A Peek into Linda Banks' Kitchen

Over a year ago I introduced you to one of my favorite Interior Designers, Linda Banks. Linda's work is probably not new to many of you as it has appeared in Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Renovation Style and Maine Home and Design. Shortly after the post, Linda contacted me and I was able to let her know directly how much I admire her work.

Linda provides her clients both architectural design and interior design services, a perfect blend to create breathtaking homes. She also has a wonderful store in Falmouth, Maine called Simply Home. So imagine my delight when a few months ago Linda contacted me and asked if she could send me some of the images of the new home she was building for herself in Maine. I was thrilled!

Over the next week I will show you the entire house, but today let's focus on the kitchen and the adjoining dining/sitting areas. Above is the kitchen - notice Linda's signature, classic coastal style.

I love her palest of blue cabinets that are made to look like free standing furniture. Notice the scalloped apron on the bottom and the legs. So charming!
Here is another closer view. I really adore windows above a sink and these make a real focal point. Notice the boxed out crown moulding above the windows, it frames the windows like furniture. Others might just put a straight line of moulding across the ceiling, but these small architectural details are what sets Linda Banks apart. A peek into the pantry. You know my obsession with pantries and it seems they are getting very popular these days.

Another notable detail is the backsplash of the sink. Notice the curved stone sides which give the sink area a built in old-fashioned look.

Again notice the the crown molding above each refrigerator and cabinet area. The symmetry of this space is very pleasing to me. The butcher block counters on either side of the stove are functional and beautiful. Note the scalloped apron side cabinets, which are fashioned to look more like furniture. I also like Linda's choice of muted blue subway tile.

Moving to the opposite view of the kitchen, we see the stairway to Linda's art studio/office loft.

A zinc desk! Isn't this an incredible find! Linda loves mixing vintage items, and an old favorite item that I have long coveted is her antique barber pole. I see she has moved it here from her mudroom/back entry of her old Iris Hill home.

This view is the breakfast area/keeping room; looking into the dining room. I love this open space. A perfect spot for cereal or in the winter venture over to the club chairs with your coffee and be warmed by the fire. The antique sign, muted chest and breakfast chairs add the perfect texture to the area.

The palette is soft and neutral with out being cold. Whites, blues and taupe's abound. It is important to also notice the scale of the items in the room. The over-sized antique sign and large andirons add drama to the both the walls and the fireplace.

The walls are what Banks calls "nickel beadboard" grooved so a nickel can slide along. This deeper more over-sized groove, as well as beefed up crown mouldings, give the home more substantial and an "older home" feeling. The blue ceilings, overall color scheme and accessories add a more contemporary edge.

The mix of the two creates a beautiful space. The flooring was stained dark, but light enough to let the grain of the wood show through.

The Dining Room is small, so Banks built in a unique buffet space. Anchored with interesting lighting and an antique map it becomes a wonderful focal point.

Banks' attention to detail does not only lie in her architecture. Notice the beautiful detailing on the dining room chairs above and brown welting on the chairs below.

Keep an eye out for the rest of this fabulous house!! Thanks for sharing it with us, Linda!