An oceanfront view serves as the backdrop for this colorful kitchen. Set on the shore in Rockport, Massachusetts, the house incorporates the traditional materials of New England and beach influences, but the kitchen has a bold red-orange island to contrast with the gray-blue Atlantic Ocean.

The owners, an active family with four kids, commissioned a stellar team, including S+H Construction, Andra Birkerts and Don Knerr of Charles R. Myer & Partners, to design this space. The modern and bright kitchen emphasizes functionality for this family's summertime antics and love of entertaining.

Photos by Eric Roth

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The kitchen's material palette took its cue from the rest of the home, inspired by traditional New England summer house interiors. White painted wood, exposed framing and bright accent colors create a classic but cheerful look.

Backsplash: Ann Sacks; countertop: Slab Lab; cabinetry: Amherst Woodworking

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Blue tones connect the kitchen with the rest of the home. Interior designer Andra Birkerts picked a contrasting red-orange for the island; the bright color provides a visual counterpoint to the wide ocean views beyond.

Light fixtures: Andra Birkerts Design

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The square island sets up the L-shape layout. The ocean can be seen from the sink side of the island and the counter seating. The refrigerator and microwave sit at the outer edges of the kitchen layout, limiting traffic.

Range, hood: Wolf; refrigerator: Frigidaire; island paint: Ground Paprika, Martha Stewart Living (discontinued)

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Around the corner a separate pantry with a drink refrigerator lies near the kitchen and the outdoor grill.

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Honed white concrete countertops re-create the look of soft white sand. The areas near the perimeter have been slightly ground down to show off the glints of sea glass aggregate in the concrete.

Countertops: Slab Lab

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A glass counter in a subtle green tops the island. Local glass artisan Peter Houk, director of the glass lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, created this beautiful custom piece. The sand-blasted ripples, seaweed and fish convey the feeling of water viewed from a sun-warmed dock.

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The main light fixture draws immediate attention; there are also smaller fixtures with subtler sockets, covered with custom blue and white shades.

Big bottom drawers and open upper cabinets make everything easy to find, particularly for visiting family and friends. Colorful serving dishes bring in extra splashes of color.

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The sink counter gently wraps around into the living room, leading to a buffet cabinet and hutch. Medium-width distressed floorboards were treated with a matte topcoat that offers commercial-grade protection and emphasizes the natural look and feel of the wood.

Comments

Becky Harris Wow! I especially love those countertops - a nice change from the usual options!

4 months ago · Like ·

Dana Veach I agree with Becky!

4 months ago · Like

olldbobbi Wow, I'd have to work hard to find something I didn't like in this kitchen! Too bad the island paint color has been discontinued, it's very pretty.

4 months ago · Like

Ste Passant Is that drinks counter / cupboards on the staircase?

4 months ago · Like ·

Go Nautical Collections Like that table!

4 months ago · Like

mom2boys Wow!

4 months ago · Like

markjbecker I have open shelves in my kitchen as well, not nearly as much as this kitchen. Warning to people who want to go this far, it can be a challenge keeping things looking neat. Doors tend to hide a lot!

4 months ago · Like

paulyb Nice kitchen, but what's up with the steel I-beam? It seems to take away from the coziness and looks industrial for a New England kitchen design. Why would they not use a wood beam instead, to match the rest of the ceiling?

4 months ago · Like

The Kitchen Loft I understand why people like open wall cabinets. I like them too. But next to a stove? Even with a good exhaust hood, you can bet those cabinets and their contents will be covered in grease and smoke. Want more open cabinets? Open the hutch.

4 months ago · Like

bellefonte So interesting and functional! I had to study the pictures several times to take it all in. Love it all.

4 months ago · Like

Trish Vanstory I would love top know more about the glass countertop. Can it hold heated items like granite can? How thick is it? What it's the cost per square foot? Is it fragile, or can their four kids, as my four will, beat it up without too many repercussions?

4 months ago · Like ·