Kitchen of the Week: A New Build that Eschews Perfection and Allows a ‘Boisterous’ Life

When we spotted Landed Interiors‘ recent project in Boulder, Colorado, we assumed the Berkeley-based design studio had been brought on to renovate an old farmhouse. With its thoughtful touches, appealing quirks, and cozy rooms, the home feels very much rooted in place and heritage, as if it has been knocking around for generations. Turns out, the entire thing was a new build.

How did Heather Menegat, the lead on the project, pull off the magic act? By working closely with the architects and builders at Coburn Partners, who were as interested in getting the details right as Heather was. And by choosing materials that are “characterful, with lots of pits and chips and dings,” she says. “They are perfect for this home where people and animals are constantly running in and out of the house.”

“In the kitchen, we sourced reclaimed wood for the paneling, and the flooring is a lovely, softly polished terracotta tile that always looks a little dirty even if you’ve mopped it recently,” she continues. “To balance these, we stuck to quieter surfaces for the moldings, cabinetry, ceiling, and countertops. Nothing is pristine (even the exposed drywall was skim-coated in plaster to make its surface more wonky), but the contrast keeps the room from feeling too busy and creates a subtle intrigue. There is an implication of layering and evolution—that someone intervened after the home was ‘built.’ ”

“I think that sometimes people assume that a higher price tag implies surfaces that are aiming for a particular kind of shelter magazine perfection or glamour. That can certainly be true, but for this project we selected high-quality, durable, and forgiving materials that would patina gracefully and allow the family to live boisterously without worry. It suits their needs.”

Below, Heather shares all the elements that went into creating this exceedingly sweet, much-used hearth of the home.

Photography by Yoshihiro Makino; styling by Raina Kattelson; courtesy of Landed Interiors.

Above: The kitchen feels cozy and intimate but is large enough to accommodate an island, dining table, and large built-in sofa. In an example of the lengths to which the teams at Landed and Coburn sought to mimic an old house, the window seating area was designed to look as if it had been a bump-out addition to the original home. Hovering over the antique dining table sourced from 1stdibs is the Tulip Leaf Chandelier from Remains Lighting Company.
Above: A design decision that doesn’t cost much but has a big impact? “The Pendleton quilts on the built-in sofa seat cushions,” says Heather. “I think the quilts look so cozy and friendly—particularly when paired with the beautiful quilted fabric from Mathilde Home that is used on the back cushions and throw pillows.” For similar blinds, try Joss Graham’s Indian Bamboo ‘Chik’ Blinds.
Above: The pantry also houses the coffee station. Hanging outside of it is Alice Waters’ famous egg spoon. For the paint colors, Heather leaned on heritage paint brand, Farrow & Ball: The walls are painted New White, the molding and cabinets Dorset Cream, and the fireplace mantel Pitch Blue.

Above: Musts for a classic farmhouse kitchen: a window over the sink and an iron dinner bell (this one is from Urban Forge).
Above: “Our studio responds most strongly to buildings that seem to be in conversation with their surroundings and the people who will be living there.”
Above: Vintage Arthur Umanoff counter stools surround the kitchen island, which was custom-crafted by Peterson Antiques & Design and inspired by the one in Alice Waters’ kitchen. The pendant lights are from deVOL.
Above: “Many homes with great character have been sat with, edited, and distilled. If you are working with a great designer—or have the fortitude and inclination—study precedent, revisit decisions with fresh eyes before you cement them, and keep dialoguing about the ‘why.’ A home’s character will emerge in the process.”

See also:

• Designer Visit: A Style Obsessive’s Own Saltwater Farmhouse, Restored
• Good Neighbors: In Ohio, an Architect Turns a Cottage Next Door Into the Family Guesthouse
• Steal This Look: A Painterly Farmhouse Kitchen in Upstate New York