There’s something special about giving new life to a historic home— especially one with as much character as this colonial farmhouse in Charlotte, Vermont. Nestled in the "ell" of the home, the kitchen at Church Hill had good bones but needed a refresh to better suit its current owners’ lifestyle. Take a look at the “before” photos below to see just how far this space has come.
Built in the late 1800s or early 1900s, the home’s kitchen was ready for a thoughtful update— something that would brighten the space and improve the layout but still honor the home’s farmhouse charm. The homeowners came to Jenny and Randy at Dovetail Designs looking for a kitchen that felt open, airy, and ready for entertaining.
Together, they worked with Jenny to reimagine the space with both form and function in mind. One major shift was shortening the windows over the sink to add privacy without sacrificing on natural light. On the opposite wall, floor-to-ceiling glass now looks out over the backyard—a decision that, as Jenny puts it, “really brings the outdoors in.”
Because of the room’s generous footprint, they opted for two islands—one for prep, the other for seating. This design allows for casual breakfasts and large gatherings alike, a perfect fit for owners who love to host.
Inset cabinetry was the clear choice for this renovation—its clean lines and classic craftsmanship are a natural complement to the home’s colonial architecture. Jenny collaborated closely with the homeowners to land on the perfect color palette and gold hardware, blending tradition with a more streamlined, modern style.
“It still looks like a farmhouse kitchen,” she says, “but a little more streamlined.”
The project took about four months from start to finish, with every detail thoughtfully considered. For Jenny, the collaborative process is just as important as the finished product. “I love working closely with clients to bring their vision to life,” she says.
Now, the Church Hill kitchen is ready for many more years of everyday meals, special occasions, and Vermont seasons. It’s the kind of space that honors the past while feeling fully rooted in the present— a reflection of the people who call it home.
If this kind of collaborative approach to kitchen design interests you, feel free to get in touch with the team at Dovetail Designs to learn more about working together.