TA-DA! It’s New! It’s Improved! THE KITCHEN PLAN!
In a time long, long ago I presented my kitchen plans.
When I purchased the Cross House in 2014 I had no idea of what an 1890s kitchen would have looked like. But, I learned. And had great fun while doing so.
In 1894, kitchens were an “island” type, meaning they had no fitted cabinets circling the room, as is the standard today. Rather, while pantries the era did have fitted cabinets (and even modest homes of the era had pantries), the kitchen was for preparation rather than storage. So, there was a coal range, a sink, ice box, and a table in the center for food prep.
This is how my kitchen was, likely, laid out in 1894.
- Likely location of sink. The tall backsplash would have covered part of the window (as seen in archival images previously posted).
- Possible drainboard over radiator.
- Coal/wood range. Location actual.
- Ice chest (extant).
- Tables.
My plan essentially recreated this type of kitchen via a large island:
- Island
- “UFO”
- Double Sinks
- Barstool(s)
- TV
- Counter for microwave, blender, toaster.
- Radiator
- Recreated laundry chute
- Recreated dumbwaiter
- Relocated butler’s pantry cabinet.
- New door
- “Infill” cabinet
- Rolling cabinets
However…since designing this kitchen plan in 2016, and building a mock-up of the large island with a sink, I have grown…concerned.
The island seemed to overwhelm the room.
Also, I did not not like, while at the sink, facing the east window. The view is not attractive, looking to the alley and the rear of my neighbors. Instead, I pined to face south, which faces the carriage house. While the house looks poorly now, it will be most attractive once restored. Could I look at that, please?
Then other troublesome whispers called out to me.
The plan hinged on having two under-counter drawer refrigerators, and one under-counter drawer freezer. Recently, I priced these: about $6,000 for all three.
I had a heart attack.
And, thus, in an instant, my dream kitchen turned into sand.
SINK LUST
Since designing my dream kitchen in 2016, I have learned a lot more about 1890s kitchens. And I became kinda obsessed about sinks from the era.
A stone sink, either slate or soapstone. How cool is this!
A soapstone sink. Friggin’ cool!
One can also order a new soapstone sink. it will turn black after being oiled.
So…what if…what if…I ordered a soapstone sink and installed it where a sink likely was in 1894?
This question caressed me for many months. These caresses proved effective:
The new soapstone sink I plan to order.
ORDERING A RETHINK
Obviously, a total rethinking was in order. There were too many concerns and tantalizing caresses.
The centerpiece of my thinking proved the refrigerator. I could get a side-by-side for $1,200. This was MUCH better than $6,000! But, where to put it?
Where?
Where?
I could put it where I currently have a beat-up refrigerator, along the east wall, to the left of the window. But, I hate having a refrigerator there. It…protrudes. Into the room.
So, I thought: Hey! What about putting it in the original servant’s hall? There would be space along the west wall. I would have to block up the window now there, but I created that in 2014 and never finished the installation. It is just a piece of plexiglass over a rough opening.
But…but…this did not seem an ideal location. And I was wary of a refrigerator in a space never intended for such an appliance. I could hear the faint cries of long-ago servant’s. Hey! That’s OUR space! Fuck you!
Golly. Such language from ghosts.
So, I pondered. And pondered. And pondered.
And pondered some more.
Then I had…drum roll, please…a GADZOOKS moments. Don’t ya’ love such moments?
I could put the refrigerator into the brick niche originally intended for the coal-burning stove!!!!!!!! A 36-inch side-by-side would just fit!
See what I mean? GADZOOKS!
In a instant, this resolved another nagging concern. If I had placed a new stove into the brick niche, this would have only allowed for 12-inch-wide cabinets to each side. And that is kinda useless for cooking.
This was not a concern though in 2016 as I did not really cook. Then I signed up for a weekly food delivery and my eyes have been opened to the wonders of, you, know, actual cooking rather than tossing frozen food into the microwave. And with this new knowledge I now appreciate an essential item: a 48-inch length of counter to at least one side of a stove. This is now non-negotionable.
The stove would go where the shabby refrigerator is now: along the east wall, to the left of the window. This will allow three vital things:
- A view while cooking.
- A 48-inch-wide counter to one side!
- A range vent over. Vital, baby, vital!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
While the depth of the stove will, yes, protrude into the room, it will not height-wise. And that was my concern.
