A kitchen remodel can breathe new life into an outdated space. For this Connecticut homeowner, a goals included gaining more counter space and storage while honoring the home’s traditional architecture. The result is a fresh take on a classic white kitchen with smart solutions for maximizing utility.
Introduction
Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular home remodeling projects, as the kitchen is the heart of the home. Homeowners looking to update an outdated or inefficient kitchen have many options, from simple cosmetic changes like new cabinet hardware to more extensive overhauls involving knocking down walls and relocating appliances.
For this homeowner in Greenwich, Connecticut, the objectives were to increase counter space and storage while maintaining the traditional architectural style of the home. Built in 1930, the kitchen had classic details like glass-front cabinets and hexagonal tile flooring. While charming, the small galley layout no longer functioned well for a busy family of five.
The homeowners worked with interior designer Janie Molster of New Canaan, Connecticut to reimagine the space. By bumping out one wall, reconfiguring the layout, and selecting space-saving storage solutions, they were able to gain more room for food prep and cooking while enhancing the classic aesthetic. Read on for an inside look at this throwback kitchen makeover.
Overview of the Remodel
- Goal: Update an outdated galley kitchen while maintaining the home’s traditional 1930s architectural style. Increase counter space and storage capacity.
- Scope: Knocking down one wall to extend footprint, installing custom cabinetry, adding an island, new flooring and backsplash tile, energy-efficient appliances.
- Design: Classic and transitional, with a fresh white color scheme and hexagonal floor tile to bridge old and new.
- Cabinetry: Custom painted Shaker-style cabinets with glass-front uppers for a touch of vintage charm.
- Countertops: Honed white marble adds timeless elegance.
- Backsplash: Subway tile in white with thin grey grout lines.
- Flooring: Hexagonal Carrara marble tile laid in a herringbone pattern.
- Lighting: Sconces, pendants, and undercabinet lighting create a warm glow.
- Major Appliances: Wolf range, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher.
Before: Galley Kitchen Lacked Space
The original kitchen was dated and cramped. As a narrow galley layout, counter space and storage were very limited for a family who enjoys cooking and entertaining.
The kitchen footprint could not be expanded out the back of the home due to the proximity of the swimming pool. By bumping out into the side yard, the homeowners were able to gain several critical feet of width.
Key issues with the previous kitchen:
- Galley layout with two narrow countertops resulted in minimal workspace.
- Upper cabinets were shallow without pull-outs, limiting storage capacity.
- No space for recycling or wastebasket within the kitchen.
- Small appliances like microwave and toaster took up precious counter space.
- No dishwasher or island.
- Tiny dated sink with no room to work alongside it.
- Poor natural light with small window over sink.
- Harvest gold Formica counters and honey oak cabinets had worn, dated look.
While layout and storage function needed improvement, the traditional architectural details were worth preserving, like:
- Glass-front upper cabinets with mullion details.
- Hexagonal floor tile in vintage aqua color.
- Coved ceiling.
- Window over sink.
Design Goals: More Space and Smart Storage
The homeowners loved the vintage architectural style of their 1930s home but needed the kitchen to function better for their family’s needs.
Their wish list included:
- More counter space and storage: The narrow galley setup offered minimal workspace. More room was needed for food prep, serving, and organizing kitchen essentials.
- Kitchen island: A large central island would provide additional counter space and seating.
- Custom cabinetry: Shaker-style cabinets with storage solutions like pull-outs, but maintaining some glass-front uppers for charm.
- Subway tile backsplash: Classic white subway tile would give a fresh look while matching the era of the home.
- Honed marble countertops: Elegant and timeless, ideal for food prep.
- Hexagonal floor tile: New tile in a lighter color, laid in herringbone pattern to modernize the hexagon shape.
- Energy efficient appliances: Modern stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher in stainless steel for convenience.
- Improved lighting: Good task lighting as well as accent lighting like pendants and sconces.
- Open concept: Remove walls separating kitchen from dining and living area to improve flow.
Removing Walls and Adding Square Footage
To carve out more space for the kitchen, the existing footprint needed to be expanded. Fortunately there was latitude to bump the kitchen into the adjoining side yard.
However, this meant structural changes like:
- Knocking down adjoining walls.
- Installing an RSJ (reinforced steel joist) to support the second floor above.
- Engineering beam sizes and spans to meet code requirements.
In total, the kitchen’s square footage increased from about 150 to 270 square feet – making room for more cabinetry, appliances and work zones.
Optimizing the New Layout
With a larger footprint to work with, designer Janie Molster configured the new layout for maximum efficiency.
Key features of the new floorplan:
- Island situated diagonally, easing traffic flow.
- Sink relocated away from island to create better separation of work zones.
- Ran lower cabinets along entire back wall to maximize storage.
- Grouped appliances together along back wall.
- Designed cabinetry and island to align with window placements.
Well-planned traffic patterns and distinct work zones make the kitchen highly functional. A clear path between island and sink avoids collisions.
The large central island serves multiple purposes. It provides seating, dining space, and extra surface area for meal prep and serving. Situated diagonally, it delineates work zones without hampering movement.
Cabinetry Designed for Smart Storage
Stock cabinets would not suffice for this kitchen. The designer specified custom Shaker-style cabinetry to maximize every inch of available space.
Key features of the custom cabinetry:
- Full extension drawer slides for easy access to contents.
- Deep drawers sized for cooking tools and pots/pans.
- Pull-out shelves in lower cabinets bring items out of dead space.
- Extra deep pantry cabinetry with roll outs.
- Appliance garages for small countertop appliances.
- Wastebasket pull-out built into island.
