Local Kitchen Tour - General Impressions

9 years ago

A local non-profit raises funds through an annual kitchen tour. While it's held in the general southern NH/Maine seacoast area, they change up locales - some years it's homes & condos in the city, sometimes small coastal cottages, and last year it was large oceanfront homes.

I've been going about 13 of the past 24 yrs. they've held it. But after last year's I thought maybe it had run its course for me. It seemed to be mostly "my kitchen is bigger than your kitchen" and many had thrown in every current trend with no cohesive style. Right after touring it was hard to remember how one was different from another.

This year's featured beautiful homes in Kittery, ME. Some were old & grand, one was a renovated little sea barn, another was a modest-sized ranch owned by a TV personality that had been redone to highlight the spectacular ocean views.

It was a complete turnaround from last year's, IMO. Less conspicuous piling on, more diversity in styles, more artisanal touches, good use of space and consideration for the home's architecture. It was a delight!

I'm wondering if last year's excess might have been the peak of the trend for super-sizing kitchens.

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Comments (3)

bpath
9 years ago
I went to a fundraising kitchen walk a couple weeks ago in the Chicago area, all were in single-family houses, mostly older (1920s) but newly remodeled and very high-end, one was a new build. The new build was of the "how big can you go" variety, with 20' from fridge to sink with an island continent inbetween (and no prep sink).

Each one was a "white kitchen" with mainly shaker-style cabs, stainless or paneled appliances, wood accents (island, cabinet backs behind glass doors, etc), mostly blend-in back splashes (one really stood out, but it coordinated with the rest of the house), polished nickel, quartzite or marble (no granite). Afterwards I realized there were no induction cooktops, I wished I'd noticed earlier so I could ask the kitchen designers (they were present)'about that. It was all gas.

I think the thing I most appreciated was how each design handled the limitations and possibilities of its house. Except for the new build, they were all livable, usable, lovable family kitchens.

So maybe that's the new trend in kitchens: thoughtful, home- and user-friendly design! I sure hope so!
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Joseph Corlett, LLC
9 years ago
You are in the fashion business if you make your living from kitchens or remodeling thereof. I'm all for anything that gets people inspired and spending money.
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a2gemini
9 years ago
Our house was a "Showcase of Homes" house built in 1988. At that time, the houses were basic houses that the contractors just beefed up a bit with a few extra amenities. There were a variety of houses, including condos, ranches, 2 story, contemporary, etc.

Over the years, the SOH has become giant houses with every bell and whistle and ridiculous features. One was patterned after a medieval castle/prison. Some are OK but most are no longer in anyone's budget.

We bought ours in 2005 - it was a brand new house that the owner never moved into the house. No nail holes in the walls, fireplace had never been used, etc..

I knew it was a SOH but could never figure out why there were velcro strips on the door. One day, I found a placard in the basement with velcro strips that said "Showcase of homes" on it. The velcro matched the door. LOL

Maybe we will see a turn around in our area again.
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Local Kitchen Tour - General Impressions

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bpath

Joseph Corlett, LLC

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