Scope & Objectives :
The Kitchen barely existed as a small cramped galley Kitchen that you walked through to get to the formal dining room, rear cold porch entrance and large dark breakfast area. These areas contained a multitude of issues ranging from “knob and tube” mixed with “homeowners” wiring, layers of lath, plaster, and vinyl applied to pitched, sagging and rotten floor and wall members, and ceiling patches covered with yellow smoke-stained acoustic dropped tiles.
We moved the kitchen location, allowing for it’s size to double and centralizing its heart at the hub of activity. To capitalize on the ‘best use of the space’ we removed the walls between the rooms and installed structural beams, insulated windows and walls in the former cold porch and raised the floor to be level with the kitchen. The owners now have a new sunny breakfast area. We also converted a closet off the formal dining room into the kitchens new walk-in pantry.
In order to harmonize space and function with interior style, elements of the existing house were carried cautiously throughout the remodel but also incorporated the current owners’ wishes. The classic style of the custom painted cabinetry with inset paneled doors complements other period components were designed to enhance the 9’ high ceilings. Vintage items such as the owners original refurbished stove and wrought iron floor grates, the installation of the era’s original trim, and the matte white 3×6 brick pattern backsplash tiles work with the modern twists such as the use of darker honed Soapstone countertops and apron sink, and Stainless Steel dishwasher.
During construction, the homes original brick chimney was uncovered, and we decided to keep it exposed to add additional texture and warmth to this space. A brick recess was turned into an advantage by adding a custom cookbook and spice storage cabinet. The warm brick color was picked up on by the owners who decided to veer from the traditional homes hardwood by installing Copenhagen Country Cork Lok flooring in the kitchen.
By moving the kitchen location we created an open and inviting space to incorporate the owners’ desire for practical and appealing space for storage, eating, and projects as well as their desire to keep the homes style intact as much as modern convenience and their selections would allow.
By integrating the aesthetics of the past with the technology of the present, this new kitchen serves as a refreshing and inviting gathering place for the owners, their large dog, two cats and extended family!
