Urban legend confirmed on Atticmag today!

12 years ago

After years of persistent sleuthing, Atticmag.com has today just published proof that the gorgeous but ever elusive kitchen of Marthavila actually exists. Even better, text and photos actually document the evolution of this brownstone kitchen along a sometimes rocky path its current serenity.

I for one take heart from proof that a misstep here or there does not preclude a fully realized (and quietly sensational) vision.

And there is even a slideshow.

Cheers. hbk

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Comments (41)

kathec
12 years ago
Gorgeous! Thanks for letting us know.
francoise47
12 years ago
So beautiful in every detail, truly the stuff of legends
Thanks for getting to the root of this "urban legend".
Bravo Marthavila.
(I love the 1931 Colonial Exposition Art Deco poster.)

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}
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rosie
12 years ago
I love that the bay was developed for dining looking over the park. But the kitchen's rather wonderful too. :)

Thanks for posting this, Honorbilt.
CEFreeman
12 years ago
ooooo
Inset cabs again.
User
12 years ago
Really lovely and worth waiting for. I will enjoy looking at all the details and hope that you come visit and let us tell you how much we love your space. c
sayde
12 years ago
Congratulations, Marthavila! It is just gorgeous. Your attention to details -- the pretty floors, the backsplash, your poster-- and that marvelous red-- all the things that really make it yours-- so glad to see all of it together at last. Thanks Honorbiltkit for the heads up.
plllog
12 years ago
Wow! I came in to the story with the tribulations about the ranges. Getting to the end was definitely worth the wait!!
kateskouros
12 years ago
stunning! i love the choices and am particularly enamoured by that beautiful range. while i love color, i sometimes feel i am far too timid with incorporating it into our home. it is a fitting as well as courageous selection!

beautiful job, marthavila!
westsider40
12 years ago
The definition of TASTEFUL and functional. Perfect, not using the word lightly.
Beautiful. Interesting.

Not throw-uppy or more nicely, gagworthily overdone with the latest trends, decor.

Fits the house perfectly but not a slavish reproduction attempt. Why would anyone want to reproduce a victorian or 1920 kitchen anyway? You done good, kid.
lisa_a
12 years ago
Yay, for the article about Marthavila's kitchen! What a great read, what a great kitchen. For those who don't want to go hunt down the link, here it is:

Here is a link that might be useful: Red Aga kitchen
mabeldingeldine_gw
12 years ago
pitch perfect, lovely, warm, inviting... can't think of enough adjectives right now. A kitchen I would love to cook in!
eandhl
12 years ago
Just beautiful!
eleena
12 years ago
I am green with envy about the range, LOL

It is one amazing kitchen, Marthavila (or should I say, Celeste?), congratulations!
gsciencechick
12 years ago
The whole kitchen is amazing, but I could never imagine more beautiful parquet floors!
cat_mom
12 years ago
I left a comment on Atticmag marthavila, but had to echo it here; such a jewel of a kitchen for a jewel of a lady--a brilliant gem, both.
antiquesilver
12 years ago
'Exquisite' just doesn't do your kitchen justice, Celeste although I'll always remember it as belonging to Martha. Like Catmom said, that gorgeous red Aga & hood really are jewel-like.
honorbiltkit
Original Author
12 years ago
To those of us who lavish our devotion on urban rowhouses -- deep, narrow, short on natural light, and with structural idiosyncrasies that can short-circuit any dream -- Celeste is a hero and a role model.

Her kitchen is nicely proportioned and came with a drop-dead gorgeous floor. It also provides fenestration only at the far end of the 14' deep room. Celeste responded with a lighting design that illuminates that space without calling attention to itself and while directing the eye toward the bistro area in the bay. My favorite of her tricks was to use inside- as well as over- and under-cabinet lighting in cabinets with glazed sides.

I managed to purloin a photo that isn't on Atticmag from cyberspace.

How lovely and subtle is that?
quirkykitchen
12 years ago
This kitchen is gorgeous! I also loved the original and by coincidence, saw the stove at the recycling place where I got my kitchen components. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out if I could make this stove fit in my kitchen. Finally gave up when they couldn't tell me if it worked or not, and I didn't have the $ to get it fixed if it didn't.

