Timeless Kitchen Design - Part 2

Kitchen Design that Fits a Historic Home

Today I am continuing my posts on kitchen designs that stands the test of time. Creating kitchen design that is modern but works in a historic home can be tricky. The kitchen featured today is almost 10 years old and looks as fabulous as the day it was installed. In fact, since it is so well suited to the age of the home, I suspect                                                    it will look just as wonderful in 25 years.

                                                Darcy and Read's Kitchen

Built in 1918, this Capitol Hill row house retains it's original chestnut molding, windows, and five panel doors. Choosing cabinets that worked with these original elements resulted in a space that is both unique and timeless.  The classic inset cabinets (called this because the door is inset into the frame), by Signature Cabinet Makers, are painted a pale green. Not only does the green recall a bygone era, it looks beautiful with the original dark moldings.

Combining the painted cabinets with dark wood cabinets, reminiscent of the chestnut features throughout the house, makes the kitchen feel as though it evolved over time.

The microwave is often the appliance that never quite "fits" in a kitchen.

Darcy tucked hers below the counter in the hutch. Other than the stove, it is the only appliance not paneled to match the cabinets. Paneled appliances create a seamless look.

The upper cabinet over the wet bar has glass on both the front and back, allowing light to pass through. Ensuring that the basement stairs tucked behind the wet bar are not dark.

The Calcutta subway tile backsplash was carried throughout the kitchen - in fact, to the ceiling where space allowed.

While enlarging the original window over the sink would have seemed an obvious choice, in this case, the scenic view of a brick wall was a deterrent, plus the window is a distinct historic element. Embracing the unique window by "paneling" the backsplash behind the sink in Calcutta marble and installing sconces, created a wonderful focal point.

Great kitchens pay attention to the details. The historic style faucet by Harrington, in antique brass, is one of those details

Historic details and modern function come together in this Row Home's timeless kitchen design.