“It feels like how it always should have been”. This compliment from our client was exactly what we had hoped to achieve when we designed their historic home renovation. The home had been through some previous renovations; however, they did not fit with the original character of the home so it was an exciting process for us and our clients to make this renovation one that was not only beautiful and functional but also captured its historic Victorian charm.
Since this home is on the National Historic Registry, we worked with a contractor who specialized in understanding the specific rules and codes of this designation. We also needed to work with an architect to alter the home’s footprint so that the space could be more functional for our clients. Bringing all of these collaborators together over many months is part of what we do for our clients to ensure smooth, clear, and timely communication so that the vision for the space is fulfilled. With a project this size – kitchen, dining room, entry way, library, family room, and music room – it would have been easy for the design vision to be lost. It was our job to ensure this did not happen so our clients would truly love all their new renovated spaces.
The most significant alteration to the footprint of the home was with the kitchen area. The kitchen had originally been set up to be separate from the rest of the house as it had once been for servant use and not for family space. Not only was it small and isolated, but the cabinets and lighting did not fit with the historic feel of the home.
To achieve the open, modern kitchen and dining space we wanted, we removed the wall between the kitchen and the former den.
We love how removing the wall and changing the purpose of the adjoining space gave our clients a beautiful and functional dining experience. They can now enjoy dining close to their kitchen by fire light or lovely natural light. Refreshing the window treatments, painting the fireplace, updating the furnishings and wall hangings, and replacing the rug in the space gave it the modern, Victorian style we were after.
The kitchen was such a stunning transformation. It was so important to us that this space felt like it fit with the rest of the home’s historic feel. We loved selecting rich colors and tones that fit with the era of the home but also gave it a modern and moody feel. The rich green cabinets, the dark soapstone countertops and backsplash, and the aged brass hardware provided just the right amount of drama while connecting to the home’s Victorian roots. We love how they all work so well with the original hardwood floors as well.
In the old kitchen, these windows were under utilized. We decided to have them frame the oven and put a prominent, modern vent hood between them. We love how our clients can now enjoy cooking with a view.
Whenever we have the chance to create a coffee nook in a kitchen, we take it. This area is such a practical and cute addition to this space. The vertical paneling and the butcher block countertop helped set it apart from the rest of the kitchen. The library light gives it an elevated feel. Who wouldn’t love to grab a cup of coffee from here?
Our clients really trusted our vision to honor the home’s historic style while bringing it modern functionality. We love how the kitchen and dining space turned out and are thrilled that they love it too.
