Modern Kitchen Remodel in Historic Andover, MA
This kitchen remodel balanced the old with the new. It's a fantastic example of contemporary features and finishes, timeless kitchen design, and an older home found in Andover's Historic District.
Our clients were referred to us because they needed a design-build firm experienced in working within historic guidelines and sensitive to original details.
They envisioned an open, welcoming kitchen that felt naturally connected to the rest of the home, allowing natural light to flow more freely and everyday life to unfold. They also wanted a timeless aesthetic that felt authentic to the house’s historic character rather than newly imposed upon it.
At the same time, they required carefully designed exterior updates to earn approval from the Andover Historic Preservation Commission, ensuring that every change honored the integrity of their home within the historic district.
The Details in the New Open-Concept Layout
We removed the wall between the kitchen and dining room and installed a carefully engineered structural beam to open the space without compromising structural integrity or ceiling lines. By reconfiguring the layout, we created a stunning 360-square-foot expanded kitchen that today feels connected, intentional, and welcoming — the hallmark of a thoughtfully executed kitchen remodel.
To help with flow, we introduced two arched kitchen openings. One connects the kitchen to the sunroom, inviting natural light deeper into the home, and the second links to the back hallway to improve circulation patterns across the first floor. These arches echo existing architectural curves, ensuring the changes feel original to the home rather than newly inserted.
Custom Cabinetry, Crown Molding, and Custom Design
Throughout the space, our team developed a cohesive custom kitchen design centered on both beauty and usefulness. The room's foundation is built on exceptional custom cabinetry, including handcrafted inset cabinetry finished in a soft, warm neutral tone. These painted glass-front cabinets are designed for display and are offset by the elegant crown molding, which honors the home’s traditional style.
Custom Kitchen Island with Prep Sink
We installed a furniture-style custom kitchen island that anchors the room. Richly stained wood contrasts beautifully with the surrounding cabinetry, elevating the overall kitchen island design. The island also incorporates a discreet prep sink installation, adding everyday functionality without disrupting the aesthetic.
Soapstone Countertops, Full-Height Backsplash with Vertical Detail
Complementing the cabinetry are honed soapstone countertops with natural veining. These soapstone kitchen counters extend into a dramatic waterfall edge on the island and continue up the perimeter walls as a full-height backsplash, reinforcing the room’s historic character. At the range wall, a glazed ceramic subway tile backsplash introduces subtle movement and includes a refined vertical backsplash detail beneath the window for added visual interest.
White Oak Flooring and Custom Front Entry Doors
Underfoot, our installation of oak flooring ties together the kitchen, foyer, living room, and side hallway. The prefinished white oak floor introduces warmth and continuity, creating cohesion throughout the first floor.
Beyond the kitchen, we installed new custom front entry doors with updated hardware, including elegant solid brass doors and knobs, further enhancing the exterior while maintaining historic integrity.
Wolf Appliances and a Custom Alcove
Inside, the kitchen was outfitted with premium finishes and appliances that elevate everyday living. A professional-grade cooking zone centers on a Wolf gas range with a double oven. Surrounding this focal point are coordinated Wolf appliances and additional high-end kitchen appliances. Above the range, a custom alcove frames a sleek stainless-steel vent hood, making this part of the kitchen an eye-catcher.
Recessed Lighting and Brass Kitchen Fixtures
The plumbing fixtures were selected to patina gracefully over time. An elegant, unlacquered brass faucet at the main sink pairs with matching brass kitchen fixtures, including a classic pot-filler on the range wall. These details subtly reinforce the timeless aesthetic.
Layered lighting enhances the space, with carefully planned recessed lighting installation providing soft illumination without overwhelming historic detailing. Combined with a fresh plaster-and-paint renovation, the lighting highlights textures and finishes while maintaining warmth throughout the room.
Working Within the Andover Historic District
While aesthetics were essential, performance and problem-solving were equally critical to this project. One of the most significant challenges involved the aging bow window at the front of the home. Years of water infiltration had caused structural damage to the surrounding framing. As part of this historic kitchen renovation, we removed the deteriorated window and replaced it with a thoughtfully proportioned flat window that aligned with the home’s architectural language.
Coordination and Formal Approval
Our solution to the damaged window required coordination and formal approval from the Andover Historic Preservation Commission, reinforcing our experience working within historic guidelines in the Andover Historic District.
This project stands as one of our shining examples of kitchen remodels in Andover, MA. What was once a confined, disconnected space is now the center of this home, open, welcoming, and rooted in the architectural legacy of New England.
A Happy Client's Review
A picture is worth a thousand words, but we also appreciate a review. Take a look at what the homeowner had to say.
"Fantastic one-stop shop for home remodel and building needs. Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel was wonderful to work with and took the stress out of working directly with and setting up each vendor throughout the process. Top-notch and top-class building work and dedicated team members helped us through the project. They were very honest and up front about any bumps in the road we may encounter, and did everything they could to keep our project on track and of high quality. We are very pleased with the work, would highly recommend, and will work with this team again in the future."
Working with Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel
At Blackdog Design/Build/Remodel, projects like this are exactly why we’re honored to be one of the top kitchen remodelers in Andover, MA. The homes here are rich with history, architectural detail, and character. Every remodel we undertake is an opportunity to preserve that legacy while helping families live more comfortably and beautifully within their space.
Take a look at our portfolio, read over our process, and learn more with our cost guide to get started. A kitchen renovation in Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire is a great investment in your home and lifestyle.
Contact Us
Contact us today to learn more about kitchen remodeling and what we can do for you.
