A kitchen renovation in a 1900s home brings new life to a classic traditional style. This week’s featured kitchen strikes the perfect balance between preserving charming vintage details and incorporating fresh, modern conveniences.
Introduction
When embarking on a kitchen remodel in an older home, homeowners face the challenge of honoring the original architecture while also upgrading for current needs. For a residence originally built in the early 20th century, certain elements like wood floors, moulding, and built-ins lend coveted character. However, dated layouts and inadequate storage often necessitate a full redesign.
This kitchen project encompasses the best of both worlds. Keeping intact beautiful finishes from a bygone era, the new layout improves functionality for a busy family. Appliances and fixtures feel up-to-date yet classic. Traditional styling nods to the past while looking towards the future. Read on for an in-depth tour of this skillful new-meets-old kitchen transformation.
Overview of the Home
- Four bedroom, three bathroom house constructed in 1908
- Located in Omaha, Nebraska
- 2,800 square foot total size
- Previous kitchen layout was cramped and disjointed
- Goals were to open up space, improve work triangles, and keep vintage charm
The Original Kitchen
Prior to renovation, the kitchen felt dark, closed-off, and lacking in continuity. Here are some issues the homeowners aimed to resolve:
- Poor use of space with awkward work triangles
- Minimal counter space and cabinet storage
- Outdated appliances, plumbing, lighting, and ventilation
- Dark, heavy wood cabinetry absorbed light
- Windows placed too high on walls with unattractive metal blinds
- Vinyl floor covering looked worn and dingy
However, a few elements revealed the kitchen’s underlying potential. Keepers included:
- Hexagonal terra cotta floor tiles beneath vinyl flooring
- Plaster walls with simple chair rail trim
- Original built-in corner cabinet with glass front
- Cast iron farmhouse sink
The new design would carry over these features while improving overall aesthetics and functionality.
Design Plan Goals
The homeowners sought to achieve the following in their remodel:
- Enlarge the footprint by knocking down some walls
- Create better workflow between sink, range, refrigerator, and pantry
- Increase cabinetry and add pull-out shelves for more storage
- Replace appliances and plumbing fixtures
- Install new lighting, heating, and cooling
- Remove upper cabinetry to lighten up walls
- Keep existing corner cabinet, farmhouse sink, terra cotta tile
- Accentuate architectural details like mouldings and plaster
- Achieve an updated but classic transitional style
Thoughtful planning helped strike the perfect balance between old and new.
Demo and Layout Changes
The first step was opening up the room by reworking the layout. Here’s what changed:
- Knocked down wall between kitchen and dining room for brighter, more open floorplan
- Removed soffits to give the ceiling a clean, uninterrupted look
- Relocated doorways and widened openings for better traffic flow
- Tore out old flooring to expose original tile underneath
- Insulated walls and ceilings to improve efficiency
- Installed new electrical wiring and plumbing
These structural changes expanded the kitchen’s footprint and enabled improved work triangles.
Flooring
Kitchen Flooring Ideas:
The existing terra cotta tile flooring sets the tone for the whole design. Keeping and repairing this original feature adds vintage appeal.
- Hexagonal terra cotta tiles in a red-orange hue
- Laid in a classic basketweave pattern
- Previously covered by vinyl flooring
- Uncovered, cleaned and sealed during renovation
- Some damaged tiles replaced to maintain pattern
- New tile blended in seamlessly with originals
Preserving these timeworn tiles enhances the old house charm. Their natural terra cotta color and patina contrasts beautifully with crisp white cabinetry.
Options for Old House Flooring:
- Restore original floors – For durable antique wood or decorative tile, refinish and repair damage while maintaining as much existing material as possible. This adds authenticity and one-of-a-kind character.
- Reclaim vintage flooring – Consider sourcing reclaimed wood planks or tiles that resemble what the house originally had. This achieves a period-perfect look with eco-friendly materials.
