Timeless Charm With A View: A Sterling Kitchen Redesign That Balances Beauty & Function

Joshua Allen Design Team
Jun 25
3 min read

Nestled at the top of one of the highest hills in Sterling, Massachusetts, this home boasts breathtaking views and a yard made for memory-making. Our clients had lived in the home for several years and came to Joshua Allen Design ready to transform their kitchen—and in turn, their entire main floor—to better serve their everyday routines and frequent entertaining.

What they needed was more than just a kitchen update. They needed a full reimagining of their space—one that brought flow, function, and timeless beauty to the forefront.

The Vision

The kitchen wasn’t just a kitchen. It acted as a main entry point for the home, creating constant traffic and disruption in a space meant for gathering and cooking. Our clients wanted to rethink how the kitchen interacted with the rest of the open concept floor plan and create distinct zones that served the family’s needs.

Their must-have list included:

High-end appliances for serious cooking
A designated mudroom entry
Better kitchen flow and additional storage
A layout made for hosting events and family gatherings
A fully integrated wine bar

Our design team got to work crafting a plan that honored the bones of the home, while opening up the possibilities.

Designing With Purpose

One of our favorite aspects of this redesign is the kitchen flow. Every decision was made with real-life function in mind. From the prep zones to the wine bar placement to the traffic patterns between spaces, this layout supports both everyday family life and weekend entertaining with ease.

We introduced more storage, designated a true mudroom space (a major win!), and created visual harmony across the open floor plan without compromising on practicality.

And let’s talk about that wine bar—it may have been slightly reduced in size due to a few structural constraints (more on that in a moment), but it still packs a punch with custom storage, beautiful finishes, and proximity to the main cooking and dining zones.

A Focal Point to Remember

Our favorite element? The bold new fireplace in the living room.

This part of the home had been underutilized and lacked presence. The original fireplace sat awkwardly and didn’t contribute to the overall aesthetic. So, we reimagined the space entirely—removing a window, relocating design elements, and creating a statement that feels intentional, grounded, and eye-catching. It’s now a visual anchor that ties the entire open concept space together.

The Challenge: Working Around the Staircase

Every project has its design puzzles, and this one came with a tricky one: the basement and main staircase couldn’t be moved.

This limited some layout options and required us to rethink certain elements—most notably, the wine bar. While we had to reduce its size slightly to accommodate the immovable stair location, we leaned into creative solutions to maximize the available space without compromising the design vision.

Final Thoughts

This project was a true labor of love—and a special one for us, happening right here in our hometown of Sterling.

The result is a warm, functional, and beautiful space that brings modern sensibility to a classic New England home. It balances family life and entertaining with ease, and we couldn’t be more proud of how it all came together.

Looking to transform your own kitchen or main floor? Let us show you how good design can change the way you live—without sacrificing charm or practicality