Project Feature: Country Cottage Elegance
Tucked away in Pound Ridge, New York, a sprawling country home recently underwent a striking architectural reimagining. Entrusted to Bakes & Kropp Senior Designer Guillaume Dupré, the remodeling project set out with a clear, spatially driven objective: to dissolve the boundaries between two separate rooms and create one grand, open floor plan uniting the kitchen, bar, dining area, and den.
Partnering with open minds, the homeowners placed complete creative freedom in Dupré’s hands. By carefully mapping out spatial constraints, Dupré engineered a layout that flows effortlessly while celebrating the home’s original architectural bones.
The Bakes & Kropp Canterbury Collection in a custom smoky blue pairs beautifully with warm wood elements in this refined country kitchen.
The Kitchen: Rich Tones and Spatially Driven Craftsmanship
Central to the expansive living zone is a kitchen defined by thoughtful material layering and exceptional tailoring. Guiding the aesthetic was the homeowner’s desire for blue cabinetry—a delightful request that infused the room with personality and provided a vibrant springboard for the entire design scheme.
A coffee station and second sink extend the work zones of the main kitchen.
A built-in kitchen desk provides a dedicated spot for organizing the day.
Palette & Materials: Dupré achieved an "elegant cottage" aesthetic by balancing the custom-painted blue cabinetry with warm Anchor White Oak (#9106) and raw, reclaimed wood beams. White slabs with subtle movement from Mastora Stone run across the surfaces, while unlacquered brass Armac Martin Jaspette hardware provides a sophisticated contrast against stainless steel Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances.
Cabinetry & Detailing: A dynamic mix of Canterbury and Madison Collection doors adds depth across the room. Framed oak accents surround the integrated refrigeration, bringing custom millwork into conversation with the rustic ceiling and wall timbers.
Dedicated Hubs: The layout features dedicated functional zones, including a tailored coffee bar positioned above a built-in log storage nook, and an adjacent built-in desk with a coordinating light oak top that offers a quiet workspace overlooking the main room.
A generous peninsula doubles as a prep area and seating for four.
The Bar: A Dual-Space Transformation
Contrasting the relaxed tone of the main kitchen, the custom bar serves as an intimate, formal statement for evening entertaining. The space presented a unique spatial puzzle: two separate nooks, one facing the dining room and a smaller side alcove housing the sink. Dupré surveyed the site and suggested opening the dividing wall to the builder, successfully merging the two areas into one cohesive bar with an ingenious pass-through design.
The bar features Madison doors in Mist Walnut (#9216) paired with brass Armac Martin Sparkbrook hardware. In the dining area, glass-front upper cabinets elegantly house fine drinkware directly above a built-in wine fridge. Around the corner, open floating shelves with ambient underside lighting showcase spirits against a heavily veined stone backsplash, complete with a brass wet bar faucet and integrated cooler drawers.
A custom bar in the dining space serves as an extra surface for entertaining.
Tucked around the corner, a fully stocked wet bar gives guests plenty of options.
Rustic Yet Refined
By expertly pairing rich blue millwork, reclaimed wood, and clever structural reconfigurations, Dupré and the Bakes & Kropp team transformed this Pound Ridge residence into an inspiring expression of modern country luxury.
Tailored Bakes & Kropp cabinetry balances rustic reclaimed wood details for an elegant cottage aesthetic.