A SWIMMING PLAN
With all these new and thrilling ideas swimming laps around my brain, I created a new plan:
Ta-da!
- New soapstone sink in likely original sink location.
- New wood drainboard atop radiator (the latter will be returned to its original location).
- Recreated dumbwaiter.
- Recreated laundry chute.
- Refrigerator in 1894 stove brick niche.
- New range/oven.
- Free-standing cabinet.
- Small sink.
- Island (the arrows indicate drawers).
Preparing a meal will thus center on a small area:
- Refrigerator
- Range.
- Adjacent free-standing cabinet.
- Island sink.
This will all be very convenient. The fewer steps in a kitchen = a happy cook. Well, and wine.
The appliances will all be stainless steel. Yes, yes, I understand that this is currently sooooooo the trend and normally I run the other way with regards to any trend. But, white appliances will stand out too much (see colors, below) and black appliances will depress me.
The free-standing cabinet will, methinks, be a restaurant-style stainless steel type, with two drawers under the counter, and open shelves below for cookware. With no back, the original wood wainscoting should be visible. I love this.
I am uncertain as to what the island counter should be. Steel again? Wood? Butcher block? Marble? Formica? (Just kidding!).
The lighting is also not fully resolved. I have a period-correct kitchen-type gas/electric brass ceiling pendant. It only though has two electric sockets (as the gas fitters remain in situ). I could use Edison-style LED clear bulbs (way cool looking) which are 60W equivalent. And there will be two brass gas/electric sconces in original locations. Each also has a single socket. So, another 120W.
But 240W is not bright enough.
If I could find somebody to convert the gas fitters on the fixtures to electric (I cannot do that), this would double the wattage to 480W, which may be enough.
Another option, which will HORRIFY y’all, would be…
…EEK!!!!!!!!…can lights!
However, before you drag me from my home and into a situation involving tar and feathers, please take a moment to consider the brilliance of my selection:
- The lights are not the standard round. Oh, Ross is good!
- They are small (4-inches as opposed to the standard 6-inches). Oh, Ross is good!
- They have a brushed steel plate, which will well complement the stainless steel appliances. Oh, Ross is good!
- They will not litter the ceiling, like ceiling acne, but be carefully, judiciously placed. I would have a pair over the sink, a pair over the island, and a pair over the east cabinet. And, yes, I like the idea of adding a subtle contemporary touch.
ROSS. RAGING. AGAIN.
I have previously raged about people saying this after buying a historic home: “I’m gonna tear out the non-original kitchen and install a period kitchen!”
And then they proceed to do nothing of the sort.
Rather, they will install a modern fully fitted kitchen but with traditional styling. And I am OK with that. Just stop calling it a period kitchen. For, it is not.
Repeat: it is not.
I WISH TO STRESS
I am really proud of what I am planning. My skin tingles with excitement.
I have never seen anybody recreate an 1890s kitchen (except for house museums). Never.
And while I won’t be either, not fully, I will be to no small degree.
For:
- The original flooring was a narrow maple. I will soon be installing a match to this.
- I know the locations of the original gas/electric fixtures and will be re-installing such fixtures.
- These fixtures will be appropriate to an 1890s kitchen, very plain, and not fancy parlor-style fixtures. Even the glass shades will be appropriate to a kitchen in being plain.
- I had the plaster walls and wood in the kitchen analyzed. The walls and ceiling were originally a glossy cream kinda color, and all the wood was orange shellac over plain pine. I will be recreating these finishes.
- The new sink will replicate a period-correct sink.
- The new sink will be in the likely original location.
- The room will not be wallpapered as this was unthinkable in the 1890s.
- The room will have no picture rail nor crown moulding, as each was also just not done in the 1890s.
- And…squee!!!!!!!!…the lost annunciator system will be recreated, along with the lost dumbwaiter, lost laundry chute, and lost speaking tube. Yep, SQUEE!!!!!!!!
- Most importantly, the kitchen will be an island-style kitchen (as all kitchens were in the 1890s). There will no built-in cabinets hugging all the walls as everybody does today when building a “period” kitchen. And which nobody did in the 1890s.
The finished room will be an artful balance between history and modernity, and I am thrilled at the idea.
SUMMATION
While I yearn for a period kitchen in the Cross House, I have zero desire to install an 1890s coal-burning stove. I am not going to live without a dishwasher or refrigerator. I am not going to live with low lighting levels. I am not going to live with low counters (as was the norm in 1894).
