East Coast Home + Design
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The award winning JMKA | Architects is known in
Fairfield County as a firm that integrates cli-
ent’s needs and visions within a budget. That
is one of the reasons why homeowners in West-
port,CT called on them to re-do their 1950’s home
that had several additions over the years.
Jeff Kaufman went right to work trying to convey a Farmhouse
feel with an attention to detail using reclaimed barn beams. The
beams were used in the kitchen and butlers pantry, creating a con-
tinual flow. The entry way from the kitchen to the family room
was made larger with the use of the beams that frame the pas-
sageway. As Kaufman stated “The clients were very important to
the design of the project – we, as architects, have a responsibility
to educate our clients throughout the process. When the project
is complete – the client has a very good understanding of what it
will look like and deserves to take some ownership of the final
product.”
The project included a new kitchen layout, a new butlers pantry,
a redesign of the family room with a new screened in porch which in-
cludes 12-foot glass wall that opens. The homeowners requested
that the loft space be used as an”office” for their daughter and a
separate media area.
The Kitchen is totally transformed from dark and dated to a rus-
tic chic farmhouse feel, gone are the dated tiles and passe cabi-
nets. It exudes lightness and subtle tiles and marble work in
a seamless way. As Kaufman said “My inspiration comes from
the materials I choose to work with,the natural environment,
my travel experiences in different countries and the space where the project
will be built- how far can I push the envelope? What other materials can
accomplish the same result and how to maximize the project within the surroundings.
I rely on historical precedent, not magazines. I am intrigued by mixing the old with the new.”
The Fireplace seems to act as a pivotal part of the room, with the use of robust stones.
The new windows now frame the fireplace adding a touch of lightness to the
room. The beautiful light fixture also achieves this and makes great use of the
ceiling’s high arch. The large matching lamps sit a top a sofa table and go
perfectly with the rooms large scale. JMKA | Architects and Jeff Kaufman did
a fabulous job and now we can all tell why they are an award winning firm.