HOMES & GARDENS
Kitchens
MAY 2024
In a recent Homes & Gardens article titled "Arched kitchen cabinets are trending – this is why they're the perfect addition to a transitional kitchen," Jocelyn Chiappone, owner and head designer of Rhode Island-based Digs Design Co., showcases her innovative approach to kitchen design through the incorporation of arched cabinetry.
Chiappone masterfully implemented arched kitchen cabinets in the renovation of an 1864 historic home, transforming a dated 1980s-style galley kitchen into a functional and aesthetically pleasing cook's kitchen. She drew inspiration from an antique arched window hanging in the client's stairwell, aiming to integrate elements that felt authentic to the home's time period while providing modern functionality. The mirrored wooden cabinets flanking the range are reminiscent of an old English kitchen, blending contemporary light fixtures and a fresh color scheme to achieve a transitional style.
The glass arched doors serve as a focal point, adding a reflective element to the design. Chiappone enjoys breaking up the multitude of square-shaped items in a kitchen with arched elements, as cabinets, islands, and appliances are typically square or rectangular. An arched cabinet softens these hard edges and elevates the kitchen aesthetic beyond the purely functional.
Beyond their visual appeal, the expansive arched cabinets provide a display space for the homeowners' treasured porcelain collection, offering both admiration and safe storage. At night, the lit cabinets add a soft ambiance and expand the space within the kitchen. The cabinet doors, crafted in walnut, contrast beautifully against the lighter tones of the cabinetry, which were painted in Benjamin Moore's Coventry Grey, and are complemented by walnut shelving for a luxurious appeal.
Chiappone advises restraint in the use of arched cabinets, adhering to the "less is more" philosophy. She recommends limiting the number of arched cabinets to about two or four in a room to avoid a busy or distracting look, ensuring that the design remains elegant and impactful.
This project exemplifies Digs Design Co.'s ability to blend historical elements with modern design, creating spaces that are both functional and visually captivating. Chiappone's thoughtful integration of arched cabinetry not only enhances the kitchen's aesthetic but also pays homage to the home's architectural heritage, making it a standout feature on any press page highlighting her work.