Kountry Kraft is proud to be showcased in the 2025 Junior League of Hartford Designer Show House, a celebrated event that gathers top designers for an unforgettable display of talent, craftsmanship, and community. This year, A Matter of Style (AMS) Kitchens—a trusted Kountry Kraft dealer based in Cheshire, Connecticut—has once again delivered an inspiring design story on a standout mudroom space in the Designer Show House. 

A Historic Tudor Transformed 

Set within the Prospect Avenue Historic District, the 2025 Designer Show House is nestled in one of Hartford’s most picturesque neighborhoods, celebrated for its scenic views and timeless estates. Originally built in 1902 by renowned architect Edward T. Hapgood, this 4,900-square-foot Tudor revival is brimming with original character. From leaded glass doors to elaborate wood moldings, the home is a canvas steeped in architectural heritage. 

Donated by current homeowners Annie Pascucci and her family, the home becomes the backdrop for more than 20 redesigned rooms, all masterfully styled by Connecticut’s top designers. AMS Kitchens was selected to reimagine the mudroom, a secondary entry often overlooked but deeply impactful in daily living. 

AMS Kitchen’s Vision for the Designer Show House 

Renowned for thoughtful interiors and high-end, custom cabinetry design, AMS Kitchens has long set a standard of excellence. Led by Martha Gargano, who joined the firm in 1995 and soon became Lead Designer, AMS offers full-service design that fuses function with beauty. 

In the 2025 Designer Show House, Martha and her team brought a cohesive story to life in the mudroom using Kountry Kraft cabinetry in a beautiful sage green finish as the unifying thread. The result is a functional space that showcases how cabinetry can go beyond storage—into storytelling.

Mudroom 

Martha envisioned the mudroom as more than a utility space—it became a welcoming point of entry, filled with charm and refined utility. Her design honors the home’s character while layering in tactile finishes and custom features that feel both fresh and timeless. In Martha’s own words: 

“The blank slate I was given to work with inspired me to create a beautiful back entry to come home to! Families seldom use a formal front entrance… This mudroom has a little formality with a play on a colorful ‘Cottage Core’ style, and palette. Extra storage was made as radiator cover, allowing a countertop to be added with lighted open shelving, and base storage below. The bench seat adds additional storage in a ‘cozy’ arched niche, backed with white washed, oak beadboard and brass railed floating shelves.” 

The resulting space is cozy, curated, and completely functional. Built-in sage green cabinetry keeps everyday essentials tucked away, while a signature arched seating nook adds architectural interest and a feeling of welcome. Thibaut wallpaper and coordinating fabric infuse pattern and personality, while Top Knobs hardware elevates the cabinetry with classic charm. 

Material Selections 

AMS Kitchens’ Designer Show House mudroom features the following materials: 

• Cabinetry Style: TW10 with Ogee Frame Bead 
• Cabinetry Color: Sherwin Williams, Dried Thyme 
• Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs, Somerset cup pull and Chareau knobs 
• Countertop: Calacatta Gold Quartz 
• Pendant Lighting: Hudson Valley, Savvy flush mount 
• Cabinet Lighting: Hafele 
• Wallpaper: Thibaut 

An Immersive Experience 

For anyone passionate about interior design, the Designer Show House offers a rare glimpse inside a private estate that’s been meticulously transformed. Beyond the home tour itself, guests can shop vendor items and even purchase furnishings featured in the rooms, with a portion of proceeds going directly to the Junior League’s charitable efforts. It’s not just a house—it’s an immersive experience that blends history, design, and purpose. 

Designer Show House & the Junior League of Hartford 

More than a showcase of design talent, the Designer Show House fuels the philanthropic mission of the Junior League of Hartford, a women-led volunteer organization with a century-long legacy of community impact and leadership development. With over 300 members, the League trains women in nonprofit leadership, volunteers throughout the region, and gives grants to organizations fighting systemic poverty in the Greater Hartford area. 

Held every three years, this highly anticipated event has generated more than $1.7 million for the League’s local initiatives. It invites guests to experience the artistic vision of Connecticut’s finest designers inside a newly reinvented historic home. Proceeds from the event support nonprofits such as Journey Home and The Diaper Bank of Connecticut. 

The 2025 Designer Show House is especially meaningful as it honors the memory of Mary Lynn Gorman, who brought the concept to Hartford after volunteering with a Junior League Show House in Ohio. Her legacy continues in this sixteenth edition of the event. 

See More of AMS Kitchens 

AMS Kitchens has a long-standing history of creating timeless interiors that reflect the personalities and needs of each client. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that the Designer Show House is not their first showcase. Check out more of their designs featured in Design + Decor and behind-the-scenes looks on their Instagram and Facebook pages.

