Project Spotlight: A Waterfront Kitchen That Makes a (Back)Splash

Jen Portman and her husband built their home on Blackberry Bay in Oceanport, NJ from scratch three years ago after the former property on the site was devastated by Superstorm Sandy. “We went super modern. Sleek, but still warm and inviting. It’s a different look than our neighbors’ homes who are more traditional. This time, we wanted to do what we like!” Jen wanted a modern, clean, sleek and open kitchen that was full of light. She designed the space with everything arranged to face the bay so it “feels like your arms are around the water.” Everything was done in shades of grey. “Grey is soft, inviting and cool,” says Portman. “I have always loved the idea of using concrete in a kitchen. I love the softness of the color and the ruggedness of it all. It’s clean and solid.” Open ductwork was painted in the same color grey as the kitchen cabinets to seamlessly blend into the overall design of the space. The perfect kitchen tile was the hardest resource for the homeowner to find. “I looked all over and finally found what I wanted at the NEMO Tile + Stone Showroom in Red Bank. I saw this glass matte tile and stopped.” Jen decided on NEMO’s Brooklyn Glass 2” x 8” tile in color ‘Williamsburg’ with a matte finish and had it placed in a subway tile pattern up the entire wall behind the stove for a dramatic statement. “The tile is a little bit darker than the cabinets and a different color grey than the concrete and works to beautifully to complete the design.” Finding inspiration from the forgotten industrial spaces of New York’s most urban city, the Brooklyn Collection from NEMO Tile brings a gritty appeal to any space creating a raw urban aesthetic. Jen couldn’t be more delighted that once installed in the kitchen, the matte glass tile almost looked like sea glass. It has the translucence and reflects the light and movement from the water. The show stopping oversized island Jen’s husband cleverly designed is extra-long, but it is not bigger than the reach of her arm so it can easily be wiped down. “We use the kitchen a lot. Whenever we host a party, everyone always gathers in here. My friend remarked, ‘That’s not an island, that’s a country!”’ says Portman. She completed the sleek, modern design with clear glass pendant lights, stainless steel appliances and dual dishwashers, which come in handy when entertaining. As owner of Synergy Hot Yoga in Fair Haven, Jen is usually running out the door early in the morning. But on her days off, she loves nothing more than to take in the views right from the comfort of her very own home. “I love to make a cup of coffee and enjoy it while watching the sunrise over the water from my kitchen.” When building a home, they say you should design a place that you don’t need a vacation from—the Portman residence seems to be a perfect example of that.   NEMO Tile Materials Used: Brooklyn Matte Glass Tile in color “Williamsburg”   Kitchen Credits: Cabinets: KraftMaid Kitchen counter Table: Misanthrope Design, 908-406-2909 Color Consultant: Hillary Hyde Mullen, Inspired Color 732-580-5855 Concrete Counter Tops: TrueForm Concrete, Wharton, NJ  973-983-7500