- Update with current wood look – Wide plank engineered wood in an updated stain color is timeless. A dramatic dark stain or pastel whitewashed finish suits traditional homes.
- Install tile – Harken back to the early 20th century with black & white checkerboard tile or classic white subway tile. Hexagonal or mosaic patterns also look great.
Pros of Keeping Original Flooring:
- Maintains home’s unique history and architectural integrity
- Materials like old wood and terra cotta have unreplicable richness
- Doesn’t contribute to landfill waste
- Often higher quality craftsmanship than modern versions
- Provides conversation piece and charming focal point
Things to Consider:
- May need repairs and deep cleaning to bring floor back to life
- Matching new materials to old can prove challenging
- Layout limitations if planning significant changes
- Asbestos testing needed in homes built before 1980s
- Original floors may not suit all design aesthetics or meet current code
Verdict:
The striking terra cotta tiles steal the show in this new traditional kitchen. Salvaging and incorporating vintage flooring adds priceless character that no new material could replicate. Their quirks and imperfections share the story of how homes were built generations ago.
Cabinets and Storage
Style Selection
Crisp, shaker-style maple cabinets brighten up the space.
- Tall uppers removed to give walls a lighter, airier look
- Bottom cabinets kept but painted brilliant white for a fresh feel
- Clean, flat recessed panel fronts with thin frames around each door
- Matte nickel round knobs and pulls
- Open shelving flanking range adds handy display space
Shaker cabinets offer a timeless look. Their simple, versatile design suits homes of any era. The bright white finish keeps the new cabinets from competing with existing architectural details.
Smart Storage Solutions
Beyond overhauling the style, storage received a major boost:
- Existing corner cabinet with glass front repurposed for dish storage
- Deep lower drawers constructed with pull-out shelves for pots and pans
- Roll-out trays in base cabinets maximize vertical space
- Upper cabinets eliminated for more openness
- Open shelving adds space for cookbooks and decor
Editing down upper cabinets also removed dusty clutter zones. The new layout devotes ample room to task-based storage needed in a functioning kitchen.
Mixing Cabinet Ages
The new shaker-style cabinets mingle seamlessly with the remaining original built-ins.
- Corner cabinet retained for charming vintage flair
- New deeper drawers tie in with old construction
- Glass front corner unit displays pretty dishware
- Original brick chimney surround left exposed
Blending cabinetry styles and finishes bridges old and new. Keeping the corner cabinet avoids a cold, cookie-cutter look.
Countertops
Material Selection
Cambria Brittanicca quartz countertops provide a classic but contemporary look.
- Engineered quartz composite with naturally occurring veins
- Crisp white background with grey veining
- Matte, softly honed finish avoids shine
- Resistant to stains, scratches and cracks
- Easy maintenance compared to natural stone
- Waterfall style edge on peninsula for modern touch
Durable, low-maintenance quartz suits active kitchens. The white and grey swirled pattern resembles marble without the hassle.
Design Details
- Peninsula shape enlarges prep space and enables seating
- White quartz has subtle grey veining like Carrara marble
- Full backsplashes simplify cleaning
- Natural waterfall edge on peninsula modernizes look
- Mitered edges on islands and perimeter for upscale custom build
Benefits of Quartz Countertops
- Extremely hard and resistant to scratches
- Non-porous so resists stains
- Won’t chip or crack like natural stone
- Easy cleaning with soap and water
- More affordable than marble or granite
- Wide variety of colors and patterns
Quartz offers the luxe look of stone without the maintenance woes. For busy kitchens, quartz is an ideal choice.
Backsplash
Backsplash Selection
A classic subway tile backsplash provides vintage appeal.
- Pure white 3 in. by 6 in. glossy ceramic subway tile
- Brick pattern layout with staggered vertical joints
- Matching bright white grout
- Installed floor to ceiling on all walls
- Tiles cut lengthwise behind stove for seamless look
Crisp white subway tile creates a clean, fresh backdrop. The wirecut finish and staggered brick pattern add visual texture. Extending the tile to the ceiling enhances the bright, airy aesthetic.
