Introduction

Renovating a 1930s English house to modernize the kitchen and dining area can be a major project, but also an exciting opportunity to preserve classic architecture while creating a more open, functional space. In this article, we’ll explore the process of reimagining a kitchen and dining room in an older English home, from layout considerations to material selections. With careful planning and expert help, it’s possible to have the best of both eras—traditional charm and contemporary convenience.

Assessing the Existing Layout and Usage

When starting a kitchen remodel in a 1930s house, it’s important to consider how the space is currently used. Assess the existing layout and workflow to see what’s working and what could be improved.

• Evaluate traffic flow through the kitchen. Are there bottlenecks or awkward transitions between zones?
• Look at the placement of appliances and cabinets. Is the layout efficient or does it need reconfiguring?
• Check for access to plumbing and wiring. Can these be updated cost effectively?
• Consider how the kitchen connects to other living spaces. Could the layout be opened up?
• Observe how the family uses the dining area. Does it accommodate daily meals and entertaining?

Thinking through these practicalities will help shape plans for the renovation. Focus on enhancing and modernizing the kitchen’s functionality.

Choosing a Overall Design Aesthetic

When updating a period home, it’s ideal to choose a design direction that honors the architecture while still feeling fresh.

• Research original 1930s kitchen styles for inspiration like Art Deco or traditional farmhouse.
• Select finishes that complement era-appropriate details like subway tile, nickel hardware, and enameled cast iron sinks.
• Look for ways to blend classic and contemporary elements through lighting, flooring, or pendant lamps over the island.
• Use timeless white cabinetry for a clean look that won’t clash with vintage touches.
• Consider splurging on the range hood or kitchen island to make them focal points.

The new kitchen should feel connected to the home’s origins but also adapted for modern living. Mixing traditional and trendy can give an exciting juxtaposition.

Optimizing the Layout and Workflow

When renovating a kitchen in an older home, look for ways to improve the layout and workflow while retaining a natural connection to adjoining rooms.

• Open up walls between the kitchen, dining, and living areas to facilitate movement and light flow.
• Use a kitchen designer to develop an efficient work triangle between the sink, stove, and refrigerator.
• Incorporate an island or peninsula to add prep space and casual dining.
• Place cabinets and appliances to minimize steps between zones.
• Design a walk-in pantry for storage away from high traffic areas.
• Include zones for landing dirty dishes, food prep, and final plating.

Thoughtful layout choices tailored to the family’s habits can make the new kitchen truly labor-saving yet still integrated into the floorplan.

Incorporating Ample Storage

Even in a modestly sized 1930s kitchen, there are many opportunities to add storage for maximum organization.

• Use every inch of cabinetry vertically with tall pantry cabinets and fully outfitted interiors.
• Add specialty pull-outs like spice racks, tray dividers, and appliance garages.
• Install roll-out shelves in lower cabinets for easy access.
• Opt for deep drawers with compartments for utensils and cookware.
• Consider under-cabinet organizers and racks for small wares.
• Hide waste bins in cabinetry or a pull-out unit.
• Use glass-front upper cabinets to display serving pieces.

With thoughtful storage built into the design, it’s possible to keep a vintage kitchen tidy even when cooking for a crowd.

Selecting Fixtures and Finishes

The fixtures and finishes can make a 1930s kitchen remodel feel up-to-date but still classic.

• Choose enameled cast iron or fireclay apron-front sink for authenticity.
• Pick classic subway tile or hexagons for the backsplash.
• Consider open shelving with brass brackets instead of upper cabinets.
• Install pendant lights over the kitchen island for task lighting.
• Go for oak or walnut floors or black and white checkerboard tile.
• Use classic carrara marble or quartz for the countertops.
• Look for vintage-style hardware like bin pulls or glass knobs.

By mixing traditional and modern elements, it’s possible to create a timeless new kitchen. Careful finish selections will enhance the period details.

Integrating Major Appliances

Major appliances can make a big impact on the look of a renovated 1930s kitchen.

• Select a professional-grade range for cooking performance often with brass trim.
• Choose counter-depth refrigerator and use panels to conceal it.
• Hide the dishwasher behind a cabinet panel for a unified look.
• Install the microwave in a cabinet or drawer to conceal it.
• Opt for an apron-front farmhouse sink instead of a stainless steel option.
• Use panels and custom hoods to integrate large appliances.

With some creative concealment methods, it’s possible to have high-functioning modern appliances without disrupting the vintage style. Focus on pieces that support your cooking needs.

Creating an Inviting Dining Area

Transitioning from the kitchen to dining is important in an open concept.

• Use a peninsula or island to separate the kitchen from the dining room.
• Delineate zones with lighting and flooring changes.
• Select a chandelier or pendant lighting to define the dining space.
• Choose a table that can expand for hosting larger gatherings.
• Include a built-in buffet or cabinetry for serving ware.
• Add French doors to cordon off the spaces as needed.

Connecting the kitchen and dining creates better flow for entertaining. Details like lighting and flooring can help differentiate the spaces.

Conclusion

Renovating the kitchen and dining rooms in a 1930s English house allows for blending period charm with modern updates. Focusing on layout, storage, fixtures, and appliances can result in a vintage yet functional space. Work with experienced pros and honor the home’s origins while still meeting current needs. With careful planning, it’s possible to open up the floorplan and create a kitchen that truly feels updated yet rooted in tradition. This iconic era in English architecture can be adapted beautifully for contemporary living.

FAQs

What are some key features of a 1930s English kitchen?

Some key features of 1930s English kitchens include enamel or cast iron sinks, tile backsplashes, wooden countertops, enameled cast iron or early electric stoves, built-in cabinetry, and iceboxes or early refrigeration. Many still used wood or coal burning stoves. Decorative styles included Art Deco and traditional cottage elements.

What are some ways to add more light to a 1930s kitchen?

To add more light to a 1930s kitchen, consider opening up walls between rooms, adding windows, installingpendant lighting over islands and work zones, adding glass cabinet doors, using reflective surfaces like tile backsplashes, and choosing light natural finishes for floors, countertops, and cabinets.

How can you add more storage to a 1930s kitchen without impacting the look?

Some ways to discreetly add storage include using roll-out shelves in lower cabinets, adding pull-out spice racks, tray dividers and appliance garages, having deep drawers with built-in organizers, using specialty racks and cabinets forbakeware and dishes, and installing pantry cabinets with deep shelving.

What are some ways to modernize a 1930s kitchen on a budget?

Some budget-friendly ways to modernize a 1930s kitchen include painting cabinets, adding new hardware like bin pulls or glass knobs, installing subway tile backsplash, replacing the sink and faucet, adding open shelving, using high-quality reproduction appliances, refinishing hardwood floors, adding pendant lighting, and upholstering vintage chairs.

How do you create a seamless transition between an open concept 1930s kitchen and dining room?

Using the same flooring, adding architectural details like wainscoting or trimwork, repeating some colors or materials, thoughtful lighting design, and open sightlines or wide entryways between the spaces can help create a seamless flow between an open concept 1930s kitchen, dining room, and adjoining living spaces.

What are some pitfalls to avoid when renovating a 1930s kitchen?

Some pitfalls to avoid include removing original details like cabinetry, tilework or wood floors that could be refinished, drastically changing the footprint without regard for the home’s origins, using finishes and styles that clash with the era, installing overly modern appliances that don’t fit the vintage style, and poorly integrating new layouts or additions with existing spaces.