- Glass-front uppers echo original cabinets while showcasing dishes.
Thoughtful drawers and roll-outs prevent items from getting lost in deep cabinets. Clear acrylic bins keep everything visible. The deep pantry has specialty organizers to neatly arrange canned goods.
Honed Marble Countertops
For a timeless and elegant look, the homeowners chose honed marble countertops. The white marble has subtle gray veining that complements the color scheme.
Honed marble has a matte finish that helps disguise everyday wear and tear. It’s also a good surface for avid home cooks, as it is naturally heat and stain resistant.
To create ample food prep space, the countertops run along the entire back wall and wrap around the kitchen island. This provides nearly 15 linear feet of uninterrupted counter space.
A thick marble slab was also used to create a sizable workspace around the kitchen’s deep single-bowl sink. Window placements were designed to allow for counter space on both sides.
Hexagonal Floor Tile, Classic Subway Tile Backsplash
Putting a modern spin on the existing flooring was a priority. The original hexagonal tile was replaced with larger-scale Carrara marble tile. Laid in a herringbone pattern, it gives the hex shape a current, geometric look.
The backsplash received a clean treatment with simple white subway tile. To retain the vintage charm, the designer chose tiles with a slightly textured surface and beveled edge.
Thin grey grout lines were used so the tile itself remains the focus. This also makes the tile look like solid sheets of marble from a distance.
Appliances for Serious Cooks
This kitchen overhaul was an opportunity to upgrade to powerful, professional-grade appliances.
The highlight is a Wolf dual-fuel range with a gas cooktop and electric ovens. The range’s deep blue color provides a pop of visual contrast.
Other appliances include:
- Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer column units.
- Bosch dishwasher with pocket handle and custom wood panel front.
- Sharp drawer-style microwave.
- Undercounter wine refrigerator.
The appliances are full-size and situated to allow for safe distances between them. Their placement along the back wall leaves the main work zones open.
Statement Lighting Built Into Design
With its coved ceiling and limited windows, lighting needed special attention in this kitchen remodel. The design incorporates a mix of fixture types to create ambiance and illuminate tasks.
Key lighting elements:
- Recessed can lights for overall illumination.
- Undercabinet LED strips to directly light countertops.
- Sconces flanking the range hood for task lighting.
- Pendant clusters over the kitchen island.
- Display lighting inside the glass-front upper cabinets.
Dimmers allow the homeowners to control light levels throughout the day. Portable task lighting like accent beams can supplement as needed.
The lighting complements the classic architecture through the sconce and pendant choices. At night, it casts a warm glow for an inviting atmosphere.
More Functionality, More Style
By expanding the footprint and creating an efficient layout, the kitchen gained ample additional counter and storage space. The homey aesthetic matches the 1930s architecture with:
- Shaker-style cabinetry blending glass fronts and solid wood.
- Hexagonal marble tile laid in an updated herringbone pattern.
- Subway tile backsplash in soft white.
- Elegant honed marble countertops.
- Traditional sconces and pendant lights with modern functionality.
The throwback elements maintain the home’s character. This kitchen has longevity by providing classic style along with smart storage solutions. Despite handling the demands of a busy family, it will retain its timeless warmth and charm for decades to come.
FAQs about Remodeling a Vintage Kitchen
Get answers to common questions about updating an old kitchen while preserving its architectural style.
Can you add more space to an existing small kitchen?
Yes, often you can bump out walls or steal space from an adjoining room to make the kitchen larger. Weight-bearing walls and existing plumbing/electric will impact what’s feasible.
What are popular kitchen layouts for small spaces?
Galley, L-shaped, and U-shaped layouts can maximize efficiency in tight spaces. Islands are great for small kitchens by adding work space.
Should you keep or replace old kitchen floors?
If the old floors are in good condition, you can refinish them. Popular options are sanding and staining wood floors, or buffing and resealing stone tile. Replace cracked or warped floors.
How do you update cabinets while keeping vintage style?
Use custom cabinetry styled similar to the originals, but with modern conveniences like soft-close doors and full-extension drawers. Add glass fronts to allow light through.
What backsplash tiles work with vintage kitchens?
Classic white subway tile, or hexagon tile in updated colors/patterns. Patterns like herringbone give traditional shapes a current look.
What are timeless kitchen countertop materials?
Marble, soapstone, butcher block, and quartzite have an enduring look. Honed finishes hide wear better. Laminate is budget-friendly.
Should you install new kitchen windows?
If the original windows are in good repair, you can retain them by adding interior trim to update the look. Replace broken panes, rotten frames, and poorly insulated windows.
How do you add function without losing old kitchen charm?
Keep any distinctive vintage features like glass cabinet fronts, ceiling details, or floor tile patterns. Use new storage solutions like roll outs and drawers to maximize space without overhauling original cabintry.
What are low-cost ways to update an old kitchen?
Painting cabinets, adding new hardware, installing backsplash tile, refinishing floors, and updating lighting fixtures and wall color can make a big visual impact with lower cost than a full remodel.
Conclusion
Updating a kitchen in a vintage home takes careful planning. Preserving original architectural details while improving functionality takes creative spatial design and storage solutions.
For this homeowner, a few key changes made all the difference:
- Expanding the footprint allowed room for better workflow.
- Custom cabinetry enhanced storage while maintaining the Shaker style.
- Hexagonal floor tile in a herringbone pattern gave new life to a classic pattern.
- Honed marble countertops added timeless beauty.
The new kitchen has a fresh, light aesthetic that honors its origins. With more space and smarter storage, it offers this family exceptional form and utility for years to come.