Benefits of Subway Tile
- Classic look, suits any design aesthetic
- Cost effective and widely available
- Easy to install in do-it-yourself projects
- Durable and water resistant material
- Glossy finish wipes clean easily
- Can be paired with any countertop type
Subway tile offers a timeless, fail-safe option for backsplashes. For this home’s era, the pared-down look provides authenticity.
Sink and Fixtures
Vintage Sink
The existing enameled cast iron farmhouse sink was kept and restored.
- Classic white double bowl, front apron sink
- Originally installed when house was built
- Gently cleaned and re-enameled during renovation
- New chrome drain assemblies installed
- Paired with retro-style bridge faucet
Preserving the old sink maintains a priceless antique focal point. Its gently sloped walls and shallow basins reflect over a century of daily use.
***New Faucet and Accessories ***
- Matte black single-handle pull-down faucet
- Includes useful pull-down sprayer
- Brushed nickel soap dispenser
- Stainless steel dish drying rack
The bridge-style faucet nods to vintage styling while offering convenience. Matte black hardware prevents competed with the aged patina of original fixtures.
Tips for Updating Fixtures
- Look for new faucets with classic styling such as bridge, gooseneck or lever handles
- Refresh sinks by cleaning gently and re-enameling chips
- Add elements like wall-mount faucets or commercial-style finishes
- Include modern conveniences like pull-down sprayers
- Stick to satin, matte or brushed finishes rather than shiny chrome
- Reuse unique sinks like concrete or enamel trough-style basins
Blending old fixtures with new hardware creates an eclectic, curated look. This kitchen strikes the perfect balance.
Appliances
Choosing appliances offered an opportunity to gain modern convenience while retaining vintage styling.
Full Range
- BlueStar Platinum 30″ gas range
- Professional-style with fully sealed burners
- Available in over 750 color combinations
- Matching non-tip oven rack
- Optional integrated griddle attachment
With heavy-gauge steel construction and commercial-grade features, the range mimics an antique but performs like a pro model. Custom colored enameled finishes are true to the time period.
Refrigerator
- SMEG FAB50 50s-style French door refrigerator
- Retro rounded corners and limited color palette options
- Counter-depth to align with cabinet face
- Inside features adjustable glass shelving
The distinctly retro SMEG brings fun flair. Vibrant color options include mint green, cream, red, black, and blue.
Vent Hood
- Viking Professional chimney wall mount hood
- Fully concealed internal blower with 700 CFM
- Multi-speed fan control via push buttons
- Stainless steel construction with metal filter
- Internal halogen lights illuminate cooking surface
- Traditional chimney style with optional decorative trim kits
This powerful pro-style model keeps the cooking space breezy. Viking’s signature commercial look includes professional performance.
Dishwasher
- Bosch 800 Series dishwasher with pocket handle
- Hidden top controls for a sleek integrated look
- Interior is lit during cycle for visibility
- Ultra-quiet 39 dB operation
- Sanitize option eliminates bacteria
With an 18” width, panel-ready design, and pocket handle, this Bosch model disappears discreetly behind cabinetry. A wash zone water softener ensures spotless results.
Overall Appliance Design
- Mix of professional-grade brands favored by chefs
- Simplistic control panels for a streamlined look
- Variety of available colors suit any decor
- Options to conceal appliances behind cabinet panels
- Easy-clean finishes that withstand wear and tear
- Combination of retro and modern elements
Choosing appliances with versatile, low-profile designs enables them to blend with cabinetry finishes. Their commercial styling suits the traditional kitchen.
Lighting
Proper illumination transforms the look and function of the entire kitchen.
Ambient Ceiling
- Recessed can lights – Multiple evenly spaced 6” cans provide overall illumination
- Gorge pendant lights – Cluster of 3 black iron and clear glass pendants hung over island
Mixing recessed lighting with statement pendants keeps the ceiling evenly lit but visually interesting. The black metal pendants suit the age of the home.
