with the company’s signature paints, Ehlers says, “Wallpaper is making a come back. Right now we have a print called Feather Grass that is very popular. It evokes the feel of an English countryside.”