Custom kitchens compel buyers
Christopher Peacock began his illustrious furnishings career in London, before traveling to the United States to focus on design. He hung his Greenwich storefront shingle in 1992, with the debut of Christopher Peacock Cabinetry. It had just a single kitchen display. In the decades since, Peacock built a luxury brand, known for his custom kitchens. His business has since expanded from Greenwich to comprise showrooms in Indonesia and across the United States and Europe.
“Christopher Peacock brings the quality of generational craftsmanship with a custom British-style design, made in the U.S.,” Jen Danzi, an agent with the Tamar Lurie Group at Coldwell Banker, described Peacock’s brand. “They own their production facility, where they mill raw lumber and are hands-on every step of the process, ensuring the best product. The design is luxurious, yet understated, making it timeless.”
Peacock’s firm was enlisted to design the kitchen at 702 Steamboat Road, a luxury condominium complex known as “The Corsair.”
“Peacock’s design at The Corsair is completely complementary to the style of its architect, Robert A. M. Stern,” Danzi said.
Each of the condominium unit’s kitchens are unique, including the kitchen in Unit 3 – a two-bedroom twobath residence. Here, the kitchen is adorned with Taj Mahal quartzite surfaces and a Calacatta Laza quartz backsplash. The appliances were chosen from the professional lines of Sub-Zero and Wolf.
“Peacock has used a walnut wood, which was painted with sable brushes for the cabinet exterior, and kept the beauty of the natural color for the interiors. The natural walnut color continues to the 12-foot center island, with the matching natural-finished base,” Danzi explained. Unit 3 at The Corsair is currently listed for sale, with an asking price of $4.95 million.
Melding materials
“When I highlight Christopher Peacock cabinetry to buyers who are not familiar with the brand, I always demonstrate the precise and solid closing mechanisms and the thick, solid hardwood construction,” Christopher Finlay said. “The beautiful design and mixed use of materials, such as walnut trim and metal mesh panels, sets the brand apart.”
Finlay is a Realtor with the Greenwich brokerage of Brown Harris Stevens Connecticut and the listing agent for 41 Birchwood Drive, a five-bedroom stone Georgian with a Christopher Peacock-designed kitchen.
“The stunning high-gloss Christopher Peacock kitchen and butler’s pantry at 41 Birchwood Drive are finished with elegant snap closures on the upper cabinets,” Finlay pointed out. “The illuminated butler’s pantry cabinets and the built-in breakfront cabinet are outfitted with glass shelving and backed with black walnut panels, to provide a rich textured display.”
“Christopher Peacock was a pioneer in creating a truly bespoke kitchen,” Sotheby’s Realtor Leslie McElwreath said. “His designs are timeless and classic and have endured, while other companies have come and gone.”
McElwreath is currently representing sellers of two luxury homes in Greenwich, both with Christopher Peacock kitchens. The first is at 1 Winding Lane, a fivebedroom country estate on 2.49 acres. The asking price is $5.495 million.
“Christopher Peacock custom makes every kitchen to suit the needs of the client,” McElwreath said. “The kitchen and butler’s pantry at 1 Winding Lane are ideal for entertaining, whether it be for family and friends or for large-scale events.”
“There are two full-size refrigerators and four freezer drawers, two wall ovens and a microwave,” McElwreath added. “The cabinetry is a classic white, raised panels, with chrome hardware – a signature look for Christopher Peacock – and the countertops are a beautiful white marble. The kitchen opens to the breakfast area and family room, and it truly is the heart of the home.”
McElwreath is also the listing agent for another property with a coveted Christopher Peacock kitchen: 34 Meadowcroft, a mid-country Greenwich stone manor designed by Saniee Architects. The design of the 9,700square-foot interiors blends classicism with modern elements. Its Christopher Peacock kitchen has a marble-topped island, pro-grade appliances and a complementary onyx-adorned butler’s pantry. 34 Meadowcroft Lane is currently listed for $7.495 million.
“Christopher Peacock brings the quality of generational craftsmanship with a custom British-style design, made in the U.S. The design is luxurious, yet understated, making it timeless.”
Now is the perfect time to create more living space in your home. Whether you need a place to take a break from daily stressors, get some work done or host friends and family, look no further than your own garage.
For many, the garage is simply a place to park the car, store tools and bikes, and hide old toys or off-season items that have no other place to go. But with a few easy upgrades, you can turn the garage into a productive, fun-filled place. Here are five tips to get you started.
1) Clean and organize
The first step is to look at the current state of your garage. To make the best of your space, you'll need to start with a blank canvas. Do a deep clean, take stock of your tools and consider new ways to store and organize them. Building custom shelves to get your equipment up off the floor will not only give you a new project to take on, but it will help clear the way for a place where you can be productive and get jobs done. One key item to have in your upgraded garage shop is a Portable Electric Air Compressor, which can be used for power nailers, sanders, paint spray guns and much more - plus, at less powerful settings, it can be used to quickly blow away dust and debris.
For many, the garage is simply a place to park the car, store tools and bikes, and hide old toys or off-season items that have no other place to go. But with a few easy upgrades, you can turn the garage into a productive, fun-filled place. Here are five tips to get you started.
2) Heat it up
Creating a year-round garage to enjoy will mean you'll have to take the extra step to ensure the walls and ceilings are insulated correctly. For extra warmth, use a workshop heater like the Mr. Heater Big Maxx Garage Heater from Northern Tool + Equipment. A heater this size can easily warm up a two- or three-car garage, allowing you to work and play comfortably in your space no matter the outside temperature.
3) Let in the light
Switching up the lighting is an easy and inexpensive way to update your garage. Most garages have just one or two light bulbs hanging from the ceiling, but you'll want more than that for your new, useful space. Try an industrial-style light fixture or customizable, sleek track lighting to make the room feel more inviting to friends for casual hang-outs. Plus, it'll be easier to see when you're working on projects.
4) Bring on the entertainment
To get the most out of your new garage, make sure it is all about entertainment. Think about how you'll be using the space. The garage is a great place to hang a TV for football Sundays and video games. Adding extra speakers can provide a complete experience, whether it's watching the game or listening to music while you work on your latest project. If you plan to host regular game nights, fill the room with a poker or pingpong table that can be easily folded up when not in use.
5) Get comfortable
One of the most important parts of your new garage space is seating. Whether you go with recliners, a sofa, stools or a combination of all three, look for furniture that fits your space. Find pieces that let you get comfortable, can stand being outdoors and are versatile. Leather is a classic material plus it's easy to clean and maintain. For another way to add comfort - and more entertainment possibilities - set up a side bar with a refrigerator to keep cool drinks and snacks at hand.
With these ideas as your playbook, you're ready to achieve garage greatness.