Since its establishment in 1950, Capitol Kitchen and Bath of Albany, New York, has built a reputation as a trusted resource for building products and design services. The role of designers has grown significantly for the company in recent years as many homeowners look to renovate homes that are on average 50 years old. “These are my favorite kinds of projects,” said Billie Boucher, a designer with Capitol Kitchen and Bath, “I love reimagining how space in the home can be used so it works for modern families.”
From Cramped to Custom: A Kitchen Reimagined
Billie works closely with her clients to understand not only their immediate needs but also how the space will be used in the future. For this featured project, Billie helped transform a once-cramped kitchen into a functional and welcoming space for a family with two young children. Billie created an open-concept hub designed for connection and growth. “The clients [wanted] to open up their space,” Billie explains. “By removing the wall between the dining room and kitchen, eliminating the peninsula, and cutting back another wall the peninsula was built off, we were able to create the large island they craved—and even build a banquette into the old breakfast nook.”
When renovating an older home, it’s not uncommon to have some surprises along the way. On this project the surprise was finding mechanicals hiding in the wall. Fortunately, Billie’s trusted team was able to address the issue and keep the project on track. “Having an amazing contractor who can overcome anything that pops up is essential.”
Hardware That Elevates and Endures
Billie’s goals for this project went beyond improving functionality and maximizing the space: “I am inspired by color, so I look for ways to incorporate something unexpected in the countertop, island, or backsplash color to keep things fresh and personalized.” In this featured project, Billie selected a combination of natural wood stain, white and blue painted cabinetry, complemented by different backsplash designs. To complete the look, Billie turned to the Jeffrey Alexander brand for its versatility and timeless appeal. “Jeffrey Alexander has a style to fit any design and taste,” she says. “The finishes and styles offered make it easy to find just the right piece for any cabinet color.”
For this tri-color kitchen, Billie selected the Sutton pull in Brushed Gold, opting for varying sizes based on cabinet placement. She also used the Elara pull on the banquette drawers, where a subtler touch was needed. Billie’s advice for choosing the perfect hardware is to treat it as an accessory that reflects a unique point of view. “Treat it like jewelry—it can be as flashy or subdued as you like. Start with your cabinet door style, then look at the faucet for shape inspiration.”
Shared Vision
Billie believes that listening to homeowners and understanding how they want to live in their homes now and in the future is key to designing spaces they will love. Whether it’s a pop of personality in the backsplash or a unique finish on the cabinetry knobs or pulls, Billie’s goal is to create personalized spaces her clients to gather and enjoy time with family and friends. “That’s why I do what I do.”
Discover more of Billie Boucher’s work:
www.capitolkitchensandbaths.com
Instagram: @capitolkitchensandbaths
Facebook: /Capitolkitchensandbaths
📸 Photo credit: Olivia Nadel Photography