Cummings Architects

Jun 2011

The kitchen is often said to be the heart of the home, a place of warmth and comfort where people can't help but linger. Cummings Architects' kitchen design in this New England Greek Revival home elicits exactly that feeling. The goal of the project was to open up the dark and drab kitchen and provide modern convenience while emphasizing some of the home's vintage features. Taking its cue from the original cooking fireplace, a new brick accent at the modern range bridges the past with the present. A salvaged wood counter and tin back splash add color and texture that complement the honey-colored antique flooring. Eclectic details and restored historic focal points make this kitchen a beautiful, comfortable space ready for many happy memories to come

$100k

Newburyport, MA

Jan 2010

The historic restoration of this First Period Ipswich, Massachusetts home (c. 1686) was an eighteen-month project that combined exterior and interior architectural work to preserve and revitalize this beautiful home. Structurally, work included restoring the summer beam, straightening the timber frame, and adding a lean-to section. The living space was expanded with the addition of a spacious gourmet kitchen featuring countertops made of reclaimed barn wood. As is always the case with our historic renovations, we took special care to maintain the beauty and integrity of the historic elements while bringing in the comfort and convenience of modern amenities. We were even able to uncover and restore much of the original fabric of the house (the chimney, fireplaces, paneling, trim, doors, hinges, etc.), which had been hidden for years under a renovation dating back to 1746. The Lummus House has been awarded the 2013 Mary P. Conley Award, and featured in Boston Globe Magazine and Early Homes Magazine.

Ipswich, MA

Jan 2009

We gave this Newburyport, Massachusetts townhouse a second life with a full renovation that built upon the impeccable bones of the old building c.1845. Salvaged wood and soapstone elements in the kitchen design complement the existing timber ceiling and brick walls while adding additional texture. We refinished the pine floors throughout and added hidden ceiling lights that provide illumination and ambiance without compromising the architectural lines of the space. Beautifully crafted, handmade cabinetry and molding details added to the bedrooms and baths coordinate with the existing Indian shutters. By maintaining respect for its historic authenticity we were able to create for the owners a very special home that resonates with comfort and warmth.

Newburyport, MA

Jan 2008

The couple knew it would take a major overhaul to create a house they wanted for their family's home. So they turned to Mathew Cummings of Cummings Architects to help them transform their drab duplex into an up-to-date single that pays homage to its neighborhood's roots. Mat explains "the wraparound porch brings the facade closer to the street... while the gable with a custom-designed scrollwork decoration points visitors to the new front door." To further help the front facade, Mat added a beefed-up balustrade. The once bland... house was beautified with Victorian-era details and given a more human scale.

Winchester, MA