Published in the November 4, 2016 edition

MELROSE — Mark your calendars for the annual Melrose Kitchen Tour scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 6, from 1 to 5 p.m.

For those who have never participated, this is a fabulous way to spend a fall Sunday afternoon. Travel at your own pace from home to home to view some of Melrose’s most innovative and eye-catching kitchens. Meet the home owners and ask questions about the project, get ideas for your own renovation or just visualize the kitchen of your dreams.

This is the only fundraiser to support the Melrose High School iRaiders Robotics team. This group of budding engineers design, build and program a robot to compete against other teams throughout the region. The Melrose Kitchen Tour provides this inventive group of high school students the funding to represent Melrose throughout the First Robotics League.

Tickets to the Kitchen Tour are $20 and can be purchased online at www.melrosekitchentour.org, in person from any member of the iRaiders team or at Buckalew’s on Main Street in Melrose, Brad Hutchinson Real Estate on Green Street or RE/MAX Leading Edge on Main Street or Sexton & Donahue Century 21 on Essex.

This annual event is a favorite in Melrose and is well supported by a wide array of local businesses. Stop in and thank them for their support of STEM education and the iRaiders team when you have a chance. 2016 Melrose Kitchen Tour sponsors include: RE/MAX Leading Edge, Pan Dental Care, Gloss Spa, Erik’s Barber Shop, Lucey’s Service Station, Perella Jewelers, Gately Funeral Home, Gray’s Appliance, Melrose Oriental Rug, Melrose Floor Covering, Miter Biter, Melrose Family Opticians, Comfortable Air HVAC, Barre & Soul, Sullivan & Clark Attorneys and Tremont Street Garage.

At each stop you’ll have the opportunity to hear about the design and functionality of the kitchen and ask questions about the process. Floral arrangements and treats at each stop are provided by Affairs To Remember, Melrose Wakefield Florist, Pepperberry, Follow Your Art, Trader Joe’s, Jitter’s Cafe, Ocean Sushi, La Qchara, Bohemian Cafe, Petrone’s, Starbucks, Alfredo’s, Honey Dew, Comella’s, D’Amici’s and Bruegger’s.

One of the many gorgeous kitchens you’ll see is the pictured renovation. This kitchen was last updated in the early ‘80s, although the original footprint had barely been altered since the 1910s. After several design considerations, they consulted architect Ivan Hernandez with their wish list. The kitchen, pantry, and dining rooms were opened up with a bit of structural work and chimney removal. The team at Carole Kitchens adjusted cabinet layouts to fit the natural jog in the wall between the kitchen and old pantry to create a feature cabinet and worked with the homeowners on the feature wall, showcasing a natural copper hood. The backsplash for the bright copper hood and stove features repurposed stone which was originally selected (but never used) for a fireplace a few years earlier. The exterior stone veneer in a rough gray tone created just the right contrast. They replicated the original moldings to ensure a seamless transition from the brand new kitchen to the rest of the house. The family is absolutely thrilled with the results!

Like the Melrose Kitchen Tour, https://www.facebook.com/MelroseKitchenTour, on Facebook to see kitchen and sponsor updates!