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The Old House Design Dilemma Kitchens

Nuns convent: Outdoor kitchen counters for an indoor kitchen?

Sunshine Anderson

last year

last modified: last year

Background: I am remodeling the kitchen of an old nuns convent. I dont want it to loose its convent / historic feel but I do want the kitchen to be an updated version of itself while remaining authentic. The convent is located in an older working class neighborhood almost entirely surrounded by railroad tracks.

I am in the process of picking out a countertop to match our green lowers (already purchased). We are only using lowers in the kitchen to keep with it's buidling / use period (1922). There is a bulter's pantry next to the kitchen with lots of original cabinet / storage space that is in prestine condition. We will be working on the butler pantry next and want both to look cohesive.

Question: Any thoughts on using an outdoor kitchen counter for this interior kitchen? I found something at my local Home Depot that is "outdoor approve". I like the muted finish and warm tones that match the green cabinets. It would also work with brass fixtures. I am looking for more minimalist veining since the nun's were simple. There will be an island for the stove and we are planing to use a different counter top in that area.

Product links: For the "outdoor approved" counter, I could not find the exact product link on the Home Depot website. I did a google search and here is what came up (I am not sure if the exact same product because it is being shown in a kitchen):

https://www.cosentino.com/en-au/colours/dekton/rem/

For the island counter, I could not find the exact product link on the Home Depot website. I did a google search and here is what came up. The psychology behind the product is similar to the feel of our neighborhood:

(https://www.igscountertops.com/corktown-silestone-quartz/).

Here is the cabinet color:

https://www.thomasvillecabinetry.com/products/finishes/cayman/maple

Any thoughts/feedback on the direction I am going in? Pros /Cons? Anything I am not considering. Do you hae a better suggestions? Do you like it? Any feedback is much appreciated.

Featured Answer

beesneeds

last year

If it's rated for outdoor, it should for sure be up to snuff for indoor use. I think it's supposed to have some sort of UV block in it to help it stand up to outdoors so less worries if the counters are in a lot of full sun all the time.

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Comments (10)

Lisa
last year
I don't understand why a modern outdoor countertop would be keeping with an antiquated look/feel. Was the kitchen ever outside? IMO butcher block is the most appropriate for a working class kitchen of old followed by soapstone.
Laurel C
last year
Any type of satin or matte finish quartz is going to have issues with staining/discoloration (especially black it turns out). Stick with materials that would have been available - as @Lisa suggested, butcher block or soapstone.
Sunshine Anderson thanked Laurel C
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rebunky
last year
last modified: last year
As far as the colors, I like the direction you are headed with the green cabs, the brass fixtures, the black counter mixed with the lighter counter with subtle veining. Although, I would do the opposite, putting the black countertop on the perimeter and the lighter countertop on the island.

Wow, what an interesting project! Not long ago there was someone who was remoldeling a mortuary into their home, and now a nun convent. I would love to see pictures of the space!

Adding, agree that soapstone would be perfect, and then a real stone (marble or quartzite). That is if you want to have a realistic historic look.
Sunshine Anderson thanked rebunky
herbflavor
last year
last modified: last year
this tag "heritage" came up somehow.....here's a couple....I like the tall oak storage cabinets..do you have a spot for that ? function aspect w quality material. Counters? maybe a combo of stainless sheet with butcher block.
Heritage · More Info

Heritage · More Info

as far as configuration.....this would be more in line I think......

Piedmont Residence · More Info
Sunshine Anderson thanked herbflavor
Beatrix
last year
soapstone would be beautiful and I bet the nuns would love it and treat it right! Lots of subtle veining choices depending on variety. Could do butcher block on the island maybe
Sunshine Anderson thanked Beatrix
arcy_gw
last year
Green cabinets/brass fixture...you don't REALLY understand the idea of simple lifestyle, or what it might mean to be 'true to the convent'. The countertop would be laminate, just sayin.
Sunshine Anderson thanked arcy_gw
M V
last year
My immediate thought is soapstone for this project. It can have the look and feel of having been there forever and is hearty enough to withstand almost anything you do to it or put on it.

As an added bonus I think it would look spectacular with your cabinet choice.

Of course other elements have to work with it as well. Your overall style, your flooring choice, window and trim styles etc.

Here is a link to some colours available and note that they show both the natural colour and after it has been treated with oil. Both treated and untreated are foodsafe - it is a matter of preference.

And here are some samples of soapstone with dark green cupboards so you might get an idea of how it would look in your space.

Personally if I was choosing soapstone I'd put it everywhere, on the perimeter and the island. However, if you want to coordinate a different colour for the island maybe consider the soapstone for the island as a "centrepiece" star of the show and something else on the perimeter cabinets. Could be a white quartz type product or granite in a light colour with veining in a colour to coordinate with the soapstone.

Riverbend Guest House - Green With Character · More Info

Dunedin Road · More Info

Vibrant & Cheerful East Nashville · More Info
JDMCCL
last year
I agree with the comments about using butcher block or soapstone. I too would love to see the finished result!!
Sunshine Anderson thanked JDMCCL
rebunky
last year
Wait, I am confused. Is this 1922 convent being repurposed into your own personal home or are you remolding this kitchen for the nuns to use?
Sunshine Anderson thanked rebunky

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