We have finished another historic home kitchen renovation. The challenge: stay within the footprint but make it functional and beautiful. Mission accomplished!
These homeowners decided to call us back to renovate their kitchen after we completed their bathroom. The kitchen was always on the agenda but it was going to be challenging and they wanted to make sure it could be done the way they wanted. It was in need of some upgrades but it also had storage issues to address. It was a tiny galley kitchen and we were not expanding into another room, so here we go….(note the directional arrow and message to one of the contractors, yes, this is how I avoid mistakes)
In the first picture you can see the window and next to that are open shelves to the laundry room, you need to know this if you read further ;). Challenges included no storage, no useable counter space and cabinetry that was at the end of its life.
The plan was to keep the window but install cabinets where the open shelves were, make the sink smaller, slide it over and center it in front of the window which would create room for a dishwasher and more countertop space. Take down plaster near refrigerator to gain precious inches and hopefully uncover beautiful brick accent, install new cabinets near the range and install a hood vent. Not much really, just a complete re-do. Oh, and flooring too.
Our clients opted for an off-white cabinet door, swift current granite tops with a tile backsplash, new refrigerator (and boy was that a challenge) and an 18″ dishwasher. Every inch counted in this kitchen.
After demo’ing all cabinets we pulled up the 3 layers of flooring, yes 3 layers. There was 2 vinyl sheets and a green linoleum that was probably awesome in its day, as well as a layer of tar paper. Who knew! But it was worth it to get to the hardwood floors. They weren’t perfect but they had character and they were too pretty to cover up.
After taking out the sink run of cabinets we found some funky plumbing that had to be re-routed for the laundry room and that took 1/2 a day, you just never know what you’ll find. And then it was onto the cabinet install as well as painting walls and sanding the floors. The electrician got the rough-in done and the granite was installed. Appliances were delivered and then we got to pick the pretty stuff. Hardware, lighting and backsplash. This is where we bring all the elements together and the design becomes a cohesive palette of color, texture and style.
This is one of my favorite kitchens to date. The design blends beautifully with the rest of the house and the details that often get lost are proudly on display from the refinished floors to the white-washed brick, the double crown molding to the ceiling, the vintage look hardware and the artistic tile. Even the stained glass pendant over the sink was meticulously chosen to pick up the green in the granite and tile. The lesson here is “take your time” when you are investing this much into a room you use so often, it’s important to get it right, even if that takes a little more time. These clients definitely knew this and it shows in their beautiful new kitchen.
