Wouldn’t it be nice to start over with a new kitchen? How many of you want to custom design, gut and renovate your own kitchen? But not everyone can or wants to tackle such an enormous and, almost always, disruptive project. Sometimes a makeover makes more sense.When my clients, Ceane and her husband, moved into a charming historic home, they knew one day they’d make changes to their kitchen, which had been updated by the previous owner. Despite a few quirks such as oddly placed cupboards, pinkish counter tops, and a ginormous fridge that stuck out too far, the kitchen, for the most part, was pleasant.

After living with it for four years and adding lots of wear to the cabinet doors and appliances, Ceane knew it was time to do ‘something.’ A full-blown renovation was ruled out. While the family loves the house, it may or may not be their forever home. Plus the quality of the cabinetry is good – why toss out? So we all agreed on a makeover.

Well, what was once a hodgepodge of doors, materials and styles is now a beautiful kitchen with classic elements appropriate for a circa 1922 home. Ceane did an amazing job! I’m so pleased that she incorporated many of my suggestions. And those of family friend Ashley.

Let’s check out the before:

My first reaction: this galley kitchen was too busy with all the different door styles and countertops. Ashley thought the crown moldings on the upper cabinets were too weak. And Ceane wanted the plain windows replaced with traditional divided-light windows that complement the period charm of the house.
We all decided that the cabinets could be repainted rather than replaced. A few of the doors did have to be modified. Luckily, all of the old brass bin pulls and knobs were reused; they have the most soulful patina!

Note the combination of pinkish Silestone and orange butcher-block countertops. And that funky floating cupboard hovering next to the giant fridge. Those all had to go!

By the way, are you a fan of the divided sink? I had one that I  thought was awkward. I prefer an undivided sink large enough to wash pots, but not overly deep which can force you to bend down and strain your back.

Are you ready for the transformation? Drumroll, please . . .Here is the gorgeous ‘semi-new’ kitchen – clean, crisp and cohesive!

I suggested the combination of honed Calacatta Gold marble countertops with white subway tiles in an updated contemporary size of 4″ x 8.” With fewer grout lines, the larger tiles look cleaner and less busy. They even add a fresh, modern vibe to this historic home.

All the cabinets were repainted Benjamin Moore Simply White to match the trim throughout the house. Don’t you love the beefier crown moldings now on the upper cabinets? Such a quick and easy way to jazz up any stock cabinet – awesome idea, Ashley! Check out the new paneled vent hood also painted Simply White. And remember the supersized fridge? Gone! The new fridge is a much better fit, and Ceane had custom panels added on both sides. Those changes give the kitchen a more seamless look.

The other side of the island showing a bank of drawers and doors with the stunning brass hardware. Wall behind island is painted Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray.

BELOW: I found the gray Remington Factory pendants at Barn Light Electric. That’s my new favorite shade of gray. Will be adding kitchen chairs and cafe curtains in that same color for the breakfast area – stay tuned!

Ceane selected the Easton faucet set from Waterworks. She originally ordered it in polished nickel, but I talked her into unlacquered brass. It’s already starting to age, and will soon complement the bin pulls and knobs.One of the family’s favorite changes is the Shaws farmhouse sink, which is timeless with the marble. Like the brass, the marble will take on an organic patina with daily use.

Above the farm sink are new double-hung Anderson windows with divided lights.

A HUGE thanks to Ceane for letting me blog about her kitchen! She did an incredible job pulling it all together!!
Cheers,
Loi