Kitchen Design
New Kitchen Takes Its Cue From the Home’s Traditional Style
Classic trim and millwork make this new kitchen a better fit for a Colonial Revival house in Minneapolis
Before. The former kitchen, which was remodeled in the 1980s, seemed to belong to another house. The island was on the small side for a family of five, and a thick wall between the kitchen and hallway — a sliver of which can be seen at the far right in this photo — made the space feel closed-in. The sink to the right of the fridge overlooked a narrow side yard through a small window.
Before. A television area sat off the end of the old kitchen; its two-person sofa facing the center wall wasn’t very functional for the family. Designer Jim Scott removed the TV area and thick wall to create space for a larger island. A walk-in pantry to the left of the window also went away to create more counter space.
Three windows (not pictured) behind the sofa overlook the backyard; as you’ll see, they were put to new use in the renovated kitchen.
Three windows (not pictured) behind the sofa overlook the backyard; as you’ll see, they were put to new use in the renovated kitchen.
After. The design team relocated the sink from its previous location to the wall of windows overlooking the backyard. Those three windows, left, flood the new sink area with light.
Scott gave the clients the traditional detailing they craved in new trim, Shaker-style cabinets painted in Simply White, pedestal feet on the base cabinets, and red-white-and-blue window valances. Electric candle sconces flanking the sink, Calacatta marble countertops, a custom range hood and a large walnut island add to the classic look.
Window treatments: Katsugi in Blues, Schumacher
Shaker Style Still a Cabinetry Classic
Scott gave the clients the traditional detailing they craved in new trim, Shaker-style cabinets painted in Simply White, pedestal feet on the base cabinets, and red-white-and-blue window valances. Electric candle sconces flanking the sink, Calacatta marble countertops, a custom range hood and a large walnut island add to the classic look.
Window treatments: Katsugi in Blues, Schumacher
Shaker Style Still a Cabinetry Classic
A second sink at the island makes it easier for both parents to work in the kitchen. The range wall features handmade subway tile in a mottled blue that complements the window treatments. Scott added a smaller version of the same tile in a herringbone pattern within a rectangle above the gas range. Oil-rubbed bronze hardware helps keep the space from looking too shiny and new.
Countertops: Calacatta marble; subway tile: Stellar in Artisan Blue, Sonoma Tilemakers; wall paint: Edgecomb Gray, Benjamin Moore; pendant lights: Steven Handelman Studios; see more pendant lights
Carrara vs. Calacatta Marble: What Is the Difference?
Countertops: Calacatta marble; subway tile: Stellar in Artisan Blue, Sonoma Tilemakers; wall paint: Edgecomb Gray, Benjamin Moore; pendant lights: Steven Handelman Studios; see more pendant lights
Carrara vs. Calacatta Marble: What Is the Difference?
With the removal of the television area and extra wall, the kitchen and dining room are much more open to each other, yet remain distinct. “We kept the spaces separate, which would be the case in a traditional home, but the wide opening creates a physical and visual connection,” Scott says.
The design team used the same fabric found in the kitchen to make the dining room curtains. An antique chandelier creates a soft glow above a traditional table. For the dining room walls, Scott chose Pilgrim Haze, a hue that matches the blue tones in the kitchen tile and valances. Tufted bar stools from Ballard Designs at the island bring in another splash of red to pick up the piping on the window treatments.
Open Plan Not Your Thing? Try ‘Broken Plan’
The design team used the same fabric found in the kitchen to make the dining room curtains. An antique chandelier creates a soft glow above a traditional table. For the dining room walls, Scott chose Pilgrim Haze, a hue that matches the blue tones in the kitchen tile and valances. Tufted bar stools from Ballard Designs at the island bring in another splash of red to pick up the piping on the window treatments.
Open Plan Not Your Thing? Try ‘Broken Plan’
Behind the dining table, Scott added built-in cabinets and two desks to create a family command center and homework area. “This is a spot where the parents can keep an eye on their kids while they’re both working in the kitchen,” he says.
Tell us: Have you remodeled your kitchen to give it a more traditional character? Please show us what you did in the Comments.
More
The Ancient Secrets of Colonial Revival Style
10 Kitchens That Nail Red, White and Blue
How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?
Find kitchen designers
Tell us: Have you remodeled your kitchen to give it a more traditional character? Please show us what you did in the Comments.
More
The Ancient Secrets of Colonial Revival Style
10 Kitchens That Nail Red, White and Blue
How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?
Find kitchen designers
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with three kids
Location: Minneapolis
Size: About 400 square feet (37 square meters)
Designer: Jim Scott, Locale Design Build
This kitchen fulfilled the dream of a Minnesota family to have a bright and open space that better fit the home’s colonial-style architecture, solved awkward layout issues and took advantage of the light and beautiful views from the existing windows.