Kitchen of the Week: Uncovering History in an 1800s Colonial
Brick features from long ago return to prominence, but a raised ceiling and newly open layout set them squarely in the now
Houzz Editorial Staff
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Classic materials and a simple style help pay tribute to this kitchen's all-American roots. Once an orchard worker's home, this 200-year-old house in Melrose, Massachusetts, has gone through many renovations. Those renovations covered or changed many of the home's historical features — including the original brick oven and fireplace in the kitchen. Designer Eric Luciano decided to start over, tearing down the drywall surrounding the brick oven to reshape this kitchen into a more workable space that also honors the home's history.
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple in their 60s
Location: Melrose, Massachusetts
Size: 250 square feet
Cost: $45,000
Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple in their 60s
Location: Melrose, Massachusetts
Size: 250 square feet
Cost: $45,000
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by Luciano Group
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| After ripping out a dilapidated porch above the kitchen, Luciano was able to raise the low ceiling by about 8 inches. Bold black walnut, warm yellow walls and contrasting white woodwork draw the eyes away from the low ceiling height. Pendant: Restoration Hardware; wall paint: Butter Pecan, California Paints; dishwasher: Frigidaire |
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by Luciano Group
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| Granite or marble counters felt too cold for this colonial kitchen, so Luciano purchased large pieces of American black walnut in sections and cut them onsite for custom counters. Countertops: Craft Art See how to work with wood countertops |
by Luciano Group
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The original brick oven and fireplace had been covered up by drywall during a previous renovation. Luciano had no idea how much of a presence they would become until his team took down all of the surrounding walls, but he embraced the prominent brick in his design. He left the part above the original oven open for wood storage.
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by Luciano Group
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| Luciano changed the kitchen's original galley layout into an L shape, expanding into an old laundry room. The new layout not only creates more working space, but also allows for better entertaining — when guests are over, the kitchen's mess can be hidden on the marble worktop, invisible from kitchen's entrance and the adjacent dining room. Cabinetry: Starmark; hardware: Restoration Hardware; refrigerator: Maytag |
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by Luciano Group
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| All-white appliances blend into the cabinet layout. "Stainless steel would just be too slick for this home," says Luciano. "As a designer you need to maintain the integrity of the home." The range was part of the previous kitchen, and the clients plan to eventually replace it with an all-white version. Two-by-4 Carrara marble tiles tie in with the baking counter around the corner of the L-shaped kitchen. Luciano opted for a backsplash on just one wall to avoid visual clutter. |
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by Luciano Group
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| Instead of extending the black walnut countertops, Luciano opted for marble on this breakfast and baking area. "It can stain, but it has a café feel and also is a great worktop for baking," he says. The clients love to bake, and this working space's location makes it easy to keep messes out of sight. Sink: Domsjo, Ikea |
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by Luciano Group
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| Originally the client wanted a piece of furniture for this desk area, but Luciano suggested this custom solution to create more counter space and stick with the kitchen's clean and simple lines. A drawer and counter legs underneath allude to a piece of furniture without creating an awkward gap between the desk and counter. The clients also use this area as a place for food when it's ready to bring to the dining table. "Cabinets could've been put here instead of a desk," says Luciano. "But I wanted to add a feature to this kitchen." Stool: Era Counter Stool |
Ideabook published on March 1, 2013.
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