Project Feature: A Charming Collaboration in New Canaan
When the owners of a stately New Canaan, Connecticut, home set out to renovate their eat-in kitchen, interior designer Dawn Gepfert brought in Bakes & Kropp to help reimagine the space and deliver timeless luxury with modern functionality.
This seamless collaboration between interior designer and custom cabinetry expert is at the core of the Bakes & Kropp model—a process rooted in craftsmanship, trust, and shared creative vision. The result: a stunning, light-filled kitchen and adjacent butler’s pantry that blend traditional warmth with contemporary sophistication.
This Connecticut kitchen is the perfect setting for everything from holiday gatherings to everyday meals.
A Kitchen that Welcomes and Performs
Upon entry, the kitchen offers an immediate sense of invitation and balance, setting the tone with custom Bakes & Kropp cabinetry from our Belleview Collection. A soft, off-white finish creates a serene backdrop, beautifully contrasted by the island and door fronts in our signature cerused walnut, adding rich texture and visual depth.
At the center of the space, an eye-catching custom range hood—a combination of metalwork and wood—draws the eye upward and anchors the room. Beneath it, a powerful 36-inch stainless steel Wolf range top is flanked by thoughtfully designed pullouts and deep drawer storage, supporting the homeowner’s passion for cooking and entertaining.
The mix of soft white and cerused walnut cabinetry creates a warm, inviting space.
We love collaborating with talented interior designers like Dawn Gepfert.
Additional luxury appliances, including a Wolf double oven and warming drawer, reinforce the kitchen’s culinary functionality, while a spacious island offers generous room for both prep and gathering.
Subtle yet impactful details elevate the space even further:
Brass hardware from Armac Martin adds refined contrast.
Mesh grille and glass-paneled doors amplify light and dimension.
Hidden electrical outlets and under-cabinet lighting provide seamless utility without sacrificing beauty.
The overall effect is one of understated elegance—a kitchen that feels equally suited for everyday living and sophisticated entertaining.
A handsome custom hood anchors the space above the Wolf range, with plenty of storage for pots and pans below.
Our Belleview Collection in cerused walnut brings rich character and depth to this powerhouse island.
A Butler’s Pantry that Connects and Complements
Just beyond the main kitchen, the adjacent butler’s pantry maintains visual continuity while offering a distinct personality. Here, light neutral gray cabinetry in a semi-gloss finish continues the warm and bright palette, ensuring cohesion between spaces.
Despite spatial constraints—such as shallow walls—the design team integrated glass-paneled upper cabinetry with interior and under-cabinet lighting, creating both a display opportunity and functional storage for wine glasses and entertaining essentials.
Every detail was considered, from storage layout to lighting integration, reflecting a high level of craft and customization.
Raise a glass to this sunny butler’s pantry with plenty of wine storage.
On the opposing wall, glass uppers showcase entertaining essentials.
Tailored Design, Seamless Collaboration
This New Canaan renovation is a compelling example of what’s possible when expert design teams work in harmony. Through a shared commitment to excellence, interior designer Dawn Gepfert and Bakes & Kropp delivered a space that feels both polished and personal—tailored to the client’s lifestyle and rooted in enduring design principles. Featuring the Bakes & Kropp Belleview Collection, known for its subtle detailing and ability to bridge classic and contemporary aesthetics, the kitchen and butler’s pantry showcase our signature blend of craftsmanship and customization.
Brass mesh grilles and Armac Martin hardware add the finishing touch to this charming kitchen remodel.
More than a renovation, this project reflects Bakes & Kropp’s collaborative spirit and design expertise—bringing luxury cabinetry to life through shared vision and a deep understanding of how clients truly live in their homes.
