TRADITIONAL HOME
Time Traveler
SPRING 2021
In the Spring 2021 issue of Traditional Home, interior designer Jocelyn Chiappone, founder of Digs Design Company, is celebrated for her transformative renovation of a historic Providence, Rhode Island, kitchen. Collaborating with homeowners Dan Parent and Debra Halpin, Chiappone adeptly merged modern functionality with the home's rich history.
The homeowners desired a kitchen that would serve as a central gathering space. Chiappone addressed this by removing a wall between the kitchen and the former dining room, now a sitting area, and repurposing space from a pantry and powder room. This reconfiguration resulted in an expansive entertaining hub anchored by a walnut island topped with honed Danby marble. Chiappone notes, "We wanted the kitchen to be a place where people can gather."
The design features a cooking zone equipped with professional-grade appliances, a spacious farmhouse sink, and cabinetry offering ample storage. A custom mosaic backsplash of Calacatta and Thassos marble tiles complements durable quartz countertops. Brass elements, including a vent hood with brass banding and a brass-and-wood Herbeau faucet, add a touch of elegance. Chiappone remarks, "The Lucite and brass elements lend to sophistication and seduction, as if you were in a posh European bar."
Preserving the home's historical charm, the design incorporates an arched window and glass-front display cabinets inspired by the home's original details. Chiappone reflects, "We love the nod to the old and new." The project exemplifies a harmonious blend of historical appeal and modern amenities, achieving "the best of both worlds."