A Refreshing Approach to Design: A Beachy Guest House in Nantucket

Stephanie Kraus, a renowned designer, welcomed an abundance of guests to her vacation home in downtown Nantucket. With a large family and friends frequently visiting, Kraus saw an opportunity when the property behind her became available. She envisioned a guest house reminiscent of a boutique hotel, where every bedroom would have its own unique color scheme. However, when it came to the shared spaces, such as the kitchen and dining area, Kraus opted for a fresh, clean design with white accents.

Rather than creating a kitchen that steals the spotlight, Kraus wanted to achieve an airy yet functional space. The kitchen, although not intended to be a centerpiece, still exudes a light and beachy vibe. To accomplish this, Kraus utilized a cohesive palette throughout the space, resulting in a clean and crisp design.

The white oak counter stools from Stowed Home not only provide additional seating at the peninsula but also complement the shiplap and white leather sling seats effortlessly. Kraus explains that the subtle contrast of the white oak legs and the easy-to-clean white leather seats create a harmonious balance.

The peninsula, complete with a natural marble waterfall countertop, offers a polished and finished look to the kitchen. A tall gooseneck faucet from California Faucets adds a touch of modern simplicity. According to Kraus, in a small space like this, every element needs to be special without overshadowing the overall design.

Streamlined cabinetry, fitted flawlessly around the counter-depth fridge, maximizes storage capacity while maintaining a sleek appearance. The standout feature of the kitchen is undoubtedly the reeded white oak hood enclosure, which adds warmth and dimension to the stark marble backsplash. To enhance the coastal charm, Kraus incorporated pendant lights from Made Goods, suspended from braided ropes with a hint of nautical flair.

Functionality was also an essential aspect of the design. Natural white oak shelves were incorporated to tie in with the hood enclosure, providing additional storage space without cluttering the backsplash. The stone slabs were thoughtfully positioned, allowing the veining to run at an angle, infusing energy and movement into the corner.

By opting for horizontal shiplap, Kraus was able to elongate the room and peninsula, creating an interesting juxtaposition with the vertical reeding of the range hood. The fresh white paint color selected for the boards, Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace, adds a sense of purity without any undertones.

Stephanie Kraus’s approach to design in her Nantucket guest house demonstrates that a functional and inviting space can still exude a beachy charm. With careful attention to detail and a cohesive palette, the shared areas of this guest house provide a delightful backdrop for memorable gatherings and cherished moments.

An FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:

1. What is Stephanie Kraus’s design concept for her guest house in Nantucket?
Stephanie Kraus wanted to create a guest house with a boutique hotel feel, where each bedroom has its own unique color scheme. For the shared spaces, such as the kitchen and dining area, she opted for a fresh, clean design with white accents.

2. How did Stephanie Kraus achieve an airy yet functional kitchen?
Stephanie Kraus achieved an airy yet functional kitchen by utilizing a cohesive palette throughout the space. She used white oak counter stools, a tall gooseneck faucet, and streamlined cabinetry fitted flawlessly around a counter-depth fridge. The highlight of the kitchen is a reeded white oak hood enclosure, which adds warmth and dimension to the marble backsplash.

3. What are the key design elements in Stephanie Kraus’s kitchen?
The key design elements in Stephanie Kraus’s kitchen include white oak counter stools, a natural marble waterfall countertop on the peninsula, a tall gooseneck faucet, streamlined cabinetry, and a reeded white oak hood enclosure. Pendant lights from Made Goods, suspended from braided ropes, add a hint of nautical flair.

4. How did Stephanie Kraus incorporate functionality into the kitchen design?
Stephanie Kraus incorporated functionality into the kitchen design by adding natural white oak shelves to tie in with the hood enclosure, providing additional storage space without cluttering the backsplash. The stone slabs were also thoughtfully positioned to infuse energy and movement into the corner.

5. What is the paint color used for the boards in the kitchen?
The fresh white paint color selected for the boards in the kitchen is Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace, which adds a sense of purity without any undertones.

Definitions for key terms or jargon used within the article:

1. Boutique hotel: A small, stylish hotel known for its personalized service and unique design aesthetics.
2. Cohesive palette: A collection of colors that work well together and create a harmonious visual effect.
3. Shiplap: A type of wooden board used for constructing walls, characterized by overlapping joints.
4. Peninsula: A kitchen design element that extends from a countertop, providing additional workspace and seating.
5. Counter-depth fridge: A refrigerator designed to align with the depth of kitchen countertops, providing a streamlined look.
6. Reeded: Marked or decorated with parallel grooves or ridges.
7. Backsplash: A protective wall covering behind a sink or stove, typically made of tile or other water-resistant material.

Suggested related links:
Stephanie Kraus Designs
Benjamin Moore
Made Goods