The recent renovation of the living space in the extra-wide historic home highlighted the stunning garden but left the outdated kitchen in disarray. The cramped and dismal kitchen stood in stark contrast to the elegance of the residence and its breathtaking outdoor surroundings.

Having previously transformed their basement into a stylish teen hangout, we were familiar with the homeowners' affable nature, contemporary taste, and penchant for detail. Inspired by a fossil tile that captivated one of the homeowners, sourced from Angelo’s Marble & Granite, we secured an entire custom-fitted fossil slab from Morocco. This unique limestone piece features Orthoceras fossils—ancient squid shells dating back 400 million years—a whimsical touch that resonated with the homeowner's scientific background, who humorously envisioned her remains mingling with the kitchen backsplash in the distant future.

Reconfiguring the kitchen layout allowed us to retain the appliance placements, expand the counter space, and introduce additional storage. Dark elements such as black cabinets, soapstone countertops, and window frames were balanced by the warmth of oak floors, accent cabinetry, white tile backsplash, and well-lit recessed ceilings with exposed custom beams. The inclusion of a shop-built white oak window bench not only offered open storage and USB charging ports but further enhanced the room's functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The installation of dimmable under-cabinet lighting accentuated the unique fossil backsplash, casting a soft glow that complemented the overall design. A new glass door replaced the previous AC unit, ushering more natural light indoors and contributing to the kitchen's newfound spaciousness and luminosity, all while preserving its sultry dark color palette.