Kitchen of the Week: New Traditional Style in a 1900s Home
A more open layout gives a Seattle kitchen much-needed breathing room, while classic materials maintain its character
Set in Seattle's historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, this 1900s home has tons of charm, but the kitchen was dark and closed off, with just enough space for a mini fridge. Sarah Henry of Gaspar's Construction worked with the family on a renovation to increase the kitchen's size to 12 by 12 feet and add modern conveniences while maintaining the home's original character.
Knocking down the back wall opened the kitchen to the dining area and made room for a spacious Liebehrr refrigerator. Henry installed an end-grain butcher block bartop for the eat-in portion of the kitchen; Richlite — a recycled paper product — makes up the rest of the countertops.
Like many families, this Seattle couple wanted plenty of storage. Henry installed wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry in the adjacent breakfast nook and dining room, and put a few shelves in the kitchen for cookbooks.
Marmoleum flooring — an environmentally friendly product made of linseed — in bold black with yellow stripes adds an unexpected accent.
Marmoleum flooring — an environmentally friendly product made of linseed — in bold black with yellow stripes adds an unexpected accent.
Open shelving above the stove cut down on costs. Smaller shelves next to the stove hold spices and cooking sauces. The large shelves proved to be a great way for the owners to display their Heath Ceramics collection, but as with most open shelving, it takes extra effort to keep things clean and organized.
Subway tile from Daltile and stainless steel create a classic and durable backsplash around the cooking area.
Range: Bluestar; dishwasher: Miele; cabinetry: Bellmont
Subway tile from Daltile and stainless steel create a classic and durable backsplash around the cooking area.
Range: Bluestar; dishwasher: Miele; cabinetry: Bellmont
A rollout drawer under the sink provides easy-to-access storage in this tight area. A Fireclay sink from Rohl's adds a classic touch.
Faucet: Hans Grohe, Axor; drawer pulls: Rejuvenation Hardware
Faucet: Hans Grohe, Axor; drawer pulls: Rejuvenation Hardware
Built-in cabinetry curves around into the dining room, helping make the new kitchen feel like a more integral part of the house. The chalkboard and Schoolhouse Electric lighting add industrial, classic notes that are right in line with the home's style.