In Our Neighbor’s Kitchens

The largest kitchen on the recent Wenham Museum Heart of the Home
Kitchen Tour was actually designed and renovated back in the 1990s. Its
classic details makes it look just as good today as it did twenty years ago.

Polished chrome bridge mount faucet at the kitchen island

Earlier this month we spent a day enjoying the Wenham Museum 6th Annual Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour. Eight distinct properties, ranging from newly renovated, to an old world style estate, to an historic 1742 charmer, were opened up to hundreds of visitors who were invited to tour the heart of the home, the kitchen. Many Salem Plumbing Supply fixtures were discovered on our day long journey that provided us with a glimpse of what’s trending in our neighbor’s kitchens.

Apron front farmhouse sinks ...

White ceramic apron front farmhouse sinks were popular on the tour this year. They are very “New England style,” and provide plenty of room to wash oversized pots and pans. A sink grid on the bottom prevents potential surface scratching while reducing the overall depth of the sink for additional dishwashing comfort. Sink grids are available either in stainless steel or vinyl covered options.

Bar and prep sinks ...

Bar sinks or prep sinks were also in many of the kitchens. Installing a second sink in a kitchen island for use when the main one is occupied is always helpful. Including one in a remote corner, such as in a separate butler’s pantry, is a great way to add additional function to a storage area. 

Wall mounted pot fillers ...

One of the benefits of a wall or deck mounted pot-filler is the ability to fill a large pot with water where it actually is going to be used. Locating a pot-filler by the stovetop eliminates 50% of most heavy lifting, since that same pot will still have to be brought to the sink for draining. Being able to save a few steps during the cooking process is a time saver, while also serving individuals with reduced hand strength.

Faucets with pull down spray ...

Single hole faucets with built-in pull down sprays create a clean and minimalist look at the kitchen sink while offering single lever ease of use plus increased mobility when washing pots and pans. They may be positioned at the center or to the side of the bowl. 

Professional style faucet ...

In this Elizabeth Swartz designed kitchen, a professional style single hole faucet with flexible spray hose combines with a swivel spout that has a 360 degree radius. It is a unique and stately addition to this custom kitchen.

Kitchen tour snapshots ...

water feature outside one of the properties on the tour

We really enjoyed peeking inside all of the homes on the tour, and sincerely appreciate the builders and designers who include us in their fabulous projects (candids of some of them are below). If you have a kitchen that you designed in the Wenham area, consider being a part of next year’s Wenham Museum Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour.

homeowner Sharon Meyers with designer Elizabeth Swartz

Dave West of Meadowview Construction

At LMK Interiors studio kitchen:
Rosanne Palazola, Lisa Kawski, Yvonne Blacker

Kristina Crestin of Kristina Crestin Design

See more of this completely remodeled home that Kristina designed on her Wenham kitchen tour blog post.

7 sinks that will make you look good

Hammered Metal Prep Sink from Native Trails 

When company is coming, having the space to prepare and serve both food and drinks becomes number one on the holiday wish list. This is when having a separate bar or prep sink really comes in handy. A second, smaller sink will allow more than one person to have access to fresh running water without having to interrupt the family chef. It can also serve as a drink station, again keeping traffic away from the kitchen’s work triangle. Second sinks can be designed into an island, a separate counter, or even in a different room (from butler’s pantry to great room). 

Luna Bar Sink from Native Trails

Prepare for all conversation to stop and all heads to turn as this "entertainer" steals the show. Luna's half moon design creates a work space in front of the sink that is especially great for kitchen or cocktail-hour prep work. Or, when entertaining, fill it with ice and keep beverages or seafood appetizers cool and accessible for guests. 

- image and description from Native Trails website

Rio Grande from Native Trails 

The sleek design of Rio Grande creates a contemporary focal point for your bar or prep area (but with an old world feel). Beautifully made of hand-hammered copper, this creation from Native Trails is available in Antique or hand-dipped Brushed Nickel.

– image and description from Native Trails website 

photo credit: Yvonne Blacker

This elegantly appointed wet bar was recently featured as part of the Wenham Museum Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour. See more of this designer kitchen by Wilson Kelsey Design here.

See more bar faucets like this one from Perrin and Rowe

on display at the Designer Bath showroom.

Blanco Ronis Entertainment Sink

Multi-function kitchen sinks can easily make you appear to be a master chef when preparing for guests. This round stainless steel sink from Blanco has an integrated glass cutting board option as well as a set of colanders that can be placed right below the cutting board for effortless prep work.

Kallista Multiere available through Designer Bath

If you have a lot of room to work with, you might want to consider the 45 inch Multiere from Kallista. This award-winning sink is the ultimate multi-tasker with a cutlery rinsing tray, teak cutting board, colander holder, towel bar and knife sharpener all in one. View a video that shows all the bells and whistles as described by designer, Mick De Giulio. 

Elkay Mystic Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink 

with cutting board is on sale now!

Currently on display in our Beverly showroom, this multi-function kitchen sink from Elkay has been significantly reduced. Check it out on our Sale Page. It’s ready to take home today, just in time to help you prep for the holidays in style.