For the kitchen finishes, we chose materials for durability and timeless appearance. A super-contemporary look, we felt, would be contrary to the style of the house. With Nancy’s help, we picked Shaker-style cabinets in a rich, dark shade of blue. I wanted marble countertops, but with two small kids and a dog, they weren’t practical. The quartz countertop material we chose resists anything we throw at it.

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