COTY Regional Award Winning Project
Designer: Diane Foreman, CKD, CBD
The existing kitchen of this circa 1913 home was remodeled by the previous owners whose focus was more toward selling the home than preserving its historic integrity. The prior addition to the kitchen was architecturally at odds with the home's Portland Four Square/Colonial Revival architecture. The entry to the powder room was awkwardly located directly from the existing kitchen.
The client requested the designer create a kitchen that looks as if it has always been there while incorporating modern conveniences and appliances that included a wall oven and microwave. She requested an unfitted concept with space for furniture. She wanted a generous pantry and mud room as well as a covered back porch in keeping with the home's period architecture.
The design features a one storey addition for a period pantry area, mud room and powder room mirroring the roof line of the two story home with exterior trim and architectural details that blend seamlessly with existing details. A new covered back porch with columns and details repeating those of the existing front porch is accessed through the mud room and a French door added at the dining room. The new powder room, conveniently located for outdoor entertaining is accessed through the mud room. Architectural details such as arches and 9" base moldings found elsewhere are repeated in the new spaces. Soft white painted cabinetry and intricate moldings reflect the homes Colonial Revival architecture.
A period appropriate furniture look is achieved by varying the heights of the cabinetry and deliberately unstudied details. A handmade fireclay apron front sink crafted by a manufacturer over a hundred years in operation adds beauty, function and period style.
Dark Corian countertops contrast with the white moldings, beadboard and brick patterned white ceramic tiles anchoring the space visually. Modern storage features such as pull outs for spices and oils are hidden behind fluted columns flanking the cooktop. Drawers beneath the cooktop house pots, pans and utensils. A Lazy Susan is concealed in the corner cabinet. The panels of the French door refrigerator belie its modern functionality.
The generous storage and ample counter space of the new pantry function beautifully for crafts, potting plants or just enjoying the view of the backyard. Reproduction lighting was used throughout. A rocking chair and antique farm house table complete the space.
The Award winning completed project reflects the client's love of old homes and the gracious past they represent. It was honored with the 2007 COTY Regional Award for Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration.
