’TIS THE SEASON

A New England farmhouse kitchen feels oh-so-cozy for the holidays and beyond.

A New England farmhouse kitchen feels oh-so-cozy for the holidays and beyond.

Picture the most idyllic holiday scene possible.

Perhaps you’re imagining a 19th-century New England farmhouse, draped in snow but toasty inside. The smell of fresh cookies wafting from the oven beckons you to linger for a while, preferably perched in a soft chair. The red and green accents, along with the apples and pine boughs that grace the home, add to the perfection of the scene.

This is a description of a real kitchen, one that’s nestled in a lovely New Hampshire home.

TIMELESS YET MODERN

When Designer Heather Alton Marcello of New England Design Elements was first brought in to refresh this farmhouse kitchen originally constructed in the late 1800s, she knew she wanted to honor the roots of the culinary space. “The homeowners were on board with keeping a vintage feel to the space while incorporating the modern amenities,” Heather says.

As a couple with grown children, the homeowners knew that family gatherings (complete with their pups, Teddy and Quibbles) were a must in this kitchen. With Heather’s vision, they set out over 12 weeks to create a space that was not only comfortable, but convenient as well. This included new appliances and opening up more space. “Their goals were to have a functioning kitchen with modern appliances and to make the kitchen larger by removing a woodstove area that was not used and to open the wall between the dining room and kitchen area,” Heather says.

AN AUTHENTIC LOOK

Back in the day, kitchens were not “Instagram perfect,” but this was part of their appeal. The cabinets with varying colors and hand-hewn materials brought a feeling of genuineness to these vintage kitchens. Inspired by the home itself and her clients, Heather envisioned a design that paid respect to old New England farmhouses. “Since the house was originally built as a New England farmhouse, it meant the house was purely function at the time of construction and did not possess many grand details of some period homes of that time,” Heather says.

Heather explains that she convinced the homeowners to go in the direction of an “unfitted and unmatched” kitchen, a space where the colors took center stage. She adds that colors are an “affordable way of creating a visual impact.”“I felt it would look more authentic by using a combination of three colors to achieve this look,” Heather says.

The result is a cottage kitchen that feels both old school and modern day, with its distinctive color choices, sleek appliances and punchy, contemporary backsplash. When asked about her favorite aspect of the kitchen, she said it’s difficult to decide. But, “I would have to say the colors on the cabinetry and backsplash tile. Also, I love the light over the island that was made using the client’s vintage vise handed down from his great-grandfather.”

It’s clear that heartfelt details and snug touches abound in this charming kitchen.

WARM & WELCOMING. The weather outside might be frightful, but everything is friendly and bright in this kitchen. Recessed lighting illuminates the kitchen’s prettiest accents, like the multicolored tile backsplash that weaves a modern feel into the space.

|ABOVE| UNIQUE & UNEXPECTED. In this cottage kitchen, unexpected elements play surprisingly well together, like the red and green cabinets and on-trend backsplash. |BELOW| ANTIQUE TOUCHES. A freestanding island provides current-day convenience in the kitchen, while decorative elements are borrowed from another era. The stained glass was created by artist Joseph E. Godek of Chippaway Art Glass based in nearby Pelham, New Hampshire.

|TOP| BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE. The window seat next to the kitchen is ideal for taking breaks in the middle of whipping up gourmet feasts. And it provides flawless sunset views. |ABOVE| STYLISH SINK. The integrated sink, surrounded by the Via Lactea granite countertop, is made complete with gleaming fixtures in bronze.

LOCAL & HANDMADE. The handmade light above the island has an industrial, vintage vibe and was made using a family heirloom. Local details can also be seen in this kitchen, like the stained-glass transom crafted by an artisan from the area.

|ABOVE RIGHT| STAY AWHILE. Just off of the kitchen lies a perfect spot to sit for an afternoon—with tea and cookies, of course. The upholstered herringbone chairs, discovered through Pasha Furniture, are made even more comfortable with a blanket and throw pillow. We can imagine the homeowners’ dogs resting underneath these chairs.