Kitchen Design
A Peninsula Comes Down and a Kitchen Opens Up
A designer removes the peninsula in this Victorian-era kitchen to create more function and flow
The square white ceramic tiles, from The Winchester Tile Co., reflect the clients’ desire for something classic that would also brighten up the walls. The handmade tile “catches the light and really shines,” Roos says. The tile also provides a nice contrast with the soft gray custom cabinetry. The cabinetry pulls and knobs, from Ashley Norton, are white bronze. The ceiling beams were part of a kitchen remodel done by prior homeowners.
Roos relocated the refrigerator on the opposite wall of the kitchen. The new fridge is hidden behind custom cabinetry painted the same soft gray hue that covers the other cabinetry. Chunky brass appliance pulls complete the look. Three rows of open shelves to the left of the refrigerator provide a great space for a collection of cookbooks.
Four open shelves at the end of the range wall balance the range hood on the other side of the window. The shelves also provide a display space to add some character and color to the mainly white wall. The original floors are red birch, a wood often used in Victorian-era homes. The countertops are marble. The sconce above the window is from The Urban Electric Co.
New double doors and custom shelves painted black have transformed a formerly messy hallway closet into an organized pantry. Woven sea grass baskets help to keep the space tidy.
Browse sea grass storage baskets
Browse sea grass storage baskets
A former desk area was transformed into stylish storage with the insertion of a custom hutch that has a weathered gray stain. The same marble used for the countertops was used for the backsplash. “The clients wanted more wood in the new space for a traditional feel,” Roos says, “but the darker gray feels a bit more updated.”
She also removed the door on the staircase to create a more open feel. “The kitchen and dining areas are now more warm, bright, inviting and modern,” Roos says, “while complementing the home’s turn-of-the-century style.”
More: 10 Steps to an Organized and Functional Kitchen
She also removed the door on the staircase to create a more open feel. “The kitchen and dining areas are now more warm, bright, inviting and modern,” Roos says, “while complementing the home’s turn-of-the-century style.”
More: 10 Steps to an Organized and Functional Kitchen
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of five
Location: Minneapolis
Size: About 400 square feet (37.2 square meters)
Designer: Kate Roos Design
The owners of this Victorian-era house were tired of their dark kitchen, which lacked storage and proper flow. With the sink, range and refrigerator on one wall, there was little counter space. Designer Kate Roos also had to contend with a challenging staircase and a peninsula that blocked the flow between the kitchen and dining area.
Roos dealt with these obstacles by removing the peninsula, adding a custom built-in hutch and turning a closet into a functional pantry — all without adding any square footage.