Introduction
This week we’re exploring a charming kitchen that artfully blends historic and modern elements. Tucked into a 19th century brick row house in a trendy neighborhood, this kitchen was recently renovated to meet the needs of the young family living there, while still paying homage to the home’s vintage bones. From the custom cabinetry to the mixed metals and luxurious marble finishes, this space manages to feel both fresh and timeless. Join us as we tour this stunning blend of old and new.
Overview of the Home’s History and Layout
This three-story row house was originally built in the late 1800s during a period of rapid urban expansion. It features classic Victorian era design elements like tall windows, detailed trim, and a slender footprint. The current owners purchased it five years ago and immediately began renovating it room-by-room while preserving historic details.
The kitchen is located on the first floor at the back of the home, adjacent to the dining room. It’s an open concept layout that allows the cook to interact with family and friends while prepping meals. Flow is important in this active household, and the new kitchen design enhances movement and functionality.
Design Details That Nod to the Past
While creating a fresh new kitchen, the owners were careful to incorporate aspects that honored the home’s venerable past:
Original Brick Wall
One entire wall of the kitchen consists of original exposed brick from the late 1800s. The uneven textures and earthy red hues provide warmth and character. The designers integrated the brick beautifully into the modern design.
Built-In Cabinetry
Custom floor-to-ceiling cabinetry built around the periphery of the kitchen echoes the look of old built-ins. Upper cabinets have glass fronts and thick chunky frames. Drawers and doors feature detailed molding.
Distressed Wood Ceiling
The new tongue and groove wood ceiling has been artificially distressed to recreate the worn patina of reclaimed wood. This imparts an antiqued look while avoiding the cost of true reclaimed materials.
Vintage Hardware
Antique-style bin pulls, latches, and knobs on drawers and cabinets marry old and new. These metal hardware pieces look like they could have been salvaged from the original kitchen.
Modern Upgrades for Contemporary Living
While paying tribute to the past through those thoughtful details, the new kitchen was also outfitted with current features suited for a busy family of five:
Spacious Kitchen Island
A sizable freestanding island provides additional counter space and seating. The white marble top and modern shaped base balance the room’s traditional features.
Subway Tile Backsplash
Behind the range, white subway tiles create a classic backsplash. Their graphic linear pattern looks crisp against the original brick wall.
Stainless Steel Appliances
The owners chose restaurant-grade stainless steel appliances for durability and a sleek contemporary look. These include a range, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave.
Undercabinet Lighting
LED lighting concealed beneath the upper cabinets creates attractive ambiance and illuminates the counters perfectly for meal prep and cooking.
Open Shelving
Floating open shelves flank the range, offering easy access to cookware and ingredients. The metal shelves continue the mixed metals scheme.
Blending Styles Through Materials and Finishes
The kitchen artfully blends eras through an array of mixed metals and natural materials. Warm wood, cool marble, industrial metal, and rustic brick mingle beautifully.
Marble Countertops
Both the kitchen island and perimeter counters are marble, which has a timeless, elegant look. The white background brightens the space.
Antique Bronze Fixtures
The kitchen faucet, overhead pot rack, and light pendants have an antique bronze finish. This complements both the brick wall and the stainless appliances.
Wood Flooring
Wide plank white oak floors run throughout the first level, including this kitchen. The light wood tone contrasts the cabinetry while matching the ceiling.
Wrought Iron Window Boxes
Small wrought iron window boxes flanking the sink window continue the mixed metals scheme while inset with herbs connect to the home’s heritage.
Tips for Blending Old and New
For those hoping to beautifully blend classic and contemporary elements in their own kitchen remodel, here are some top tips:
- Incorporate one or two focal walls showcasing original architecture or building materials to embrace the home’s bones.
- Customize cabinetry and built-ins to fit the specific footprint and feel almost architectural. Have upper cabinets glass-fronted to reduce visual bulk.
- Choose timeless materials like marble, slate, nickel, brass, bronze. Mix metal finishes for contrast.
- Add vintage styled lighting and hardware to lend an antiqued aesthetic. Source from salvage shops or reproduction companies.
- Include modern elements like open shelves, undercabinet lighting, and stainless appliances to support functionality.
- Distress new wood if you can’t source the real thing. It will still impart age and warmth.
- Blend muted neutrals with natural materials and pops of black for a classic-modern feel.
Final Thoughts
This light-filled kitchen is a stellar example of old and new merged beautifully. By incorporating original details and vintage-inspired design alongside modern elements, the homeowners created a cooking space with broad generational appeal. Timeless materials, custom woodwork, mixed metals, and an attention to detail resulted in a comfortable, functional kitchen with undeniable character. What do you think of this skillful blending of historic charm and contemporary sensibility? Which design details resonate most with your own aesthetic? Perhaps this charming space can serve as inspiration for your next remodeling project.