Feature, Maine Home+Design, February 2013 , By: Rebecca Falzano
Jan Robinson has been painting and drawing for most of her life. She approaches design the same way she approaches painting: by creating a composition that has visual appeal and is comfortable for the people who live in it. As an eco-friendly designer, her philosophy is to use local sources and to be mindful of the environment by using repurposed, reclaimed, or recycled materials wherever possible. Robinson, owner of Jan Robinson Interiors, worked alongside Tina Rodda and Mary Adams, owners of Kitchen Cove Cabinetry and Design, to create a functional and beautiful kitchen and living room for a busy young family in Cape Elizabeth.
Inspiration for both spaces stemmed from the family’s desire for a light and cheerful kid-friendly space. The artistically arranged mosaic backsplash from Distinctive Tile and Design sets the tone for both spaces with its organic design in blues, creams, and yellows. Gray base cabinets not only house plates and cups at kid-friendly heights but also hide spills and fingerprints. The Thermador range was centrally located across from the custom rolling butcher block and prep sink, creating two work triangles, one for prep and cooking and the other for cleanup and dish storage. The highly functional quartz countertop has the look and feel of Carrara marble yet is stain and scratch resistant. To revamp the living room, Robinson balanced the black built-in entertainment center with the rest of the room by adding grounding colors and bold black accents. While the fabric on the sofa looks and feels luxurious, it is a polyester velvet—more practical for a family with young children. The room was completed with soft blue taffeta panels accented with black trim. The furniture is all made in the United States with a combination of recycled foam, soy-based foam, and sustainably harvested American hardwood.