A ‘60s East Hampton Kitchen Reaches New Heights
The new cathedral-style ceiling elevates the classically designed space
Project: A 1960s East Hampton kitchen renovation
Before: Ann was looking for a contractor for over two years to renovate the kitchen in her East Hampton, New York, home. She just couldn’t find the right fit—price-or-quality-wise. Her dark and dated kitchen, in a one-story house built in 1964, had a faux brick backsplash and the original cabinetry. It just wasn’t cutting it for Ann, a big entertainer, with lots of family members who love to come over and cook. However, after finding Sweeten and reading other renovation stories on the blog, she made a move and posted her kitchen renovation project. She matched with an East Hampton contractor who’d help turn the old-fashioned kitchen into host-worthy space.
Sweeten brings homeowners an exceptional renovation experience by personally matching trusted general contractors to your project, while offering expert guidance and support—at no cost to you. 
After: Ann worked with her Sweeten general contractor and architect Daniel Gomes to reimagine the room. Daniel drew up the plans for an open kitchen, including removing the wall between the dining area and cook space and lifting the ceiling to a cathedral style (which was the contractor’s suggestion). Fortunately, those changes had a dramatic effect on the brightness and size of the room.
Renovate to live, Sweeten to thrive!
The homeowner wanted a very timeless aesthetic. Flat-paneled white cabinets set the foundation for the classic look, complemented by white, taupe, and black granite countertops and gold cabinet hardware. Lighting above the island and the black-and-gold sink faucet echo the metallic hardware, tying it all together.
As a first-time renovator, Ann was happy to have Sweeten Client Services available throughout the project. “It was great to know somebody was there for you,” she shared. She also had a great time working with her contractor, who encouraged her to take time picking out the materials. Above all, he told her to not rush it—a renovation is not something that’s done every day.
Patience was Ann’s main focus from the very start, since she waited to find a contractor she felt confident in. The homeowner suggests that future renovators do the same: shop around, speak with as many people as you can, and do research. This isn’t a process worth speeding through!
Ultimately, her fortitude paid off: “I just love having the open space, where everyone can sit and hang out together,” Ann said.
Bonus: The kitchen island is packed with storage, including a beverage cooler for wine, soda, and water. [Find out more about other perks of kitchen islands from this Real Simple article.]
Thank you, Ann, for sharing your East Hampton kitchen renovation story with us!
Style finds: Kitchen island pendants: Build.com. Kitchen cabinets: Forever Kitchen and Bath. Gold-tone cabinet hardware and mosaic backsplash: Art3d. Granite countertops: MSI.
—
This is how much it costs per square foot to renovate in the Hamptons.
Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.
