Opening Up a Closed-Off Kitchen
When these clients decided to transform the kitchen of their 1969 Glastonbury, CT home, they had a clear mission: break down the barriers and open up the space! The original layout felt closed off, prompting the decision to remove a major wall separating the kitchen from the dining area.
A Trusted Partnership
To bring this vision to life, they partnered with trusted local contractor George Fay of Fay & Sons. This wasn’t the clients’ first time working with George—he’s become their go-to contractor for a reason: he’s professional, positive, and incredibly knowledgeable, making every collaboration a smooth and enjoyable one. It’s this kind of partnership that helps bring a homeowner’s vision to life.
After seeing a beautiful kitchen Dean Cabinetry had done in a close friend’s home, they knew exactly who to trust with their own cabinetry.
A Collaborative Design Journey
The kitchen planning process was a collaborative success! The clients worked closely with Client Manager Paul, who they noted as “great throughout the project.
While they already had a firm idea of their desired layout, Dean Cabinetry owner, Leah, suggested an alternative, functional concept. This quickly became the crown jewel of the room: a grand, floor-to-ceiling custom pantry wall.
Crafted from the John Dean Custom Cabinetry line, the perimeter shaker cabinets were painted in the beautifully soft, warm hue matched to Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee. This choice seamlessly contrasts with the breathtaking centerpiece of the room—a rich, rift-sawn White Oak island.
The design extended beyond the kitchen into the adjoining dining room, where a custom hutch and bar wall now anchor the space. Glass-door upper cabinets, complete with interior lighting, create a beautiful display for glassware and china. The cabinetry below offers generous drawer storage for linens and serveware. Lastly, a built-in beverage fridge sits neatly at the center, making the space as functional as it is elegant—perfect for entertaining guests just steps from the kitchen.
Designed Around Daily Life
Every detail of this kitchen was engineered around the family’s daily routines and storage needs. The pantry features internal shelving that effortlessly tucks away small countertop appliances.
The kitchen is outfitted with a premium suite of appliances, including a Thermador refrigerator, Wolf range, Faber hood insert, Sharp microwave, Bosch dishwasher, and Kohler farm sink.
Inside the massive White Oak island, custom storage systems take center stage. Deep drawers are equipped with adjustable wood peg organizers to keep heavy dishware perfectly arranged. A pull-out spice drawer keeps culinary essentials organized right next to the range.
Delivery & Installation Success
When it came to the delivery and cabinet installation, the experience was smooth sailing. The installation team, featuring Keaton and Todd, went above and beyond to meet the clients’ needs!
A Kitchen Built for Family
The result is a bright, airy, two-tone kitchen that bridges the gap between comfortable family living and high-end design. With the dining and cooking areas now merged, the custom cabinetry flows seamlessly from one space to the other, creating a cohesion throughout the home. The open layout now feels vastly more spacious and welcoming for both daily family life and entertaining. It stands as a prime example of how thoughtful craftsmanship can entirely reinvent a classic home.
Interested in creating a custom kitchen tailored perfectly to your family’s lifestyle? Contact Dean Cabinetry today to get started on your design consultation.