Design styles merge to retain character in the house while adding updated amenities.
One would never guess this modern-traditional-rustic kitchen belongs to a 1895 Victorian. Its airy farmhouse design began by San Francisco architect Ken Linsteadt taking down the wall between a narrow kitchen and adjoining dining room. An original pair of French doors was kept to bring in natural light. The double hung window between the glass cabinets was also original, and plays with us visually to create an uninterrupted wall of glass. Upper glass door cabinets stop at 10 feet, but lead eyes toward the 12 foot tall ceiling with its unfinished edge planks. This ceiling finish is a more rustic look than bead board or tongue and groove would have provided.
Notice how the island goes all the way to the floor with only the working side not touching. Plain posts at each corner deliver visual and structural support for the Calacatta marble counter. Three sides of the island are finished with wood planks – the same wood used on the ceiling, but left wide. Industrial Tolix stools were selected for counter seating. From this angle, at the far end of the island, we catch a glimpse of the small built-in seat under the window – a nice addition for this family kitchen, as it’s a great place for the children to feel more connected to Mom while she cooks.
Left over oak floor boards were crafted into a to-die-for range hood. This simple custom hood grabs the attention of everyone – present company included. The Wolf range is flanked by a pair of base drawer cabinets with bracket feet and stainless steel counters. I hesitate to call the stainless wall in the cooking niche a backsplash, given its more wall-like appearance. The contrast of the rustic oak and shiny metal creates a striking focal point.
The box bay breakfast nook’s built-in bench seating and Eames wire chairs offer space for casual dining and glorious views, not to mention storage underneath. While the right side of the nook has a window [2nd picture, above], the left end has recessed display shelves. This family kitchen renovation is a wonderful example of how to keep that old house charm while adding modern day conveniences.
Loved this. I need ideas for the new kitchen.
I like this! I’ll bet it is perfect for the house, and it is certainly the sort of space that invites one in. Open, bright, and cheery, and not in the least kitschy (which is sometimes the case with farmhouse kitchens).
Love this kitchen! Love the rustic range hood, and how open and bright the space is! Thanks for sharing.
Love the banquette with the shelves inset beside, and the rustic hood is great.
Lovely!
: )
Julie M.
Can you tell me where the pulls came from and what size they are? Thanks
Lianna, I can’t find any information online for the pulls. You could try contacting the architect, Ken Linsteadt.
I love your kitchen! Can you tell me what color “white” you used and what brand of paint? Thank you!
Kim, glad you enjoyed my post on this gorgeous kitchen. Searching did not lead to the paint name or maker, but you could contact the architect – Ken Linsteadt.