myFORMKitchen

A Modern Kitchen for a New England Ski Retreat

Discover how Tiffany Lund transformed her vacation home in New England with a modern, highly functional kitchen designed with FORM Kitchens.

Kristen Davis

September 20, 2024

Modern, open-concept kitchen, large windows, and a sleek, black-and-oak kitchen island. The space features two large, black pendant lights and a black Smeg refrigerator, framed by natural wood accents and surrounded by ample natural light from the surrounding forest.

Tiffany Lund and her family wanted more than just a place to unwind—they needed a space that embraced nature while catering to their family’s unique accessibility requirements. Nestled in New Hampshire, their new vacation home had to strike the perfect balance between modern design and practical, functional living.

The Lund family prioritized open spaces, single-floor living, and thoughtful layout choices that would comfortably accommodate their son, who uses a wheelchair. Building from scratch gave them the flexibility to design a home that truly fitted their needs. Keep reading to discover how Bianca at FORM Kitchens worked closely with Tiffany to bring this vision to life.

The kitchen, a centerpiece of the home, reflects modern style without compromising on the essential accessibility features that the family needed. It’s a space designed to be beautiful, hardworking and easy to care for.

Highlights:

-Location: New Hampshire
- Cabinet Finishes: Graphite and Oak Montreal Reproduction
- A rentable ‘lock and leave’ home

Modern, open-concept kitchen with high ceilings, large windows, and a sleek, black-and-oak kitchen island. The space features two large, black pendant lights and a black Smeg refrigerator, framed by natural wood accents and surrounded by ample natural light from the surrounding forest.

Finding FORM

Tiffany's search for a kitchen began where many of us start—online. FORM Kitchens stood out with its sleek, modern designs and highly personalized storage features. What sealed the deal was FORM’s design process, which allowed Tiffany to work online and visualize her kitchen through detailed renderings. She could see exactly how each choice—whether it was the placement of cabinets or the finishes—would come together to create the cohesive look she desired.

Highlights:

- Discovered FORM while searching for modern kitchens
- Impressed by the high-quality, personalized options on offer
- Used FORM’s 3D visuals to refine her vision with confidence

“FORM just looked so much better than what I was seeing elsewhere”

Close-up view of a modern kitchen with sleek graphite black cabinets, an induction cooktop, and a black Smeg refrigerator. The kitchen features oak open shelves, a wooden range hood, and a clean, minimalist backsplash. Knives, utensils, and a toaster are neatly organized on the countertop.

From the Ground Up

Building from the ground up gave Tiffany the opportunity to focus on the specific needs of her family. The kitchen had to be practical and personalized, with wide aisles for easy wheelchair movement, a dedicated smoothie station and accessible low level cabinetry for dishware and a microwave. Working with FORM’s designer, Bianca, Tiffany was able to create a kitchen that balanced these functional needs with bold, modern aesthetics. The result? A large island that serves as both a focal point and a practical space for meal prep.

Highlights:

- Wide aisles for smooth wheelchair accessibility
- Clever zoning for good flow and easy access to frequently used items
- A modern layout that maximizes storage without crowding the space

"We wanted a space that worked for our family, without sacrificing style."

Wide-angle view of a modern, open-concept kitchen with high ceilings, large windows, and a black-and-oak kitchen island. The space features two large black pendant lights, a loft area above, and a black Smeg refrigerator. Natural wood tones and bright light create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Design that Makes a Statement

Tiffany envisioned a kitchen that had contrast. After much consideration, she opted for graphite black cabinets paired with oak Montreal reproduction finishes to provide warmth and depth to the scheme.. Initially, she planned for oak accents on the island, but after reflecting on the design, she decided on an all-black island for a more dramatic and cohesive look. Bianca worked closely with Tiffany throughout the design process, helping her refine these choices to ensure the final design struck the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Highlights:

- Graphite black cabinets paired with warm oak reproduction finishes
- An all-black island that creates a bold, cohesive focal point
- A thoughtful design collaboration with FORM’s expert team

"The all-black island brings a bold, modern look to the space."

Close-up of a modern kitchen island with sleek black cabinetry, a stainless-steel dishwasher, and a white countertop. The island includes a built-in microwave and a towel hanging from the dishwasher handle. The open-concept space features large windows and light wood flooring.

Reflecting on the Build

After years of planning and some delays, Tiffany’s family has moved into their New England ski retreat. The kitchen, now the heart of their home, combines sleek design with thoughtful functionality. Challenges like switching from a waterfall countertop to panels paid off, resulting in a bold, efficient space with graphite black cabinets and oak finishes. When the family isn’t enjoying it, this thoughtfully designed retreat is the perfect rental for guests looking for a stylish and accessible getaway.

It’s been a pleasure working with Tiffany and her family to bring their vision to life. Their modern, accessible kitchen is ready for family gatherings, winter nights, and even for guests looking for a fine place to stay during their summer escapes.

Images: Tiffany Lund

Top-down view of a modern kitchen island with a white countertop and black cabinetry, featuring a built-in sink, microwave, and dishwasher. The island overlooks a large dining area with a wooden table and green sofa. Large windows provide a view of the surrounding forest, bringing in natural light.

FAQs

Why did Tiffany choose FORM Kitchens over other cabinet providers?

Tiffany chose FORM Kitchens because their modern cabinets looked superior to other options she considered, including those from IKEA. The quality of FORM Kitchens' cabinets, particularly their surface treatment, impressed her, and they offered a price point that was competitive.

Can I see FORM Kitchens' cabinets in person?

Yes, FORM Kitchens has showrooms in New York, San Francisco, and Denver. You can start with a free 1:1 consultation with one of their Studio managers - online or in-person.

How can I start my own kitchen renovation journey with FORM Kitchens?

To begin your own kitchen renovation journey, visit the FORM Kitchens website and book a free consultation. Their expert designers will guide you through the process, from initial design to final installation, ensuring your kitchen meets all your functional and aesthetic needs.