Sierra Gitlin has transformed the kitchen in her historic Newburyport home, replacing the worn, dirt-brown space with a striking design that reflects both the character of her 1890 Queen Anne Victorian and her personal aesthetic. The remodeled kitchen, completed recently, employs deep burgundy cabinetry paired with contrasting finishes to create a room that is both dramatic and cohesive with the home’s architectural style.

Gitlin, an empty nester with a background in art, history, and theater, sought a kitchen that would be more than utilitarian. “My style is dark and moody,” she explained, expressing a desire for a space that would appeal to the senses rather than feel sterile. Working with designer Kate Daskalakis, Gitlin initially explored a range of colors including blues, greens, and plums before settling on Farrow & Ball’s Preference Red, a rich burgundy reminiscent of ruby.

Rather than saturate the entire space in this bold hue, the design team opted for a balanced approach. The perimeter cabinetry is painted in the deep red, complemented by dark soapstone countertops and a striking soapstone slab installed behind a black and brass La Cornue range. Unlacquered brass hardware added a warm, aged glow, while bright white walls and a muted beige-pink ceiling help soften the room’s overall intensity.

Functionality was also a priority. The kitchen incorporates an enlarged, dark-stained oak island with turned legs and a curved apron that flows over aluminum Windsor stools. The island features a Carrara marble top with an ogee edge, chosen to brighten the center of the room and provide an Old World texture. To address storage concerns, three drawers were integrated on the island’s reverse side, merging practicality with aesthetic appeal.

Additional storage and display space comes from a hutch painted in Farrow & Ball’s London Stone, situated near the back door. Its antique-style detailing and nickel hardware contrast intentionally with the brass fixtures on the red cabinetry, lending a layered, collected-over-time effect. Soft floral curtains on the glass doors further contribute to an English cottage ambiance.

Subway tile covers approximately two-thirds of the kitchen’s walls, capped with milky brown trim to add visual interest and texture. A narrow fluted console table, sourced from an Etsy artisan in Poland, sits behind the island and serves as a vignette for some of Gitlin’s personal treasures. Above it, paintings by local artists are displayed on a rod and chain system that echoes Victorian design elements.

The redesigned kitchen not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the 1890 home but has also encouraged Gitlin to cook more often and host fundraisers for local cultural organizations. She describes the outcome as a personal and sensory success, noting that each time she enters the room, she feels a renewed sense of delight.