{"id":112490,"date":"2025-10-30T16:25:09","date_gmt":"2025-10-30T16:25:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/112490\/"},"modified":"2025-10-30T16:25:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T16:25:09","slug":"french-bistro-meets-new-england-in-this-kitchen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/112490\/","title":{"rendered":"French bistro meets New England in this kitchen"},"content":{"rendered":"

Emily Healy picks up a lot of design inspiration on her travels. That includes ideas for her own home, an 1830 Second Empire Victorian with a mansard roof in Melrose. A romantic stay at a chateau just outside Paris, for example, influenced her decision to add hardwood floors in a herringbone pattern in the kitchen\u2009\u2014\u2009rift- and quarter-sawn white oak, to be exact. \u201cParis is my favorite city outside of Boston,\u201d the designer and founder of Healy Interiors says. <\/p>\n

Her husband, Tyler, a cybersecurity specialist with a penchant for cooking, also appreciates good design. The kitchen\u2019s focal point was his must-have\u2009\u2014\u2009a glossy-black La Cornue range trimmed in polished brass. \u201cLa Cornue is definitely a splurge,\u201d Healy says. \u201cWe worked it into the budget at the beginning.\u201d Classic elements, such as the generously-sized hood, Carrara marble subway tile backsplash, and brass pot rail enhance the French flavor.<\/p>\n

Healy also leans into a regional aesthetic: She describes the scheme as Parisian bistro-meets-New England. While the perimeter cabinetry is painted Farrow & Ball\u2019s Slipper Satin, a chalky off-white, the island is painted Farrow & Ball\u2019s Studio Green, a deeply saturated shade that channels the feel of a Northeastern forest. \u201cI thought I might use this color everywhere, but realized I wanted some lightness around the edges,\u201d she says. The countertops are Wicked White quartzite with charcoal veining.<\/p>\n

The arched pocket door between the refrigerator and pantry cabinet\u2009\u2014\u2009leading to the laundry and powder rooms\u2009\u2014\u2009nods to the home\u2019s French-infused New England architecture. \u201cOur front door is arched,\u201d Healy says. \u201cI really wanted to bring that exterior detail inside.\u201d She arched the glass doors of the built-in bar cabinet, too. The bar, which replaced a built-in desk in an alcove opposite the pocket door, is painted the same dark green as the island. Here, however, Healy went a little lighter and a little more modern with skinny, herb-colored Fireclay Tiles stacked vertically, end-to-end.<\/p>\n

Like the interior of the bar cabinet, the ceiling in the eat-in area is lined in white oak. Although the skylight and popped-up ceiling were in place before the renovation, Healy added the naturally finished wood planks. The idea came when she gazed up during demolition and admired the bare wood framing. \u201cWe have a huge pine tree in the yard that\u2019s visible through the skylight above the bistro table,\u201d Healy explains. \u201cThe wood creates a little lodge moment when you look up.\u201d <\/p>\n

Resources<\/p>\n

Interior designer: Healy Interiors, healyinteriors.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Contractor: Don Foote Contracting, donfoote.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Cabinetmaker: New England Custom Cabinetry, necustomcabinetry.com<\/a><\/p>\n

More Photos <\/p>\n

\"WallBehind the range, classic Carrara marble subway tile feels both French and appropriate for New England. \u201cI love tile so I had a hard time choosing, but decided to go simple,\u201d Healy says.Joyelle WEst\"AThe bar cabinet\u2019s wood-lined interior and open shelves help tie together the floor and ceiling, while the burnished brass picture light adds French flair on the modern rosemary-colored backsplash.Joyelle WEst\"AThe couple contemplated buying a new breakfast table, but when they put their existing bistro table (above) and chairs back, they realized they were perfect. Behind it, a newly arched door to the laundry and powder rooms references the home\u2019s arched entry door.Joyelle WEst\"AThe team enclosed the small covered porch that leads to the driveway on the side of the home, just to the right of the sink. The space is painted in Farrow & Ball\u2019s Setting Plaster, which Healy considers a cheerful hello. The couple\u2019s dog appreciates the heated slate floor tiles in wintertime. \u201cIt helps melt the snowballs between his paws,\u201d the designer says. The round hooks are from Rejuvenation and the ceiling light is from Arhaus.Joyelle WEst<\/p>\n

Marni Elyse Katz is a contributing editor to the Globe Magazine. Follow her on Instagram @StyleCarrot<\/a>. Send comments to magazine@globe.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n