Canton Project

When Marianne and Paul Sullivan tapped Susan Hayward Interiors to remodel their traditional New England home in Canton, MA, the design team sought to provide guidance and expertise in creating a classic aesthetic that sparks feelings of nostalgia, while utilizing high-end, cutting-edge materials and appliances. Originally built in 1995 as a colonial-style home, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom, 5,200-square-foot home is centered around the kitchen, where the home chefs experiment and entertain. After a year-long renovation with starts and stops due to the pandemic, Susan Hayward Interiors achieved a modern and cohesive first floor through the renovation of the kitchen, wine room, office, and breakfast nook.

Located in the rear of the house with views of the beautiful yard, the crown jewel of the home is the immaculate kitchen, which was designed collaboratively by Susan Hayward Interiors, DeMello Custom Builders, and Paul Sullivan, an avid home chef. When entering the expansive kitchen, the eye is immediately drawn to the custom walnut and quartzite double islands, respectively intended for simultaneous preparation and entertaining. The space feels airy and light, yet has a polished, traditional allure with walnut wood floors and ceiling beams, a classic tiled backsplash, and elegant floral window shades. The floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry features delicate molding that is mimicked on the base of the kitchen islands, creating a seamless, cohesive design. In addition to the countertops, custom cabinetry by DJ deMello Custom Building, five custom ovens by Thermador, and a mosaic marble tile backsplash were implemented to tailor each facet of the space to the needs of the homeowners. Even a custom built-in doghouse was included for the four-legged member of the family to join in any gatherings. The blue and green patterned valances were selected to bring color to the room without limiting the brightness in the space, and a copper farmhouse sink from Native Trails adds a metallic contrast to the light, neutral colors of the countertops and cabinets. To further incorporate Marianne’s personal touch and create a nostalgic, meaningful atmosphere, the fabric chosen for the window coverings has a small butterfly pattern, which honors her grandmother who included butterflies on all of her belongings. Paul, a passionate chef, helped design most of the kitchen layout to suit his needs, and even included an entirely custom, pull-out stainless steel landing space next to the ovens to place hot food. He also decided to mount a TV on the back wall of the kitchen, next to his cooking prep station, to watch the news while cooking.

Located on opposite ends of the kitchen, and design spectrum, are the secluded wine room and the warm and cozy breakfast nook. Natural light pours into the breakfast nook from the surrounding windows and creates a bright and inviting atmosphere to the intimate setting for smaller family meals. The custom built-in cabinets and vertical wood-paneled banquette by DJ deMello Custom Building create a seamless transition between the kitchen and the breakfast nook. The breakfast nook is further differentiated from the kitchen through the expert use of a Thibaut grasscloth wallcovering which provides the space with texture. The wallpaper features a leaf motif that connects the space to the outdoors and reflects the light that shines in through the double oversized windows on the back wall. A pendant light from Ralph Lauren for Visual Comfort stands out above the table, adding an industrial and modern touch to the simple and inviting breakfast nook.

On the opposite end of the kitchen, the wine cellar stands in stately contrast, with dark wood and nautical accents that achieve the designer’s goal of creating a “porthole” experience in the space. To transform the space that originally appeared as an external porch, flooded with light, the design team removed all external window frames and lighting to create an intimate and moody wine room. They added custom cork wallpaper by Candice Olsen for York Wallcoverings and beautiful Thomas O'Brien porthole-style lights from Visual Comfort as an additional nautical detail. The warmth of the muted cove lighting produces an amber glow as it reflects off the custom woodworking by DJ deMello Custom Building, which is interrupted only by a sliver of exposed brick, acting as a beautiful textural juxtaposition to the smooth wooden surfaces that make up the rest of the space.

Located in the front of the home is the study, where a feminine touch is balanced with traditional millwork that parallels the kitchen and other surrounding rooms. To maintain the home’s traditional style, Susan Hayward Interiors included custom walnut bookcases and timeless pieces such as AERIN wall panels and traditional Arhaus lighting to help define the style of the space. The custom walnut bookcases and desk by DJ deMello Custom Building not only complement the modern kitchen but create a nostalgic and old-world feel that is distinct to this room. Marianne's existing photo of Marilyn Monroe was included in the updated design to further highlight the feminine and classic aesthetic. Nestled in the corner, an armchair upholstered with custom Kravet fabric provides a cozy spot to warm up by the fire and elevates the room from a home office to an elegant study.