My plan, thus, is to combine what I yearn for with what I can live with.
Hey! That is good!
My plan, thus, is to combine what I yearn for with what I can live with.
OOPSIE
Doing the kitchen was not on my 2021 To Do list but it has somehow forced its way on the list.
And Ross is OK with that. I am an Aquarian. We are good with embracing the unexpected.
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My two cents –
1. I approve of your choice of stainless steel. As someone who doesn’t even particularly care for stainless steel appliances, I think they would make a very chic contrast between 1894 and the present.
2. I think can lights would work well. They provide a gentle, diffused lighting, and I know you possess the sensibilities required to avoid ceiling smallpox as I call it.
3. My vote is for a butcher block island. I think stainless appliances AND surfaces would make the room look a bit too cold and industrial. Butcher block has visual warmth, and can look very modern while simultaneously alluding to the original central work table that the kitchen no doubt once had.
Oh, and I love your new and improved plan. I would LOOOVE cooking in a kitchen like that.
Nathan, you make an excellent point about butcher block. Thank you!
Ross, in my ca.1900 Victorian house, my kitchen was indeed wallpapered. The ceiling is beadboard, but, there was no beadboard walls. I have samples of the moss green William Morrisesque small print fogliate wallpaper, which was also used in the pantry. I was very lucky, because none of the plaster walls were ever painted. It would have been lead paint, and I know of one house that has beautiful white oak parquet floors, and fabulous woodwork, all painted. The bathrooms on the first and second floor had one coat of white paint on the doors and woodwork, and long ago I very easily stripped these. The first floor bathroom has hard pine trim, and the 2nd floor room has chestnut trim. The floors in all these rooms were linoleum.
Michael, I have looked at hundreds of archival images of 1880s and 1890s kitchens. I’ve never seen a wallpapered kitchen from the era. I can’t comment on anything post-1900 because I’ve not studied the era.
Papered walls in a kitchen would have absorbed smells and grease, so it surprises me that your kitchen was wallpapered.
Well, that is one for the record books, I guess. They must have LOVED walpaper, because there were layers and layers everywhere, and in some rooms, paint over the layers of wallpaper. And popcorn ceilings. Yikes! I know, the horrors! I got rid of every one of those damnable popcorn ceilings, thank God. Another thing, again, no surprise here. I had to remove about 5 layers of flooring in the kitchen. Right now, the pine floor is exposed, and I hope to have Forbo Marmoleum installed. The pine doesn’t look great, and I know the room had linoleum, so, it will soon be there again.
Is it possible that the room you consider today to be the kitchen might have been something else in 1900? I ask from experience; our kitchen has been in it’s current location since at least the late 1940s, and it puzzled me to find elaborate1890s wall and ceiling paper underneath the sheetrock. I did some sleuthing and over a period of 2 or 3 years, determined that what is now a large utility room was the original kitchen, and our kitchen was apparently an informal dining room between the original kitchen and the formal dining room.
Great new layout, better flow Ross. More economical in terms of appliances 1 instead of 3.
Thank you, Leigh!
I LOVE your new plan. I had major reservations about the other one. This is perfect. I agree with Nathan’s comments too. A butcher block type island, if not too blocky, would be perfect. Keep the stainless steel around the perimeter. This looks fun to work in and will also LOOK better.
Thank you, Miriam! I, too, agree with Nathan!
Good Morning
Are you planning on using flush mount lights? they make very thin ones that almost disappear into the ceiling. I do like the 4″ as they are small. You can also get the 4″ that you can aim.
Good morning, Paul of York!
Yes, the can lights would be flush mount.
Yes, I’d definitely consider white 4″ round adjustable ones (assuming the ceiling will be white, if not, stainless might be the more sensible option)!
Personally, I immediately scream internally when I read “recessed lights” or “cans” because the first thing I think of is the infamous 8″ reflector compact fluorescent monstrosities that were immensely popular in office buildings in the 80s and 90s. They’re very obtrusive, the reflectors can be quite blinding if you make the mistake of looking up and the light is as bad as your average compact fluorescent. Small, unobtrusive quality LED lights are a completely different animal though.
I too vote for butcher block countertop. It would compliment the floor and would be nice to work on. It might absorb some of the kitchen sounds better than stainless steel.
