AFTER
BEFORE
The kitchen of this 1847 home had been renovated by a previous owner sometime in the 1970s. The U-shape configuration was functional, and the windows and skylights provided abundant light. But the flush-front cabinets with too-small knobs were poorly constructed and dated. The solid surface countertop was utilitarian, but lacked interest. The current owners wanted a kitchen that felt more serene, and sympathetic to the character of their historic home.
AFTER
BEFORE
The new Shaker-style cabinets are a pale robin’s egg blue. The frame and flat panel door design has historical references without being tied to a single architectural era. Crown moulding is generous, but has a simple profile. The countertops are Jet Mist granite, a black stone with very subtle, wispy currents of grey. The honed finish makes the stone feel almost soft and timeless.
AFTER
BEFORE
The dishwasher is disguised behind a panel that matches the rest of the cabinets. Pull-out trash and recycling bins are conveniently located next to the sink. The drawer microwave is tucked under the countertop on the peninsula.
AFTER
BEFORE
The breakfast area is flanked on one side by a tall, shallow storage cabinet, and on the other side by deeper base cabinets with a countertop and wall cabinets above. Glass fronts on the center upper cabinets provide additional interest and display opportunities. A small cabinet in the corner next to the door squeezes additional storage into every available inch of floor space.
Keeping the most successful features of the existing kitchen and fine tuning dimensions while updating colors and finishes dramatically transformed this kitchen. These types of respectful, surgical interventions are often the most sustainable, cost effective and appropriate approach for renovating a kitchen in an older home.
AFTER
BEFORE
A tiny powder room, just 32” wide, was also refreshed. The curved granite countertop slips into the space next to the door. The sink basin perches on the counter, leaving just enough room either side for incidentals like soap and a small plant. Wall-mounted faucets save a few more precious inches. A mirror the width of the room is above the basin. This mirror, paired with mirrors on the doors of the cabinet over the toilet on the opposite wall, reflect back and forth, creating an infinity effect. This “dialogue of reflection” helps any occupant forget the actual dimensions of the space. The cabinet above the toilet provides a surprising amount of much appreciated storage space, too.
AFTER