October 2009: Kitchen Designer’s Work, from Downeast Kitchens, Featured in National Publication
BRUNSWICK, MAINE, October 30, 2009 –The work of Certified Kitchen Designer Carol Bartlett of Downeast Kitchens in Brunswick is featured in a six-page spread for the November/December 2009 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publication, Kitchen and Bath Ideas. Carol worked with Abby and Jeff Diggins of Yarmouth to help design a more spacious and functional kitchen to replace the family’s cramped kitchen and tight dining area in their colonial style home. She worked closely with renovation specialist Michael Wilbur of Wilbur Ledge Builders to re-design the space. To accommodate the client’s needs, Michael began the project by adding a 15 x 17 foot kitchen addition angling off an expanded family room. His design allowed for the removal of a wall that previously separated the kitchen and dining areas. This expanded the dining room into the old kitchen area to encourage flow and movement of larger groups.. In the article, Michael explains: “Our goal was to make the kitchen and dining area as seamless as possible,” Wilbur says. “We wanted the home to feel like a farmhouse that had evolved over time.” Carol stepped in to help plan the placement and design of cabinetry and appliances. Her design focused around a key element, the hexagonal island in the kitchen. “The island is very important because it is very accessible, which is great for entertaining,” Carol said. “Guests can gather at the island, outside the main working area and the island also has a lot of functional storage space.” The island is topped with African granite which contrasts with the black granite of the countertops. “There is a quiet elegance about this kitchen,” added Bartlett. “This was a fun project and I am thrilled to see our work in a national publication,” added Carol Bartlett of Downeast Kitchens. “Collaborating with a great builder such as Michael Wilbur to turn a family’s dream kitchen into a reality is really what makes my job worthwhile.” The home owners couldn’t agree more: “Carol and Michael worked so well together, and we are thrilled with the design and quality of the new space.” Carol Bartlett has been with Downeast for 24 years. The Magazine will be out on newsstands in November. About Downeast Energy & Building Supply Downeast Energy and Building Supply has 13 offices in southern and central Maine and Dover, NH, and a building supply store and lumber yard in Brunswick, ME. For more information, please visit www.downeastenergy.com.