Seeing the Light: A Closed Off Colonial Kitchen Gets a New View
All “After” Photography by Adam Macchia; Styling by Gina Ciotti
When homeowner Kate Daggett fell in love with her new house, there was just one thing she couldn’t stand: the kitchen. Walled off from the rest of the home, starved of natural light, and totally lacking in flow, it was hardly the heart of the home she dreamed of. A passionate baker and frequent host, Kate wanted to connect with her family and guests - not feel stuck behind a wall.
Before: The family room was separated by the kitchen by an unnecessary wall.
As for the finishes, Kate jokingly called the kitchen her “Golden Girl” - and not in a charming Bea Arthur way. Think yellow-tints that gave every dish an unappetizing glow. For an avid baker who loves to photograph her bakes, this wasn’t measuring up to her standards.
Enter interior designer Elana Tenenbaum Cline of @cartacreatives. The two hit it off instantly after connecting on The Designport|folio directory and the transformation that followed is magic. Walls came down, natural light poured in, and the new kitchen now opens beautifully into the family room. At the center: a deep blue, marble-topped island that’s both a visual anchor and a practical gathering space for the whole family. Light wood accents and zellige-style tile on the walls add texture and soul. Comparing these before and after images, it’s hard to believe it’s the same space.
The transformation continues in the breakfast nook. Kate wanted a round table for the family to enjoy meals. She also couldn’t get rid of her cluttered “mom desk” fast enough. Carta Creatives replaced the desk with a sleek and stylish pantry wall. The timeless wood and wicker dining pieces complete the cozy, family-friendly space.
Finally, Carta Creatives added a dash of dazzle and whimsy in the Butler's Pantry, which got a quick and easy glow-up with painted cabinetry, metallic tile, and the most delightful animal print wallpaper we’ve seen. The Benjamin Moore Regent Green paint continues from the kitchen island onto the Butler’s cabinetry and trim, giving the heart of the home a cohesive look and blending bright and moody vibes in all the right places.
If you’re loving this one as much as we are, here are a few more design details to swoon over, and the happy homeowner in her new kitchen:
Best of all, Kate found Elana right here on Designport. A true kitchen love story. Want to see more? Take the Designport video tour with Elana and Kate here!
Design Details and Resources
Interior Design: Carta Creatives
Contractor: Rolandas Reciuga, Craftworks Construction
Faucet & Sink: The Galley Brands
Island Pendants: Arteriors Home “Egg Drop”
Bar Stools: Industry West
Backsplash Tile: Tile America
Butler’s Pantry Wallpaper: Zak & Fox
Island Paint Color: Benjamin Moore #RegentGreen
Learn more about Carta Creatives out their Designportfolio page:
