AGE-IN-PLACE KITCHEN/BATH BUMO-OUT IN HISTORIC NEWTON, MA

This thoughtful kitchen remodel in Newton MA was designed to support the aging-in-place needs of homeowners who have lived in their home for over 50 years. The renovation prioritized accessibility, durability, and energy-efficiency, transforming the 150-year-old home to support comfortable, one-level living. A modest one-story rear addition created space for a new accessible kitchen, bathroom, and laundry while greatly improving circulation throughout the ground floor level.

Inspired by the homeowners’ love of gardening, birdwatching, and art, the kitchen design establishes strong visual connections to the outdoors and clearly defined zones for cooking, cleaning, and dining. Rather than a standard raised island, a lowered cherrywood work surface accommodates their beloved “Lowboy” stools, incorporates an heirloom beadboard, and supports their specific baking needs. Its distinctive shape responds to both circulation patterns and functional requirements.

Accessibility was further improved through widened doorways, a new cased opening between the kitchen and living room, and direct access to the garden.

The new kitchen addition also delivers a high-performance building envelope with robust thermal insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors, and all-electric systems including an induction range, air-source heat pumps, ventless heat-pump dryer, high-efficiency washer, and tankless water heater. All fixtures and finishes were carefully selected for performance, durability, and long-term accessibility.

This kitchen remodel ensures the longtime homeowners can continue living safely and comfortably in their cherished historic home, enjoying their many interests and hobbies with ease for decades to come.

Builder: Columbia Contracting

Photography: Jane Messinger