A Clear View: Influential Kitchen Design Collaboration in the Hamptons
A Luxurious Blend of Classic & Contemporary: Exquisite Kitchen Design for Kelli Delaney Kot, Founder of KDHamptons, The Luxury Lifestyle Diary of the Hamptons
As the founder of luxury lifestyle blog KDHamptons.com and Editor at Large for LUX Lifestyle Magazine, Kelli Delaney Kot has seen her fair share of dream kitchens, but when it came time to create her own, she and her husband, Dr. Mark Kot, entrusted none other than Bob Bakes and the Bakes & Kropp team. Let's take a closer look at how Bakes & Kropp Fine Cabinetry reimagined the kitchen in their 1887 farmhouse, Maple Shade, into a stunning space that harmoniously combines aesthetics and functionality.
Renowned kitchen designer, Robert Bakes, pictured with respected Hampton’s writer and editor, Kelli Delaney Kot
Kelli tells LUX LifestyleMagazine, “I would describe my aesthetic as updated traditional with a touch of Scandinavian influence.” With the guidance of our Co-Founder and Head of Design, Bob Bakes, Kelli chose Bakes & Kropp’s Classic Belleview in our signature white finish to set the foundation for her desired transition kitchen design. The clean aesthetic is beautifully complemented by pops of blue, adding a touch of freshness and elegance to the space. The Belleview cabinetry and polished nickel hardware throughout the kitchen provide a refined contrast, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
As a writer and content creator working from home, Kelli yearned for garden views from every area of the kitchen and dining area. She designed a captivating "wall of windows," completed by custom glass-backed upper cabinetry to maximize exterior vantage points. In addition, custom double Dutch doors with glass cross-bucks were commissioned to further enhance the connection between the interior and the picturesque outdoor space.
With limited storage space, we strategically placed each appliance and cabinet to ensure optimal flow and functionality. The open-built glass cabinetry over the wall of windows creates a dramatic storage area that not only maximizes capacity but also offers a beautiful view of the garden. The creative solution allows Kelli to showcase her growing collection of vintage Chinoiserie, glassware and tabletop items, catering to her passion for hosting guests at Maple Shade.
The carefully curated elements strike a graceful balance throughout the kitchen’s design. “We kept a mind to the more traditional palette with our exclusive hardware collection of exposed hinges and intelligently incorporated the glass multi-pane doors into the glass cabinetry. While having the mullions relate correctly to two separate elements both visually and practically was a challenge, the end result was highly impactful,” explains Bob. Bakes & Kropp’s signature hand-painted finish is accentuated by the flood of natural light incoming from the glass wall. The warmth of incoming sunlight highlights the delicate craftsmanship, which only continues to patina with age for a timeless, opulent effect.
Styled by Kelli, blue and white porcelain is thoughtfully incorporated into the kitchen design, adding a touch of elegance. Her collection of vintage Chinoiserie pieces, including ginger jars, Ming jars, and Temple jars sourced from Hamptons antique stores and estate sales, lend character and charm to the space. The success of this kitchen renovation is a testament to the collaboration between Kelli and our design team, who worked in tandem to bring Kelli’s vision to life. The blend of signature white cabinetry, pops of blue, and inventive storage solutions create a light and airy atmosphere, perfectly reflecting the couples personality and true love for entertaining. By incorporating personalized touches and carefully considering the flow of natural light, Bakes & Kropp Fine Cabinetry created a luxurious and inspiring space that is sure to be the heart of the home.
Article Snippet: “Haute Habitat: Shine Bright…A Dream Kitchen Renovation,” by LUX Lifestyle Magazine
Read more about the Kots’ design experience with Bakes & Kropp in Lux Lifestyle Magazine or check out the stunning project showcase within our portfolio. A special thank you to Dr. Mark Kot and Mrs. Kelli Delaney Kot for allowing us to showcase their lovely Hampton’s home and remodeled kitchen to our readers.