Also include a place to sit while cooking. Even just a stool to pull up to the counter or stove to give your legs a break.
Thank you, Rick. I could easily place a stool in the servant’s hall.
I really like this new plan. I think it’s a great marriage of old and new. When I had my house – which I lived in for 16 years – I found that I was glad I hadn’t had the money to make the changes I wanted when I first moved in. Time and pondering and living in the space gave me different ideas. Glad Ross is happy. Also glad you have a team of Justins to help you accomplish your dreams.
Thank you, Nancy from New Yawk.
Ross,
I too love your new plan! (and I’m insanely jealous of your future sink)
Have you considered copper for your counter?
Have fun going down the rabbit hole! *grin*
Hi, Julie! I’ve not considered copper. I did consider Monel, which was a precursor to stainless steel. It had a high copper content, and was thus visually softer looking than ss. But, it does not seem though that it’s being made anymore.
Copper reacts with food. That is why pots for cooking food are lined with tin. The only pure copper pots that aren’t are for cooking things with a high sugar content, like jam.
Ross, I really love your new plan. The one thing I don’t see in your plans is *ventilation* for the stove. There should be a hood with fan over the stove. Really, you should not try to do without this. Said hood would include task lighting for the stove, very important.
R, I mentioned that there will be a range hood. Vital!
I was thinking the fridge should go where the old cook stove was. With the small island sink and prep counter you now have a triangle between the sink,, stove, and fridge. What every kitchen should have. Less steps makes cooking more enjoyable. Like the rest of your plan. Can’t wait to see it done. Good luck!
Thank you, Bonnie!
I like the idea of a smaller island. Plans change as we do, and so evolve.
I have thought that it would be 😎 cool (pun fully intended), to put the frig in the Ice box if possible. I think you mentioned it is staying but what are you going to do with it? Wine storage?
I agree with others about butcher block or wood for the island counter, tips its hat to the table that would have be the OG island.
Where is the dishwasher going?
And love the soap stone sink in what was likely the original sink location. Soap stone is so beautiful.
Stainless steel base shelves next to the stove makes sense and is easy cleaning. Base for the island maybe a mix? Some elements of wood/beadboard and stainless. Marry the two.
I love that there are two pantries… I have zero pantries, mine is an amorie converted into a pantry. All of the cabinets in my kitchen are fixed shelves that do not accommodate Cereal boxes etc. So, even in their current state, I am jealous and envious of your not 1 but 2 pantries.
Hi, LS!
I thought about making the built-in ice chest a refrigerator by installing a cooling unit in the basement. The problem is the wood door. In the summer the humidity expands the door and it can’t be opened! So, the ice chest will be used as a broom closet and storage.
You wrote: “tips its hat to the table that would have be the OG island.” What do you mean?
The dishwasher will be in the island. It’s marked DW.
The island base will be sleek new cabinets.
Yes, I adore having two pantries. My kitchen plan would not work without them. The main pantry will house the microwave, toaster, etc. As well as the everyday dishes, cereal boxes, etc.
Thanks for the info on the Ice Box, makes sense. And will still be made into a useful space.
“tips its hat to the table that would have be the OG island.”
I meant the Butcher Block or a wood counter top on the island would be a nod to what it would have been originally, likely a wood table.
Contuining to be jealous of your pantries! Love the revamped plan.
They make wraps to make your refrigerator look like an ice box. Just don’t get the ones with the dispenser in the door.
https://www.rmwraps.com/vintage-fridge-wraps/side-by-side-icebox-refrigerator-wrap
I’ve got fixed shelves too. I solved that problem with a lot of Tupperware sized for each shelf. I have a labeler to make sure I know what is inside.
I LOVE the new plan, especially the new location of the refrigerator. The only suggestion I have is to make sure the range is safe near the doorway. You don’t want people bumping into hot pot on the stove. Maybe have a small cart/counter to left of range and a longer counter to the right?
Good morning, Barbara!
I generally loathe recessed lighting in old houses, and nothing is worse than an ocean of 6″ can lights, in any house, new or old. However… Nicor makes an attractive 2″ diameter gimbal light which is 2700K and dimmable for under $40 each. The trim rings come in black, white, and an oiled bronze color and can be painted as well, making the visual footprint even smaller. They are tiny and very unobtrusive. I think they are the perfect compromise for old houses when used deliberately and sparingly.
