NEST 2020 | Page 42

KITCHEN & BATH Water View for Two When a Boston-based couple bought a run-down Portsmouth home, the top priority was opening up sightlines to a wide expanse of the Sakonnet River. BY D IANE M . S TERRET T | PHOTO GR APHY BY EL AINE F REDRI CK The seventies-era wood-paneled bachelor pad was in dire need of a full renovation that would maximize stunning water views that were previously hidden. Homeowners Peter and Becca also wanted to reimagine the space for entertaining, with a good flow out to the patio and pool since they love to cook for family and friends. They chose RI Kitchen and Bath Design and Build [RIKB] to guide them through the process. First order of business was gutting the first floor to open up walls and installing a twenty-five-foot steel beam. Next, they reframed the sunken three-season room, removed headers, raised the floor and incorporated it into an open concept living room. They removed leaking skylights, installed energy-efficient floor-to-ceiling windows, removed the old fireplace and installed a new modern gas fireplace surrounded by custom cabinetry. “A lot of people think we just do kitchens and baths, but we are a full- service remodeling company, which is ultimately why the homeowners chose us,” says Billie Senzek, Design Consultant at RIKB. “Since it’s their second home and they wouldn’t be here during the project, they wanted someone they could trust to handle all the moving parts of a really complex project.” Top-end appliances, copious storage and stunning design make this Portsmouth kitchen a dream to work in. RIKB’s full renovation resulted in open concept living that took full advantage of the water views. 40    RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY’S NEST | 2020