Task Lighting
- Under cabinet lighting – Attached underneath wall cabinets for additional visibility
- Puck lights – Small adjustable lights inside glass front cabinets to spotlight contents
Strategically placed task lighting eliminates shadows and makes prep work easier. Under cabinet strips enable precision food preparation and cleanup. Puck lights inside corner cabinet display pretty dishware.
Outdoor Lighting
- Exterior sconces – Mounted on either side of back door
- Landscape lighting – Accent up-lighting flanking back stairs and walkway
Properly illuminating exterior entryways improves safety and visual awareness when coming and going in darkness.
Lighting Design Tips
- Include a mix of general, task, and accent lighting
- Look for vintage-style fixtures with Edison bulbs
- Use LED lighting for brightness, longevity, and efficiency
- Make sure under cabinet lighting is color adjustable
- Install dimmers to control mood and ambiance
- Position pendants and accent lighting to highlight focal points
- Light walkways, stairs and entrances around outdoor living areas
The thoughtfully planned lighting transforms this kitchen from dark and dreary to bright and cheery.
Design Concept
Several elements informed the overall design concept:
- Craftsman influence – Handcrafted authenticity in materials and detailing
- Farmhouse elements – Nods to practical rural living like the apron sink and unfinished brick
- Traditional styling – Timeless features like subway tile, crown moulding, glass cabinet fronts
- Transitional style – Blend of old and new for the ideal combination of character and function
By respecting the home’s craftsman-era origins while elevating finishes, the redesign achieved a fresh new-meets-old aesthetic.
Design Details and Finishes
Beyond the major components, thoughtful fine details complete the room’s design.
Architectural Features:
- Original brick chimney surround exposed
- Chair rail moulding on plaster walls
- Trim and built-ups added to windows and doors
- Ceiling medallion accent over island
- Hardwood floors in adjacent dining room
Other Accents:
- Paneled dish storage in existing corner cabinet
- Open wood shelving flanking range
- Salvaged antique furniture pieces as seating
- Cast iron and distressed wood accents
- Wrought iron lanterns and sconces
- Natural fiber rug with scrolling detail
Preserving original trim and exposing the chimney brickwork maintains the early 20th century charm. Blending in well-chosen accents and antiques marries old and new seamlessly.
Smart Improvement Ideas
Layout Change Ideas:
- Knock down walls separating kitchen from other rooms
- Create an open concept great room combining kitchen, dining, and living
- Improve traffic flow with wider doorways and fewer partitions
- Remove awkward soffits and drop ceilings to enhance spaciousness
Storage Solutions:
- Add drawers and pull-outs for ergonomic access to contents
- Include a pantry for food storage away from prep zones
- Opt for open shelving to prevent a cluttered, closed-in look
- Remove some upper cabinets to lighten up wall expanses
Kitchen Island Ideas:
- Creates convenient landing zone between tasks
- Offers additional seating and casual dining space
- Makes an ideal spot for a sink, cooktop or prepping
- Provides storage with cabinets, shelves and drawers
- Helps define kitchen areas in large open floorplans
Backsplash Tile Ideas
- Protects walls from moisture, spills and splatters
- Contrasts beautifully with countertops
- Subway, hexagon, arabesque and mosaic patterns suit traditional homes
- Extend tile from counter to ceiling for bold impact
- Introduce your own flair with a handmade ceramic tile design
Flooring Ideas:
- Refinish existing hardwood using durable protective coats
- Source reclaimed boards for eco-friendly vintage appeal
- Create geometric patterns with wood tile parquet
- Add warmth with natural stone or terra cotta tile
- Consider vinyl plank flooring for easy maintenance
Takeaways:
Even in a modest remodel, small layout tweaks and upgraded accents make a noticeable difference. Look