I will look into that, Devyn. Thank you!
I think this is a logical, well thought-out plan.
Question: Where will the dishwasher go? I see a dishwashing sink and drainboard, but no dishwasher. Will it be in the pantry, or near your dish storage (which would be handy)?
Comment: I would suggest “staging” your cooking setup and see if you like it in practice. Speaking as a person with one tiny counter by her stove, I would love counters on either side to help with cook prep. And it would be a good safety feature, as the other Barbara suggested.
Morning, Barb!
The dishwasher will be in the island. It’s marked DW.
Duh. Thanks, Ross!
This plan is SO much better than your first one. It is a much better use of the space yet still honors the original spirit of the kitchen. On a side note, I’m planning a kitchen now too and I’m shocked at the cost of any appliances that aren’t standard size (in my case I’m going smaller). It really is highway robbery.
Thank you, Alice!
I think your kitchen would make me want to cook! Never been a fan of butcher block counters, but agree with others that, in this instance, it would make sense and be perfect. Can’t wait to see it. Have fun! 🙂
Thank you, Laurie!
Just beautifully thought through! I love that use areas are located at both windows – sink in one, stove prep counter in other. Having a view adds such joy to kitchen tasks. I love that circulation flows unimpeded all the way around the central “table”. I love the shazam location of the fridge. I LOVE that you managed to make the room functional and still keep the dumbwaiter and laundry chute (which take up a lot of valuable wall space in a room that has very little due to all the doors). A testament to letting ideas grow quietly in the background while other things are happening. A testament to not rushing. Just a delight. Cheers!
Thank you, SEB!
When I first purchased the house, I’d no idea of how to create a kitchen in the space. Neither did the previous owner. He had planned to build an addition.
Indeed, it seems like the room has baffled many owners throughout most of its history due to having almost no wall space.
Of course, this was not a problem in 1894 as kitchens were “island” layouts rather than “fitted” layouts which started showing up in the 1920s. By the 1930s fitted kitchen became the norm.
My new plan only works by breaking away from a fitted mentality. And, yet, the new plan should be highly workable and comfortable.
Hello Ross, just want to say I so enjoy your posts. I had the same dilemma in my old house with the refrigerator. Have you considered a counter depth refrigerator? Less intrusion into the space, you do loose a bit on storage but I have a second refrigerator and separate freezer in the laundry room. Or ( for a bit more money but not ($6,000.00) you could go with a counter depth tower freezer and separate tower refrigerator in the same place, this would leave the “nook” in the back for needed air flow. I have looked at both Lowes and Home Depot and the price ranges from $500.00 to $800.00 each depending on size, make etc. but with current world events availability could be an issue. I also use rubbing alcohol to soften the stainless steel to a softer more subtle brushed look. I do like your idea of the recessed lighting it is less intrusive in the space. I wish I thought of that but I do have mine on a dimmer for soft subtle light for every day and crank it up when it is time to see all the grime for a good cleaning. What ever you choose I know it will be wonderful!!
Ceiling acne! God, I LOVE your writing style! LOL!!!!
Can’t add much to your post, other than a thumbs up opinion on the much smaller island – definitely the way to go, AND… the one thing that jumped out at me as a serious NO GO. For the love of all that is holy, do not buy a side by side refrigerator…. unless you plan on never putting a box of pizza or anything wide in there. Also, do you plan on emptying out shelves to get to the stuff that will inevitably be in the BACK, behind everything else, every time you need to take anything out of the fridge or even narrower freezer? I lived with one of those suckers for about 15 years, and at least 12 of them were spent screaming “I HATE this refrigerator” every time I had to find anything in it. I finally sold it about 5 years ago, still working just fine (damn thing refused to die, even though I cursed it and begged it to for years) and bought a nice French door with the freezer on the bottom. Much better layout.
Sorry for the rant. Friends don’t let friends buy side by side refrigerators!
Beth, I currently have a side-by-side and LOVE IT!
What a great plan, Ross! I just wanted to contribute that I am glad that stainless steel, which you would’ve picked anyway, is trendy right now. I hope you get exactly the appliances you want at a very good price and don’t have to pay extra for niche materials 🙂 I am guessing range hoods were not a thing in the 1890s – have you thought about integrated extraction fans?
Hi, Katie! Range hoods were common in the 1890s.
