December 13, 2021

To create a traditional kitchen that supported entertaining and connected visually to the outdoors, this active family looked to Mary Maloney and Kylie Bodiya of Hopkinton, Mass.-based Bee’s Knees Interior Design Studio.

One of the homeowners is an accomplished horsewoman, and she wanted the kitchen and adjoining areas to reflect that gracious lifestyle. The Bee’s Knees team accommodated that wish, creating an equine ambiance with traditional inset cabinets painted in subdued colors. Over the island, pendant lights with a wrought-iron armature have a lantern look that might be found at a carriage house.

Reclaimed oak wood – milled into wide planks – is used for the floor and also lines the cased opening to the dining room, enhancing the warm, welcoming vibe as well as contributing to the project’s sustainability credentials. Wood accents appear at the range hood and at the apron sink installation, as well.

The traditional style of the kitchen belies a bevy of smart technologies in the design. WiFi-enabled appliances, including the refrigerator, freezer, microwave and steam oven, give the owners the ability to monitor performance from beyond the room, allowing them to mingle with their guests instead of being tied to the kitchen. The bar in the dining room features a one-touch seltzer dispenser/faucet, and a WiFi connected coffee machine makes for a convenient and customized caffeine fix.

The galley sink on the island is a ­­– pun intended – workhorse in the room. Fitted with specialized accessories to facilitate a full range of prep and cleanup tasks, it features a hands-free tap.