Room of the Day: Rustic 1830s Farmhouse Kitchen Cozies Up
Streamlined white cabinets combine with exposed Pennsylvania stone and knotty white oak in this updated space
Fifteen years ago, this couple bought an 1830s farmhouse in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania, as a weekend retreat from their busy lives in Manhattan, where they worked as an artist and an event planner. Then, three years ago, they sold their city apartment and decided to embrace country living year-round in this historic house. But as much as the homeowners loved their charming farmhouse, they wanted to update the dark, cramped kitchen.
BEFORE: The couple reached out to Kim West of Sweetbriar Cabinetry and Design to make their vision a reality. “It’s a typical Pennsylvania farmhouse, so the homeowners wanted to embrace that architecture while making the area cozy and modern,” West says.
West, along with Gemmi Construction and Ralph C. Fey, AIA Architects reworked and opened up the layout by dismantling a back wall where the cabinets had hung, seen in the previous photo. They also demolished a tiny mudroom, seen here between the range and the fridge, and opened up the ceiling to expose more fir rafters, which nod to the original structure.
West, along with Gemmi Construction and Ralph C. Fey, AIA Architects reworked and opened up the layout by dismantling a back wall where the cabinets had hung, seen in the previous photo. They also demolished a tiny mudroom, seen here between the range and the fridge, and opened up the ceiling to expose more fir rafters, which nod to the original structure.
AFTER: Instead of installing top cabinets, the homeowners chose open wooden shelves illuminated by small undermounted lights. The shelves offer more storage options and allow the homeowners to showcase their glass and pottery collections. The hanging spice rack and metal bar with hanging utensils were brought over from the couple’s Manhattan apartment.
Bright white cabinets feature seamless doors and satin nickel pulls. Together with the marble-style quartzite countertops and backsplash, the kitchen has a clean, streamlined feel that contrasts fashionably with the knotty white oak flooring.
Cabinets: Sweetbriar Cabinetry & Design; countertops: White Fantasy quartzite; appliances: Bosch; range hood: Zephyr; faucet: Moen
Bright white cabinets feature seamless doors and satin nickel pulls. Together with the marble-style quartzite countertops and backsplash, the kitchen has a clean, streamlined feel that contrasts fashionably with the knotty white oak flooring.
Cabinets: Sweetbriar Cabinetry & Design; countertops: White Fantasy quartzite; appliances: Bosch; range hood: Zephyr; faucet: Moen
Vintage houses often hide little gems. When the contractor tapped into a wall and made a hole, he noticed that it was hiding this beautiful Pennsylvania stone, which was then restored by concrete company Gall Brothers. Old farm machinery chains found in one of the outbuildings on the property hang from the metal support beam.
West says her favorite part of the project is this wooden island, which was constructed and refinished from large wood slabs found in a barn on the property. Metal legs with casters and a metal shelf were attached, adding functional elements. “The island has storage. It can be used as an added work surface. Or it can be wheeled away from its location and used as a dining table,” she says.
More open shelving displays the homeowners’ colorful pitcher collection. The artwork hanging above the retro cane chair was painted by one of the homeowners.
Wall paint: custom-mixed to match the window frames; cane chair: Breuer; pendants: Brendan Ravenhill, stools: Ikea
Wall paint: custom-mixed to match the window frames; cane chair: Breuer; pendants: Brendan Ravenhill, stools: Ikea
AFTER: New windows give an uninterrupted view of the countryside, and the new space serves as a relaxing and functional spot to enjoy the gas fireplace or watch TV. “We wanted the kitchen to have a modern look, but it was important that it paid homage to the overall structure,” West says. “I think we accomplished that.”
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Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A retired couple
Location: Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania
Size: Nearly 500 square feet (46.4 square meters), including the adjacent family room
Designer: Kim West of Sweetbriar Cabinetry & Design
BEFORE: For starters, the homeowners felt the original kitchen lacked adequate light, countertop space and storage.