Here are photos from the recycling place, including one that shows the burner covers and burner.
sjerin
12 years ago
Oh, it is so good to finally see this, "Martha!!" (No, I can't think of you as "Celeste" either.) The Kitchen is beautiful and perfect in every way. You are one talented lady!
sweeby
12 years ago
How fabulous! I'm so glad I happened back over here today to see this -- I remember you from the old days ;-)
dianalo
12 years ago
While I love the kitchen for all the obvious reasons, that floor has me in a deep swoon! I love the Greek key design and how it is perfect for a vintage kitchen. Maybe because we have had little peeks before, I feel like I "know" this kitchen and feel very comfortable with it. The floor was a surprise to me because I don't think I saw it before.
I love how it is all elegant yet modest at the same time. It feels like a home and not a magazine kitchen, although equally worthy as the best of them ;)
cardamon
12 years ago
Well, I just love everything about it. Everything. Glad to see the poster art. I remember when it was getting framed and I wanted to see it. Just a beautiful job. Congratulations.
a2gemini
12 years ago
Nice! Congratulations on a beautiful kitchen. You are going to enjoy that gorgeous stove!
marthavila
12 years ago
Wow! I am so blown away by all your kind words! Forgive me for not joining this discussion sooner. It is my kitchen after all. :-) But wouldn't you know? I've been double whammied since Monday morning when the AM piece posted. Not only because I've been mired in tax return purgatory (like so many of us), but also because I'm in the midst of dealing with a sudden and unexpected health care crisis involving my mom. Please know, though, that I've been taking sneak peeks at your comments over the past 2 days and you have me blushing. Thank you! God and Murphy willing, I will try to weigh in with few more substantive comments in the morning.

Marthavila ( yeah, I prefer that moniker too) lol
Circus Peanut
12 years ago
Warm hugs to you and your mom, "Marthavila"! :-) You've always been a favorite poster and now your kitchen, long suspected to be a fave, is proven so. I swoon into that red AGA, every time.

(Oh! By the by, anyone who needs to learn about AGA ranges, their ins and outs and how to tell which model you might be interested in buying, definitely check out Marthavila's very generous post on the Appliances forum, where she took the time to really spell out her experience and help others make the selection.)

C, your cheerfulness in the face of obnoxious online dealers (He Who Shall Not Be Mentioned), generosity on the board and in real life and, well, just overall fabulousness have been such a welcoming and lovely asset on this board ever since I arrived.

Take care of your mom, as I know you are, but do remember to reserve just a few moments for yourself, to savor a quiet rejuvenating coffee in that lovely space of yours.
marthavila
12 years ago
Okay, I'm back here today,for a brief respite from the fires and available to fill in details and or questions (if anyone's interested). I did notice, for example, that a few of you seemed to be really taken with the kitchen's parquet flooring. Well here's a bit more of the back story on that as well as bit of house and kitchen history.

As mentioned in the AM piece, the kitchen was originally situated on the first (or parlor floor)of the house, at the rear. However, the POs -- a prominent physician and his family -- claimed the parlor floor as a space for his medical practice. In turn, the family then moved their living room, dining room and kitchen to the next floor above. This second floor of the house is one that would have have originally been reserved for sleeping quarters, sitting rooms and or studies. So, that is why you see such a "high-end" original wood floor of white oak parquet with border detail in my kitchen. Normally, that room would not have been the location for the original kitchen nor would that kind of flooring be found in the home's original kitchen!

Now when XH and I first claimed this house, we immediately fell into a deep swoon over the wonderful antique stove. However, the rest of the inherited kitchen was somewhat of a nightmare! Having not been updated for at least 40 years, the largely unfitted cook's domain consisted of a few very old and very worn pieces of painted white furniture. Besides a row of 3 painted white cabs above a sink and base cab (the cabs ran to the ceiling btw), there was only a teeny hutch for dishes, pots and pans, a teeny table at the bay for food prep and assorted tasks and a trestle table with pew benches for dining. This inherited kitchen also had a red and black linoleum floor which was horribly scarred and there was blue and white wall paper covering all the walls -- including the ceiling! I cannot believe that we lived with that kitchen, just like that, for years and years before I finally decided I could no longer take the wallpaper and flooring.

Of course, when we pulled up the dreadful lino, we uncovered that century old white parquet with the Greek Key border detail. You can only imagine the thrill of that! I'm often asked today how I knew that such flooring was underneath the lino. What I always say in response is --we didn't know it was there. But we had a reasonable hunch that something decent was under the lino. After all, given that all the rest of the flooring in the "non-service" areas of the home was parquet and detailed, we figured this transplanted kitchen probably has such flooring as well. Bingo!
marthavila
12 years ago
Oh, CP -- owner of one of my all time fave kitchens on this board -- thanks so much for the hugs for me and mom and many back to you! Your post has me both smiling and giggling. And you are right. On this thread of kitchen reveal and celebration, we just won't mention a certain famous dealer who is not exactly my best friend. LOL. But it is so good to finally share this still-unfinished kitchen with my GW pals, and especially you and some of of the other "old timers" who have dropped by on this thread.

