Design Magazine
Good Ideas Transcend Time
With its rustic styling inspired by kitchens from the early 1900s, this comfortable kitchen is proof that what’s old truly can be new again.
Turn of the Century Kitchens Were Workhorse Spaces
A hundred or more years ago, kitchens were purely utilitarian places. Built-in kitchen cabinetry was scarce, and mostly, non-existent. Instead, homeowners made creative use of walk-in pantries and collected a variety of free-standing furniture pieces to create dedicated work and storage spaces.
There were hutches in which to store dishes and serving pieces, Hoosier cabinets and pie safes for food supplies, and a big table that provided the primary work surface. There was also a freestanding coal or wood burning stove and cast iron sink hung from the wall.
In such an “unfitted kitchen”, each piece had a defined task - making pies, baking bread, storing perishable items - and in total, they met all of the cook’s needs.
Details Create Period Atmosphere
While this kitchen is not a true “unfitted kitchen,” clever use of design details gives the room a unique period character with all the conveniences of today. Note the basket storage (1), which adds a nice design element while still providing an easy storage solution for frequently used items. Furniture feet (2) also add to the look of this kitchen’s period character.
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In the photo to the right, cabinets conceal canned goods and tableware.
Note how the wall-and-base cabinet installation hints at an old-time
hutch with the addition of a decorative hutch panel and an
under-cabinet shelf to display kitchen treasures.
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To the right of the “hutch” is the clean-up area, anchored by a
classic apron-front or farmhouse sink. Next to the sink, a small
corner cabinet with mullion glass doors provides decorative storage.
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Behind the island is the cooking center, defined by a large,
decorative hood and a brick backsplash. The free-standing range
is flanked by small cabinets whose tops are convenient places
for the cook to set food and utensils.
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The wide plank floors and countertops, mullioned, casement-like
windows and wide casings around the doors and windows are
appropriate to the period. A variety of found objects - baskets,
antique storage tins, crockery and other collectibles complete the look.
