When designing a kitchen, our primary goal is to create a space that works seamlessly with the everyday lives of our clients.

For this Williston, Vermont home, the homeowners came in with a clear vision: a modern farmhouse kitchen that felt warm, functional, and designed for the way they cook, gather, and host.

The Starting Point

The original kitchen had strong bones, but didn’t fully support the homeowners’ lifestyle. With a family of six and a love of cooking, often with two or more cooks in the kitchen at the same time, the space needed to evolve into something more thoughtful and efficient.

One of the biggest priorities? Making room for multiple cooks without getting in each other’s way, a full-sized pantry, and a baking center that supports the creation of pasta dishes from scratch. 

Design Goals from Day One

From the initial planning notes, a few key requests from the clients guided Jenny’s design: 

  • A modern farmhouse style with clean lines and warmth

  • A color palette rooted in blues, greens, and gold accents in the hardware

  • A layout that supports 2 to 3 cooks working simultaneously

  • Intentional work zones for baking, prep, and everyday cooking

  • A dedicated coffee bar 

  • Smart storage for everything, from cast iron to full dish sets

Materials & Style: Modern Farmhouse, Refined

The finished space leans into a modern farmhouse look that’s right at home here in Vermont, but with a tailored, elevated feel. Jenny utilized the following elements to create the modern farmhouse feel: 

Inset Cabinetry + Full-Height Storage

  • Inset cabinet doors add a timeless, furniture-like quality

  • Cabinets extend to the 9’ ceiling, maximizing storage and visual height 

Warm Wood + Painted Finishes

  • Red oak with a darker stain grounds the space

  • Painted elements in soft blues and greens keep things fresh and light

Mixed Materials for Texture

  • A layered backsplash brings in visual interest

  • Wood accents balance the more refined finishes

Storage That Actually Makes Sense

Beyond style, storage was a huge focus for these clients. Jenny made sure to include enough cabinet space for: 

  • Two full sets of dishes

  • Heavy-duty drawers designed to hold cast iron (up to ~150 lbs)

  • Thoughtful placement based on how the homeowners move through the kitchen

Even small details, like designing around the fact that both homeowners are right-handed, helped fine-tune the layout. 

The Final Result!

The final kitchen design feels open and warm, supporting everything from weekday meals to hosting family and friends. And most importantly, it reflects how the homeowners actually live.

Thinking About Your Own Kitchen Project?

At Dovetail Designs, every kitchen starts with how you live, not just how you want it to look.

From layout to materials to the smallest functional details, we design spaces that feel intuitive, personal, and built to last.

Reading to start your own project? Get in touch with Jenny and Randy below.