A Seamless Collaboration of Vision and Craft
Grothouse is proud to partner with Karen Kassen, CMKBD, of Kitchens Unlimited, and Cindy McCord of Cindy McCord Design, two professionals whose collaboration reflects a shared dedication to thoughtful design and craftsmanship. Their work shows how material, texture, and form can come together to transform a space with warmth and refinement.
This particular project centers on a transitional wet bar designed as a bridge between the home’s kitchen and formal dining room. Once a narrow pass-through space with multiple arched doorways, Kassen and McCord transformed it into a warm, functional room that now complements the surrounding architecture and style of the home.
The area had “multiple openings into 3 different rooms,” Kassen explains. “We squared off the arched openings and took out two additional doorways and walls to make the segmented space become one room with a small island in the center.” The reimagined layout not only enhances flow but also brings the visual weight of craftsmanship into focus. The result is an inviting gathering space that feels both intimate and intentional.
Design Vision: Honoring the Home’s Character
Each project starts with a careful study of how the space functions and flows within the home. “It’s very important to me to ask a lot of questions on the front end and to listen,” Kassen says. “We want to honor the home and make sure what we do blends seamlessly with the elements that are not changing.”
The design pays close attention to proportion and rhythm. The wet bar serves as a natural transition between the kitchen’s casual family environment and the formality of the adjacent dining room. With the addition of an island that conceals an ice machine, under-counter refrigeration drawers, and a small sink, the space now functions as a fully realized room that serves both everyday convenience and elegant entertaining.
Material & Craftsmanship: The Beauty of Anvil™ Metal
At the center of the room stands a flat grain White Oak island countertop finished in Grothouse’s exclusive Anvil™ Metal. The Anvil™ Metal itself is a striking material choice on its own, but the Medallion color selection immediately commands attention. The top’s wire-brushed texture enhances the natural oak grain, while the polished metallic finish offers depth and dimension. The surface is sealed with Durata® for enduring waterproof protection and a refined luster.
“We wanted to use a countertop here that was both functional and different than the stone that was used in the kitchen,” Kassen notes. “The Anvil™ Metal also gave a nod to the more textural White Oak cabinetry used in the kitchen. The beautiful texture of the oak wood grain and the unique Medallion metallic finish contrasted with the soft painted finish of the inset cabinetry.”
This pairing of wood and metal brings deliberate contrast to the space where the textural oak grain meets the luminous depth of the Anvil™ Medallion finish. The surface stands apart from the soft painted cabinetry, yet its bronze undertones echo the mesh door inserts and the fixture at the sink, creating a refined interplay of color and texture that feels layered and intentional.
Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality
The home’s existing reclaimed heart pine and crab orchard stone floors brought depth, character, and darker coloration. To balance the space, Kassen and McCord selected finishes that would brighten the space without competing with the floor’s graining and tonal variation. By introducing the Anvil™ Metal countertop, they created a surface that catches light and adds quiet dimension to the surrounding materials. The polished sheen softens the visual weight of the floors, while the warm metallic hue connects the oak cabinetry, lighting, and hardware into a unified composition.
Customization and Craft
For Kassen, the use of Anvil™ opened design possibilities that traditional metal or stone materials could not achieve. “Anvil™ Metal provided both a unique and durable finish that was much more special than continuing the stone tops that we used in adjacent rooms,” she says. “It contributed to the uniqueness of this English Country Manor and allowed the homeowner to showcase this special room.”
The craftsmanship is evident not only in the finish but also in the way the material behaves within the architecture of the home. The subtle rounded edges catch the light differently throughout the day, enhancing the contrast between metal and wood. The tactile surface invites touch, reinforcing Grothouse’s belief that function and beauty are inseparable in fine design.
A Shared Philosophy of Trust and Design
True collaboration begins with trust, and this project reflects that perfectly. “Having clients who are willing to place their trust in you and who allow you to show them new ideas and products that they might not be familiar with is key,” Kassen shares. “I was thrilled to work with Cindy McCord Design on this project, who validated our design choices with our clients and was a critical part of bringing our ideas to life.” This partnership not only shaped the space but also underscored a shared philosophy of authentic design grounded in craft and collaboration.
Looking Ahead: The Growth of Wood & Metal in Modern Design
As trends continue to evolve, Kassen notes a growing enthusiasm for the combination of wood and metal. “We are mixing metals on our projects by using special finishes on countertops, hardware, integrated accents on our custom cabinetry mixed with wood, whether it be inserts in doors, finishes on countertops, appliances, range hoods and fixtures,” she says.
A sprayed-on finish using real metal particles, Anvil™ Metal makes that vision possible by offering designers the flexibility to create shapes and curves not possible with traditional metal. It also enables designers to blend tones, textures, and finishes that reflect both personality and performance. And for Kassen, the possibilities are growing: “I would love to use an Anvil™ finish on a custom range hood, or even on drawer and door fronts of inset cabinetry,” she adds.
Learn More
Grothouse is honored to partner with designers like Karen Kassen and Cindy McCord, whose creativity and commitment to craftsmanship push the boundaries of material and form.
Learn more about joining our Partner Network to collaborate with our craftspeople, explore custom materials like Anvil™ Metal, and discover how partnership can elevate every project.
Project Credits
Designer: Karen Kassen, CMKBD, Kitchens Unlimited and Cindy McCord Design
Photographer: Ross Group Creative
