Kitchen Design
Remodeling Guides
Kitchen of the Week: Turquoise Cabinets Snazz Up a Space-Savvy Eat-In
Color gives a row house kitchen panache, while a clever fold-up table offers flexibility
Despite a complete remodel, this 1920s row house in Jersey City, New Jersey, still has its original eclectic character. For the kitchen the homeowners wanted more room and a playful look that felt period-appropriate. Cousins and designers Anthony Carrino and John Colaneri of Brunelleschi Construction reorganized the space, putting all the cabinetry on one wall and a fold-up table on the other. Antiqued turquoise cabinetry, eclectic hardware and contemporary accents combine to create a look that reflects the homeowners' style and the home's roots.
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: First-time homeowners, a couple
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey
Size: 96 square feet
Kitchen cost: About $58,000, including demolition, custom cabinets, adding a window, new electrical wiring, new plumbing and design fees
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: First-time homeowners, a couple
Location: Jersey City, New Jersey
Size: 96 square feet
Kitchen cost: About $58,000, including demolition, custom cabinets, adding a window, new electrical wiring, new plumbing and design fees
Cabinetry on both sides of the original kitchen had narrowed the entrance to a tiny 26 inches. Carrino and Colaneri got rid of one wall of cabinetry and extended the storage to the ceiling on the other side of the kitchen.
The home's original hardwood floors were hidden underneath black and white checkerboard linoleum. Luckily, the wood was in great condition and required little refinishing work.
Black soapstone counters cost the couple about $2,500 and give the kitchen a warm, classic feel. The industrial chandelier emphasizes the high ceilings, while Ikea stools add an unexpected contemporary touch.
Black soapstone counters cost the couple about $2,500 and give the kitchen a warm, classic feel. The industrial chandelier emphasizes the high ceilings, while Ikea stools add an unexpected contemporary touch.
A different Anthropologie knob on every drawer and cabinet reflects the homeowners' eclectic taste.
Carrino and Colaneri used every last inch of storage space available — even sneaking in two vertical spice racks next to the refrigerator. The custom cabinetry cost about $17,500, and appliances were about $4,000.
Refrigerator: 24 inches, Summit
Carrino and Colaneri used every last inch of storage space available — even sneaking in two vertical spice racks next to the refrigerator. The custom cabinetry cost about $17,500, and appliances were about $4,000.
Refrigerator: 24 inches, Summit
An alleyway on the side of the row house doesn't provide the best view, but Carrino and Colaneri wanted to get more light into the kitchen. Replacing part of the backsplash with a small window and using an antiqued mirror behind the sink reflects light into the space. Making the structural changes for this new window cost about $1,000.
The treatment on the custom-designed mirror adds visual texture and won't show every stain and spill.
The treatment on the custom-designed mirror adds visual texture and won't show every stain and spill.
The couple already has a formal dining table; this fold-down one gives them an informal eating spot. Carrino and Colaneri had the walnut table built at counter height to create extra prep space.
Wall paint: Morning Fog, Sherwin-Williams; trim paint: Truly Taupe, Sherwin Williams; stools: Franklin, Ikea
Wall paint: Morning Fog, Sherwin-Williams; trim paint: Truly Taupe, Sherwin Williams; stools: Franklin, Ikea
Even though the kitchen is small, the couple knew that people would still hang out here during parties. When they want extra floor space, the table folds flat to the wall, and hooks hoist the stools out of the way.
Have an ingenious kitchen? We'd love to see it. Please post a photo below!
More: See more inspiring Kitchens of the Week
Have an ingenious kitchen? We'd love to see it. Please post a photo below!
More: See more inspiring Kitchens of the Week
Cabinets: Decora, Turquoise Rust; range: 30-inch gas range, Frigidaire; hood: 30-inch undercounter, Broan