Also, I need to give a hug and thanks to quirkykitchen for those photos of another Smoothtop stove. How wonderful! Do you know that, in all these years, I've never seen another IRL version of that stove? Sure, I've seen illustrations in old brochures and ads. But I've never seen an actual, "living and breathing" Smoothtop and certainly not one with the cast iron burner plates in place. (It's those burner plates which gives the stove that descriptive name). Unfortunately, by the time we inherited my Grand Old Dame, those plates were missing. Having no real familiarity with old stoves at that time, we didn't even realize the stove should have had them and, as such, we didn't even bother to ask the PO about them. Once I learned about them, many years later, I was always curious about how my stove would have looked with them. Now here you produce these fantastic photos that tell the story. That's a big wow for me and big thanks to you for that! :-)
cj47
12 years ago
Oh, "Marthavila", that space is just so warm and comfortable, while somehow managing to be elegant and stately at the same time. I'm in awe. That soapstone is gorgeous and that flooring! Such a treasure. And that stained glass window..and...and....and... :-) What an incredible and wonderful space you've created! Congratulations.

I do hope your mother is doing well.

Cj
Susied3
12 years ago
Your kitchen is absolutely GEORGOUS!! As you well deserve after all you went through!

When will you be divulging details? LIKE the color of the cabinets? They are beautiful and that just happens to be a decision I'm in angst over now.

Congrats, yours will be forever on the top of the list!
quirkykitchen
12 years ago
Marthavila:
We're practically neighbors - I'm in Wallabout. I had thought that was your stove - didn't notice that yours didn't have the burner covers. I saw it at Build It Green.

Your kitchen is breathtaking! What a pleasure to get up every morning and walk into that room to start your day!
katieob
12 years ago
Marthavila!!

I just logged on to post finished kitchen pics and saw this!! Yayyyyyyyy!!
So gorgeous! Your kitchen & especially your fridge inspired me! I'm so glad you are getting the accolades that have been a long time coming! So deserving!
Sorry to hear about your Mom-best wishes on that front.

Best,
Katie
marthavila
12 years ago
Suzied3: Thank you! Here are the details:

Cabinets: Plain and Fancy, flush inset, maple,Ã¢ÂÂDove WhiteÃ¢ÂÂ
Range: Aga 6-4
Range Hood: Modernaire (PS 26)
Refrigerator: Liebherr 36Ã¢ÂÂ FD, Fully Integrated and Paneled, w/Biofresh (HCB 2062)
Dishwasher: Miele Optima, Fully integrated and Paneled
Sink: Rohl ShawÃ¢ÂÂs Fireclay (30Ã¢ÂÂ)
Satin Nickel Faucet/Soap Dispenser: Graff Corsica
Countertops: Green Mountain Original PA Soapstone (Garden State Soapstone)
Backsplash: Calacatta Marble Mosaic (Urban Archaeology)
Radiator: Runtal
Floors: Original Oak Parquet w/Greek Key border
Paint: Walls: BM Soleil; Trim: BM Dove White
Satin Nickel Hardware: Restoration Hardware (Ã¢ÂÂEphramÃ¢ÂÂ Knobs and Pulls); Merit Brass (Cupboard Latches); Franklin (Refrigerator Pulls)
Pendant: Two-Light Bistro Pulley Pendant, Architects and Heroes
Lighting: Wac (xenon light bars -in, above and over cabs; high hats)
CafÃÂ© Table Top (30Ã¢ÂÂ): Imperial Danby Marble (SMC Stone, NYC)
CafÃÂ© Table Base: Architectural Salvage (Urban Archaeology)
Rilsan & Rattan CafÃÂ© Armchairs: TK Collections, Ã¢ÂÂCreoleÃ¢ÂÂ weave; (imported from France)
Window Treatment: Lace cafÃÂ© curtains, Lace and Linen Classics (imported from France)
Vintage Poster: Ã¢ÂÂExposition Coloniale Paris 1931Ã¢ÂÂ (J. de la Neziere) Chisholm Gallery, NYC
Vintage Poster: Ã¢ÂÂHaiti CoffeeÃ¢ÂÂ, Boccasile, 1946) (I Desire Vintage Posters, Toronto, Canada)
Vintage Black Velveteen Doll: Norah Wellings , ca 1930Ã¢ÂÂs
Vintage Black Chef Painted Wood Doll: ca 1930Ã¢ÂÂs
Mammy Cookie Jars: (1) unknown; (2) A likely McCoy Mammy fake!
shelayne
12 years ago
Oh man, I almost didn't open this thread because of the title, but am SOOOO glad I did--look at what I would have missed!

