A Designer Kitchen in a Cape Cod Haven
Meet Moira Manning, a seasoned interior designer with over 25 years of experience, who recently completed a stunning kitchen renovation in Wellfleet, Cape Cod. With a Masters in Interior Design and a deep appreciation for modernist principles, Moira brings a unique perspective to updating modernist homes while honoring their architectural heritage.
A Modernist Haven
The project sits in Wellfleet, not only known for its miles of national seashore, oyster farms, and summer retreats, but its rich historic modernist architectural heritage.
"Wellfleet is famous for its modernist examples," Moira explains, "many architects from the Bauhaus movement—Breuer, Gropius—they all built houses in this little neck of Cape Cod." The area is home to the Cape Cod Modern Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving these architectural treasures.
The oceanfront property, designed in the 1970s by a New York modernist architect, needed significant updates while maintaining its architectural integrity. Located next to the popular Beachcomber restaurant, the house sits dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic.
"Wellfleet is famous for its modernist examples"
The Remote Design Process
Working with Manhattan-based clients, Moira conducted most of the project remotely. This approach aligned perfectly with FORM's online design process—where she worked 1:1 with FORM Designer, Sina, via video call—making the collaboration seamless. Moira elaborates, "I met with my clients in person once and from then on our design collaboration was all done via FaceTime, emails and phone calls throughout the entire year. I drew my initial designs out on paper to nail down a concept that would best capture the ocean view. I then created a space plan and cabinetry in 3D and revised it as needed. Sina, from FORM, recreated my 3D adding all the bells and whistles I had specified in our design meetings. The FORM construction set made my collaboration with my GC seamless. Throughout the install, I was able to text the FORM Customer Support with any questions I had and I always received a quick response back, which completely put me at ease”.
Why FORM Was the Right Choice
Moira sees growing demand for modern kitchen updates, particularly in high-end properties. "In my area, there are many multimillion-dollar homes with original 1960’s-1980’s kitchens that need complete overhauls," she observes. FORM’s streamlined, German-made cabinetry delivers an updated version of the clean lines and high performance that the original architects were seeking—and current clients are looking to emulate.
What was FORM like to work with? After previous experiences with other kitchen suppliers, Moira found FORM to be "a breath of fresh air." She particularly appreciated:
- Responsive communication with the FORM team
- High-quality cabinetry and drawings
- Streamlined process from design to delivery
Her Design Philosophy
"I love modern and minimal design," Moira explains. "I love art and antique heirlooms sprinkled throughout a home, that is what makes a home a home, while also keeping the space clean and functional. People live and work better when there's some sense of organization and a place to rest your eye."
This philosophy perfectly suits kitchen design, where functionality defines good aesthetics. As Moira notes, "Kitchens are my favorite spaces. You want them to be clean, but they also offer opportunities to play with multiple materials—stone countertops, tiles, cabinet finishes. They need to function while being artistic spaces."
Despite working remotely with clients, Moira emphasizes the importance of hands-on project management. "I'm really hands-on. While I trust my GC, If I want something to go a certain way or a tile to be facing a certain direction or a handle to be in a certain place on the cabinetry, then I need to be there to say that. Design is all about communication; I NEVER make assumptions.”
"I love art and antique heirlooms sprinkled throughout a home, that is what makes a home a home, while also keeping the space clean and functional."
Finishes and Functionality
Moira and her client chose a combination of matte, lacquered cabinets in Taupe Grey and Sand, combined with highly textural soft furnishings in leather and wool. The steamed wood pendants and woven baskets are a nod to nature, with the sea view commanding the lion’s share of the relaxed atmosphere from every room.
In the spirit of the Modernist movement, Moira chose functional interiors for her cabinets to bring order and ease to the simplicity of the flat-fronted cabinetry. Stand-out features for her client are the extra deep drawers, concealed vertical pantry, pull out larder, cleaning products and waste organizer.
Features and Finishes:
- Lacquered Matte cabinets in Taupe Grey Ultra Matt and Sand Ultra Matt.
- Integrated stainless steel handles.
- Extra deep drawers.
- Concealed vertical pantry.
- Pull out larder and cleaning product cupboards.
- Pull-out waste organizer.
- Waterfall counters in Caesarstone Sleek Concrete.
- Scafati Pendant by Huxe.
- Bespoke banquette designed by Moira Manning Interior Design and built by Blue Mountain Carpentry.
Moira continues “Because this is a summer home with many visitors passing through frequently, organization was very important when designing this kitchen for my clients and FORM really helped me achieve that. Everything had its place. The tall cabinetry under the island was the perfect place to house all the outdoor serving platters, board games and books—a cabinet for each!”
"Organization was very important when designing this kitchen. Everything has its place."
Key Takeaways for A Modernist Update
As more homeowners look to update historic properties, they are often choosing modern European cabinetry that complements rather than competes with the architectural elements. Moira and the FORM team created a kitchen that feels both contemporary and respectful of its modernist roots.
- Research the architectural history of your area.
- Choose materials that complement existing elements.
- Focus on clean lines and functionality.
- Maintain original architectural integrity.
- Balance modern needs with historical character.
The renovation stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of modernist design principles and their continued relevance in contemporary living spaces. Through careful material selection and attention to detail, Moira and FORM created a kitchen that bridges past and present, proving that historical preservation and modern functionality can beautifully coexist.
Design: Moira Manning Interior Design
Web: www.idmoma.com
IG: moira.manning.interior.design
Photography: Brian Doherty
FAQ
Which areas of the home were designed with FORM Kitchens?
FORM Kitchens provided cabinetry for the main kitchen, incorporating deep drawers, a concealed vertical pantry, and a pull-out larder to optimize storage while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.
How was the experience of designing a kitchen remotely with FORM?
Moira found the process smooth and efficient, thanks to FORM’s responsive communication, high-quality cabinetry, and streamlined design-to-delivery approach. FORM’s online design process made remote collaboration seamless.
What materials and finishes were used in this kitchen?
The kitchen features matte lacquered cabinets in Taupe Grey and Sand, integrated stainless steel handles, and waterfall countertops. Design details include steamed wood pendants, woven baskets, and soft furnishings in leather and wool to enhance the natural aesthetic.
What finishes and handles were used in this kitchen?
The cabinetry features matte lacquered doors with integrated stainless steel handles, maintaining a minimalist and functional modernist aesthetic.
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