By Katie Curley
1Sunday's ninth annual tour will feature 12 kitchens across the city representing everything from antique renovations to contemporary designs. The self-guided outing is presented by the combined Newburyport Elementary PTO as part of Newburyport's Yankee Homecoming celebration, with proceeds benefiting the city's three elementary schools — Brown, Molin and Bresnahan.
Liz Frame, owner of Fancy Schmancy in downtown Newburyport, and Vaughn Abbott are opening their recently remodeled kitchen on Prospect Street as one of the stops.
Frame and Abbott spent $5,000, which primarily represented labor costs, to create the open and light kitchen that they wanted. Using cabinets and furniture from Scandinavian manufacturer Ikea, the end result is a warm space that incorporates their stylistic flair.
"We wanted a warm color on the walls," Abbott said of the rust red color.
A Calexico band poster with earthy tones mixed with bright reds and yellows that they got in Texas serves as the centerpiece of one of the kitchen walls.
"I liked the Southwestern aesthetic," said Frame, adding she was so happy with how her kitchen turned out that she extended the same feel to her shop on Pleasant Street.
A large kitchen table with bar stools provides the focal point for gatherings.
"Everyone is in here when we have parties," Abbott said. "We can't get them out. We are trying to push them out into the rest of the house."
What started with just a few houses situated in the South End of the city has morphed today into a citywide tour. The event has been expanded over the years to include more kitchens and a wider variety of homes. Organizers say they rely on word of mouth to find interesting kitchens to feature.
"We send out an e-mail blast to everyone we know in town," Kitchen Tour committee chairwoman Phoebe Lonborg said. "Members of the committee go out and look at the kitchens and decide."
This year's tour will get people traveling to all ends of the city to see a variety of kitchens. On Spring Street, they'll find both an ultra-organized kitchen with built-in shoe and coat racks as well as a circa 1786 home boasting a modern, functional kitchen that blends into the historic nature of the rest of the residence. Red Venetian murano glass pendants highlight the breakfast bar in the light and airy kitchen on Boyd Drive, while quartz countertops are featured at one stop on Brown Street.
On Sunday, volunteers will be stationed at each house, directing tour-goers and pointing out interesting details. Some home-owners will also be on hand to share the stories behind their kitchen construction projects. Two bake sales are planned along the way, and refreshments will also be available.
IF YOU GO
What: Ninth annual Newburyport Kitchen Tour
When: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Twelve kitchens across the city
How: Tickets $15, available in advance at B&G Cabinet, 253 Low St.; Souffles, 14 Market Square; Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce, 38R Merrimac St.; Jewett Farms Studio, 58 Merrimac St., Unit 1; Fowle's Café, 17 State St.; Fancy Schmany, 43 Pleasant St.; and Lynch Pharmacy, 173 High St; as well as the day of the tour. Contact Phoebe Lonborg or Colleen Guillou at newburyportptokitchens@gmail.com.
Tour Locations
6 Lavalley Lane, home of Vania and Barbara O'Connor
4 Spring St., home of Steve and Jeanne Parker
29 Lime St., home of Jeff and Paola Roelofs
17 Allen St., home of Mark and Bevin Andrews
13 Boyd Drive, home of JoAnne and John McGrath
7 Brown St., home of Carly and Jay Caswell
10 Spring St., home of George Kaniwiec and Janet Seekell
27 Fair St., home of Stratton and Trent Lloyd
61 Prospect St., home of Liz Frame and Vaughn Abbott
210 High St., home of John and Martha McNamamy
142 State St., home of Matt and Kelly Palma
260 Water St., home of Tom and Libby McGee