Marthavi--er--Celeste, wait, I am sticking to Marthavila because I see that moniker and think "Amazing red Aga"! And not only is that Aga swoonworthy, the rest of the kitchen supports that swoon so well! You have made, what could be a small, cramped kitchen, so spacious and bright! And charm? It is oozing charm. I love everything about it. And I LOVE the story behind it all. That floor is exquisite, and it must have felt like discovering lost treasure when you uncovered it!

This was a reveal worth waiting for! Congratulations, it's beautiful!
colorfast
12 years ago
Wow. So many touches make this kitchen personal and warm. Efficiency in space is clearly happening but I am so focused on the Aga, the granite, the bay window table, that I don't think about it. Congrats...hope your mom is doing better!
lisa_a
12 years ago
So those are vintage posters? No wonder they look so at home in your kitchen. I love the pops of color they bring, along with the chairs and aprons.

Bumping this thread up so that hopefully others pop in to see your lovely kitchen, Marthavila.
theresse
12 years ago
Drool...drool drool drool...congratulations and so excited for you!!! I want to LIVE in your kitchen forever and ever. :) I can't imagine better choices! On another note, I hope your mom is improving. Wishing her well...
marthavila
12 years ago
Yes, Lisa, those are vintage posters! An art genre I never really knew much about until I got involved with this reno. Since then, though, I've gotten quite interested in vintage posters. Initially used as advertising media, the bold use of color and form is exceptional. And the inks and papers of the original are amazing! I just have the two that are in my kitchen now, but I hope to build a small collection to display in some areas of the house one day.

BTW, I just want to acknowledge those of you have opened this thread and have chosen to say nice things about my kitchen. (Aw shucks). Honestly, after all the time I've kept the GW community in limbo on this kitchen reveal, I would've thought this thread to be flooded with a bunch of "Aha! So MV finally gave it up, huh?" But not. (Maybe my "Red Aga Kitchen" is less swell and/or more outdated than I thought?) LOL! More seriously,though, here's a prime example of why some of us tend to drag our feet on our kitchen reveals. Some of us, no matter how much we love our kitchens, can still get caught up in thinking how everything has to be just "right" for doing our public show and tell. And, even then, even if everything is right (which is far from the case in my yet-to-be completed kitchen), we can then get ridiculously hung up on looking at how others have responded. Sigh. So that said, the kind words from those of you have posted are all the more appreciated and long to be remembered by me! :-)

Lastly, I also want to give thanks to those of you have wished my mom well. Truth is, we're nearing the end of a very long and wonderful life journey here. We're not sure how much longer she has with us, but that's a blessing of sorts. With the knowledge that the end is near, at least we get this chance to say goodbye and to show our unconditional love, in a calm and knowing way. Oftentimes, when the journey is done, it comes as a surprise and we don't get such a chance. So I give thanks to God for the gift of this time and, most of all, for the gift of her as mom.
rhome410
12 years ago
We've been going through some health issues with my mom, too, so know it can be tough. My mom, though, after heart surgery and some major bumpiness in recovery, is now on the right and smoother road, so I hope we have years and years with her yet. My heart goes out to you and prayers go upward. I'm happy to hear you appreciating the gift of her life with which you've been blessed. Not everyone has had that or can appreciate it in this type of situation.

I didn't comment here before now, because I commented on AtticMag... I hope that wasn't a faux pas. It truly is a breathtaking kitchen, and I am most amazed at the years of patience to get where you are, and the perfection of subtle details and accessories to transform it into what it is now. I'd love it even without the very famous and very magnificent red stove. I am enamored by the gorgeous cabinetry, the warm and cozy eating area, and you know I love that whimsical bee!
flwrs_n_co
12 years ago
Marthavila, what a wonderful kitchen!! It is so light yet cozy, welcoming yet sophisticated. You obviously scrutinized every detail, and it really paid off. Beautiful, just beautiful! BTW, yesterday I went to look at appliances and saw your Aga--it was even your red!! I just stood there, picturing your kitchen. I think I might have gone into a trance because suddenly the salesman was clearing his throat, clearly trying to signal me to come back to earth, lol. Of course, then I was picturing it in my kitchen :) Thank you so much for sharing this gem.

Best wishes and prayers for you and your mom. I'm so glad you have this time with her.
mary_lu_gw
12 years ago
Martha, I check this forum almost every day but usually have nothing to add to the good advice already given. I remember your stove and your bay window, as well as the light over the table. We are still considering that fixture for our kitchen. Your kitchen, while containing all of today's amenities, so fits the period of your home and is so warm and welcoming. It is very evident that time, thought and love went into it's design.

Best wishes to you and your mom. Enjoy however much time you have with her, as it is indeed a blessing. ((hugs))
jenva2010
12 years ago
Absolutely gorgeous kitchen! You mentioned that it's still unfinished -- what's left to be done?

Urban legend confirmed on Atticmag today!

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