When restoring a historic home, kitchens and bathrooms present unique challenges–and fun opportunities. More than any other space in the house, clients want modern conveniences and complete functionality. Of course, we also crave spaces in harmony with the home’s historic architecture and charm. So, how do we make that work? The secret is to evoke the home’s historic vibe with details while embracing 21st-century amenities.
How Can I Get My Dream Kitchen In My Historic Home?
“Kitchens have evolved more than any other space in the home in the last few decades. They’ve moved from a smaller space specifically designed for utilitarian needs like food prep to the heart and soul of the home,” says Ben Carpenter of Carpenter Beach Construction. “For example, most people no longer want galley kitchens because we eat and entertain in the kitchen.”
In many restorations, the scale of previous kitchens is abandoned. In some cases, this can mean transforming other rooms of the home into kitchen spaces or putting on a contemporary addition. In either case, you want to choose details that evoke the context of the original house. We can bring in details like trim, windows, fixtures and cabinets. Cabinetry offers an excellent opportunity to pull in the overarching style of the house while installing modern countertops, sinks and appliances. Drawer-pulls and cabinet knobs are important details when recreating a period kitchen or bathroom. They complete the scene and are incredibly fun to design. Regarding appliances, brushed stainless steel can look good in almost any context and remains a popular choice. White appliances also give a clean, classic vibe, and some clients opt for appliances that reflect the look of their updated cabinets.
- Kitchen lighting is another area where upgrades reflect contemporary priorities. We can bring in extra light by adding windows to create the airy feeling today’s homeowners want. We want choices that provide illumination without being glaring when it comes to artificial light. Installing lighting above or under cabinets can work well, and recessed “can” lights in the ceiling are stylish and unobtrusive.
- Homeowners’ storage needs have changed dramatically. A few decades ago, a galley kitchen with a few cabinets generally fit the bill. Now we shop in bulk and want various products at our fingertips. The solution is usually adding a walk-in pantry. It has an old-school flair and keeps stored items out of sight.
- When it comes to flooring, hardwood is usually our material of choice for upgrades within the existing home, as it carries the vibe of the rest of the house into the kitchen. Hardwood is also durable and easy to clean when treated appropriately. However, when you put in an addition, there’s a lot more flexibility. In this case, your kitchen is a blank canvas, and ceramic tile and other materials can work well.
What Should I Consider When Designing Bathrooms For A Historic Home?
Upgrading or adding bathrooms in a historic home follows many of the same principles as modernizing a kitchen space. However, there’s generally less focus on keeping everything in harmony with the original house. Bathrooms in older homes typically change out numerous times over the years because of wear and tear and changes in materials. You might find a 19th-century home with bathrooms from the 50s and 80s, classic examples of historic restoration “remuddlings.” This also means it’s okay to start from scratch– and even put in that sleek contemporary shower you’ve been craving. On the flip side, if you’ve always dreamed of a clawfoot tub, this is the perfect time to install one. Because of evolution over the years, clients have tons of flexibility in choosing the look and feel of their bathrooms. Clients often want to add more bathrooms, which also offers a creative blank slate. As with kitchens, the fixtures and details are where you have options, going in a new direction or you can evoke your historic home’s aesthetic if you wish.
How Can I Choose The Right Contractor To Update My Kitchens And Bathrooms?
Upgrading kitchens and bathrooms requires combining creativity and flair with technical expertise. In most cases, plumbing and electrical upgrades are a must for kitchens and bathrooms. So you want a contractor with solid knowledge of the unique structural challenges of historic homes and top-notch subcontractors as needed. The professional team at Carpenter Beach Construction has extensive experience with kitchens and bathrooms and tons of excellent ideas for combining modern convenience with historic charm. Contact us today to check out our portfolio and case studies. Let’s talk about your project!