From cozy mudrooms to chef-worthy kitchens, AMS Kitchens and Kountry Kraft cabinetry prove that good design is both beautiful and livable. 

Why Do Top Designers Choose Kountry Kraft Cabinetry? 

Kountry Kraft is a leading name in custom cabinetry that is celebrated for handcrafted detail, durable materials, and fully personalized solutions. Our cabinetry is built to fit each home’s unique architecture and every client’s lifestyle. For over 65 years, Kountry Kraft has partnered with skilled designers like AMS to bring dream spaces to life—room by room.

Whether it’s a modern kitchen, a Tudor-style mudroom, or a transitional pantry, Kountry Kraft’s craftsmanship ensures beauty, utility, and longevity. Our brand’s national network of authorized dealers makes it easy for homeowners across the country to find local professionals ready to guide them through the custom cabinetry process.

Find a Kountry Kraft Dealer Near Me 

Interested in using Kountry Kraft cabinetry in your own home? With dealers located across the United States, it’s easy to connect with a local expert who can help you select finishes, plan layouts, and coordinate your installation. From initial design consultation to final touches, your Kountry Kraft dealer is your partner in creating a space that’s truly custom.

Visit the Dealer Locator to get started. 

Conclusion 

The 2025 Junior League of Hartford Designer Show House stands as a testament to the power of design and community coming together. With AMS Kitchens leading the way in a pivotal space showcasing Kountry Kraft cabinetry, the project highlights what happens when top designers and trusted craftsmanship align. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or planning your next remodel, this collaboration offers a compelling example of how spaces can be both functional and full of soul. Schedule a consultation today to learn how Kountry Kraft can bring this magic to your home. 

FAQ: Designer Show House

What is the Designer Show House?

The Designer Show House is a charitable event where top interior designers reimagine the rooms of a notable home, transforming it into a temporary exhibition open to the public. Proceeds from tours, sponsorships, and product sales benefit nonprofit organizations, making it both a design showcase and fundraising initiative.

Who organizes the Designer Show House in Hartford?

The Junior League of Hartford organizes the Designer Show House every three years. This all-women volunteer nonprofit selects a distinguished property, invites designers to transform the interiors, and uses the event to raise funds for community programs that address systemic poverty and support local nonprofits in Greater Hartford.

Why do designers choose Kountry Kraft cabinetry for show homes?

Designers favor Kountry Kraft cabinetry for its handcrafted quality, custom sizing, and design flexibility. Its wide range of finishes and materials allows creative freedom, making it a top choice for show homes where aesthetics, durability, and standout detail are essential to impress both industry professionals and visitors alike. 

What are the trending kitchen design ideas seen in Designer Show Houses?

Current kitchen trends in Designer Show Houses include layered lighting, statement islands with seating, personalized cabinetry colors, and concealed storage. Design teams often incorporate rich textures, natural materials, and high-end hardware to create luxurious yet livable spaces that reflect both beauty and everyday functionality. 

How are mudrooms being reimagined by top designers?

Mudrooms are evolving into stylish yet hardworking spaces. Designers now incorporate built-in seating, hidden storage, wallpaper accents, and premium cabinetry. These functional transition areas are being treated as design opportunities—balancing organization, charm, and continuity with the home’s overall aesthetic, especially in show homes where first impressions matter. 

Is Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme a good color for kitchen cabinetry?

Yes, Dried Thyme is a muted, sage green tone with earthy undertones. It brings calm and warmth to a kitchen, complements natural wood tones and brass hardware, and works well in both traditional and cottage-style interiors. 

What are the benefits of Calacatta Gold Quartz countertops?

Calacatta Gold Quartz offers the luxurious look of natural Calacatta marble but with added durability. It resists stains, scratches, and etching, making it ideal for busy kitchens. The gold and gray veining adds visual interest while maintaining a neutral palette. 

How do you clean a tumbled mosaic backsplash like Drift Coastal Gray?

Tumbled mosaics have a textured, matte finish. To clean them, use a soft sponge with a mild pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and acidic products. For longevity, sealing the grout lines is recommended to prevent staining and moisture buildup. 

Why choose Hafele for under and in-cabinet lighting?

Hafele is known for its sleek, high-performance lighting systems designed specifically for cabinetry. Their LED options provide bright, energy-efficient illumination that enhances visibility while adding ambiance. Many models offer dimming features and motion sensors for convenience. 

What hardware pairs well with sage green cabinetry?

Sage green cabinetry pairs beautifully with warm metallic finishes like brass and gold. In particular, hardware from Top Knobs—such as the Somerset cup pulls and Chareau knobs—adds a timeless, polished touch. These pieces provide contrast while enhancing the natural, earthy tones of the cabinetry.