Gibson Island, MD

‍Surrounded by farmland and set on the shoreline of a creek and cove that connect to the Chesapeake Bay, the goal of this project was to modernize and open up the kitchen for entertaining in this stunning Eastern Shore family retreat.

The owner, a serious cook, enjoys hosting large gatherings and was limited in a cramped and outdated kitchen. Removing much of the existing wall between the dining room and kitchen, and between the dining room and seating area, allowing for a new series of en suite spaces.

The kitchen was also much improved by removing unnecessary bulkheads and taking the cabinets up to the ceiling. The existing 48” gas range was re‐positioned and a new custom hood was added. By flanking the range with two wall cabinets a focal point was created. To the right of the range floating shelves are conveniently located for storing dishes. The shiplap behind them adds interest, and texture, and allows the backsplash to center on the range and wall cabinets.

The main island is centered on the range wall and features carved furniture legs. It also centers on the bay window of the breakfast nook. This spacious island is used for prepping meals and features a pull-out cutting board, microwave drawer, and beverage center. It houses the main sink, and dishwasher and also serves as the main clean‐up area.

A beautiful tall hutch cabinet with glass doors also centers on the island. The hutch, a unique furniture piece, stores dishes, decorative objects, and cutlery. The original kitchen had a door to the right of the hutch cabinet. It was relocated to improve circulation and allow for additional counter space and storage below. Shiplap was installed above the counter and created a wall for art. An existing closet was utilized to create a walk‐in pantry.

The second island is centered on the new openings to the Dining and Sitting rooms. This island features a trough sink, convenient for entertaining, and provides seating from which to view the fireplace and TV.

The removal of a window to the right of the fireplace allowed for two flanking built‐ins for displaying books and decorative objects. This not only allows for a focal point on the fireplace wall but enhances the window wall and its view of the water. A door to a back hallway was removed, opposite the window wall, allowing for improved furniture placement in the room.

New ceiling beams, detailed to match the beams in adjoining rooms, were designed for the kitchen and sitting room. These further unify the rooms and organize the placement of ceiling fixtures. Shiplap, similar to the treatment used on the kitchen walls was added to the dining room and breakfast nook ceilings.

Designed by #JGKB. Photography by John Cole Photography.