In the bay, by the lake
This 12-ft. by 11-ft. dining bay in a classic shingle-style cottage is located just steps from the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain. The bay’s almost floor-to-ceiling six-over-one windows represent a classic window style found in area cottages and “great camps” built in the 1890s to 1930s. Devoid of window treatments, they provide unobstructed panoramas of the lake. The ceiling is 1-in. by 4-in. beaded-edge poplar painted with six coats of light-blue enamel. The white-oak floors are stained with Southerland Welles polymerized tung oil. The custom light fixture over the table was designed by Milford Cushman and fabricated by Steve Conant.
It’s all about family.
Whether used for eating breakfast, doing homework, playing games, or enjoying coffee and the newspaper, this nook is the perfect spot. For maximum comfort, the banquette inside this bay window has a 1-1⁄2-in. subcushion underneath the 3-in.-thick seat cushions. Careful consideration was given not only to the height of the seats but also to the height of the gently sloped back cushions. A shelf behind the banquette back provides a transition to the windowsill as well as a space for the HVAC grates and the window shades when lowered. Pullout drawers in the banquette base offer additional storage.
Architect Jan Gleysteen, Jan Gleysteen Architects, Wellesley, Mass.; jangleysteeninc.com
Builder Kistler & Knapp Builders, Acton, Mass.; kistlerandknapp.com
Interior designer Mollie Johnson, Mollie Johnson Interiors, Wellesley, Mass.; molliejohnsoninteriors.com
Photograph Richard Mandelkorn, rsmphoto.com
A new bay for a historic house
A 4-ft.-deep, 9-1/2-ft.-wide, and 9-ft.-high custom bay window allowed for the addition of a breakfast area overlooking the rear patio of a row house built around 1900. The new bay is supported by metal brackets anchored to the existing masonry wall. Securing the bay back to the wall and making it as light and transparent as possible was a key aspect of getting the necessary approvals from the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Portions of the ceiling were left open to expose the original brick and beams. The table was made from a salvaged farm tabletop fitted with a new custom base. The Tobias chairs are from Ikea. The flooring is red oak.
Architect Rasmussen/Su, Philadelphia, rasmussen-su.com
Builder Hanson General Contracting, Philadelphia, hgcinc.biz
Bay-window and table design and fabrication Bill Curran Design, Philadelphia, billcurrandesign.com
Photographs Jeffrey Totaro, jeffreytotaro.com
More windows, more light
The 5-ft. by 10-ft. breakfast bay in this traditional-style New England home was given a makeover as part of a kitchen renovation. To bring in more natural light, transom windows were added over the existing six-over-six double-hung windows. For each bench seat, the architects designed open backrests angled for comfort and positioned at a height that provides support while preserving window views. Seat tops are hinged to access a storage area. Norman Cherner molded-plywood armchairs provide additional seating around the Eero Saarinen tulip dining table with its Arabescato marble top. The Saucer Criss Cross pendant lamp is by George Nelson. The plain-sawn white-oak floors are stained with Duraseal in Ebony.
Architect Douglas Dick (principal) and Carter Williams (project architect), LDa Architecture & Interiors, Cambridge, Mass.; lda-architects.com
Builder Michael Handrahan Remodeling, Hingham, Mass.; handrahanremodeling.com
Photograph Sean Litchfield Photography, seanlitchfield.com
Cozy in Vermont
No matter what the weather, a great start to the day is guaranteed when sitting inside this comfy breakfast bay adjacent to a gas fireplace. But mornings are not the only time this welcoming spot is put to good use. It’s also a favorite place for homework and casual dinners. The custom table is topped with walnut to complement the walnut floors. The custom cabinetry is painted poplar, and the countertops are Carrara marble. The hand-blown light fixture is Niche Modern’s Bell Jar.
Architect Michael Minadeo, Minadeo & Partners, Essex Junction, Vt.; minadeopartners.com
Builder Bickford Construction, Williston, Vt.
Cabinetry Simpson Cabinetry, South Burlington, Vt.; simpsoncabinetry.com
Color and hardscape consultation; bench and table design Page Frantz, Page Frantz Color & Design Consulting, pagefrantz.com
Interior designer Michelle Holland, Michelle Holland Interiors, Shelburne, Vt.; michellehollandinteriors.com
Photograph Susan Teare, susanteare.com
Sunlight and water views
While designed to fit in with the antique architecture in its neighborhood, this cottage was in fact built just a few years ago. A dining area with views of the harbor beyond was designed to feel like a porch that had been enclosed and repurposed over time. The wood in the ceiling detail is cypress and was sourced from recycled beer barrels at a local brewery.
Architect Mark Hutker (principal), Hutker Architects, Falmouth, Mass.; hutkerarchitects.com
Builder Leo De Sorcy, De Sorcy Company, Vineyard Haven, Mass.
Photograph Brian Vanden Brink, brianvandenbrink.com
Functional—and fun
This kitchen nook bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary styles. Unique double molding at the ceiling echoes detailing on the home’s gambrel exterior, while furnishings and accents introduce clean, more contemporary elements. The wood used for the floors and the custom dining table is 5-in. quartersawn oak, a material prized for its consistent, linear grain. The inviting banquette seating is comfortable and functional. Aesthetically, it serves as a framed aperture for enjoying water views from the kitchen.
Architect Matt Schiffer (associate), Hutker Architects, Falmouth, Mass.; hutkerarchitects.com
Builder C.H. Newton Builders, West Falmouth, Mass.; chnewton.com
Interior designer Hutker Architects
Photograph Brian Vanden Brink, brianvandenbrink.com
