Bob and Susan designed the kitchen around a 6-foot long vintage cast-iron sink from a salvage dealer in Somerville as part of their design to create a kitchen that felt like it belonged in a 1910-era cottage.
The custom-built painted pine cabinets have a distressed look. Susan discovered kitchens of the early 20th century had glass doors, so two were ordered.
Granite counter tops integrate with a butcher block island, natural tone hardwood floors and stainless appliances. There's plenty of room for multiple cooks. Guests gravitate to the kitchen, where they can relax on two authentic English pub stools.
Each of the hundreds of decisions was pondered, discussed and in two cases, tested before being adopted.
Architectural designer Bartlett Harvey of Littleton, Mass., recommended installing a wall to create an entry hall and closet at the end of the long skinny family room. Susan and Bob weren't convinced. To test the proposal, they created a wall with a tall shelf and high-boy dresser.
"The improvised wall was up for about 10 minutes and our decision became obvious. We created an entry hall and closet, which re-shaped the family room into a hospitable square room," Susan said. "The entry hall is an air lock for those cold New England days. The 10-minute test resolved the design we had debated for months."
The second experiment determined the location of the cook-top and oven. "We finally opted for a separate cook-top and wall oven to provide multiple work stations. I had to choose propane or electric and then, where they should go." Susan said.
"I opted for electric over propane. The burners heat up fast and cleanup is a snap. The previous cook-top was in the island. To figure out where it belonged, I improvised a cardboard hood and taped it to the ceiling over the island. Within 10 minutes, the cook-top found its home against the wall.
"The experiment showed a hood would monopolize too much visual space. The island is a marvelous, four-by-six foot work and eating space," Susan said.
This innovative approach to design will assist you in creating a dream kitchen or bathroom. Bob and Susan are gourmet cooks and use their kitchen daily. Red Oak Renovation's expertise in kitchen planning and use guides customers in what can be a daunting kitchen renovation.
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Distressed cabinets, granite and butcher block counters and a new floor greatly improve the kitchen.
The low ceiling, single window and two-tiered island had room for improvement.
Vaulting the ceiling made the most dramatic difference in the room.
