A Kitchen With the Same Old Footprint, Bold New Design

"We knew we could increase the storage and go up a notch with high-performance appliances without incurring the cost of changing the footprint," says Nassetta, who also updated an adjoining walk-in pantry. Laurie had two ­requests: lots of red, and just enough of that 1980s brick to echo the ­fireplace in the adjacent family room. Armed with pillow fabric in Laurie's favorite shade, Nassetta worked with the cabinetmaker to create a custom barn red, then had it glazed and rubbed to give it a vintage look. Out went old oak boxes and appliances, and in came storage-filled maple cabinets, marble and walnut counters, recessed lights, and a cook's paradise of appliances including a refrigerator from Sub-Zero, a microwave from Sharp, and a coffee station from Miele. A downdraft vent that disappears behind the cooktop allows the remaining bit of brickwork to be a focal point—and a friendly nod to the past.