And I think a range hood and an integrated extraction fan is the same thing, right?
I learn something new every day, Ross! No, I mean integrated into the hob. Miele and neff both do them, amongst others. Though as I think about it, they might be available only for induction hobs.
Love your thinking Ross. It will indeed be fabulous.
Thank you, Marcia!
I guess I missed this, where is the dishwasher in the floorplan of the kitchen? I think your plans are wonderful.
In the island, Nancy. Marked DW.
I love the new kitchen plan and the soapstone sink. I’m not a fan of stainless steel, have you considered charcoal gray appliances? My daughter has them and they are warmer looking than ss, but lighter than black. Maybe charcoal is still too depressing for you. I too think butcher block or wood would be a good choice for the island counter. It is going to be a joy to cook in that kitchen, can’t wait to see the kitchen finished and functional.
Cindy, yes, charcoal gray would be too depressing for me!
Dear lord… how am I ever going to get caught up on the past 7 years. Tripped across one of your blog posts while researching anthemions and now I’m hooked. I’ve never met you, but I sooooo love your writing and your attitude. Not sure where to start, but you have a new fan! I’m a small time antique dealer with an eye for detail and this is right up my alley.
It’s so worth it starting at the beginning AND reading all the comments.
Ross,
So happy to see a revised kitchen plan. The scaled
-down island makes much more sense.
With the d/w in the island, where are your everyday dishes going to be stored? I’m guessing the pots and pans will be on the open shelves under the service table next to range. You’ll want your dishes easily accessible to the dw. I know you have the butler’s pantry for the fancy stuff. Will you keep your daily dish ware there, too? It’s there any space in there for a dw? Or could the dw go under the drain board of the new sink? I know that you’re intending to reinstate the radiator under there, but could it stay where it is now? Then you could free up all the space under the island for service drawers.
Also, on one side of your fridge or the other, you may want to consider a small counter where you can put the stuff you’re removing or putting into the fridge. I use that little landing area often. Maybe that won’t be an issue as the island isn’t too far away.
I have a laundry chute in my kitchen. (Connects upstairs bathroom to basement laundry). It’s much more useful than I ever imagined.
A wood top on your island will have a grounding effect in your kitchen. I have always wanted ss counters, but I can’t find anybody who can willingly come in and build a 4 foot section with marine edges and a little swoop around my big sink for less than many many thousands of dollars. I went with stained hardwood counters and I don’t hate it. I still would prefer a stainless steel counter though.
In your previous rendition of your kitchen, you had a couple rolling counters. I have a bus cart that trucks under an open counter and when I need extra counter space, I wheel it out. So handy! It doubles as an open shelf for my pots.
I’m sure you’ll be so happy to have a proper functioning kitchen, Ross.
Can we look forward to Thanksgiving at the Cross House again??
Hi, Christine!
My everyday dishes will be stored in the main pantry. I won’t mind the walk from the DW. Rather, I will delight in thinking: “I’m taking the dishes to my 1894 pantry!”
I’ve never had a pantry before. And now I have two!
I’m not 100% certain I will relocate the radiator as it is taller than the sink edge. I’m going to create a plywood mock-up of the sink and then see how it all will work together.
Another thumbs up for the new plan. Somehow the smaller island makes the kitchen feel more spacious. And having nice views at the stove and sink is important.
Yay Chef Ross! 🍷 Your revised plan has a well proportioned & practical footprint – a true working kitchen! It will be exciting to see this new basic layout evolve along with your color & lighting choices. I also agree on going with butcherblock – it’s useful, easily maintained, & will provide a soft balance to the other industrial surfaces of the kitchen. 🌻
I hate can lights with a passion. I recently discovered these recessed linear lights and thought they might be acceptable in many instances where more light is needed, but a fixture would not be practical and they would be less obtrusive than the can lights. https://www.alconlighting.com/commercial/linear-recessed/l/housingsize:1inch.html#shop
Thumbs up on the new layout. Sometimes you have to live with it for a while before the aha moment.
While I like butcherblock counters, have them in my own kitchen, I do not like them near sinks. I know with today’s finishes water is not as big a deal as it used to be, i’m still leary of using it by a sink. Plus heat and steam from dishwasher could be an issue. I used corian on my island where the sink and dishwasher are located to solve that problem as soapstone was out of my budget.
I like the copper mentioned earlier. Zinc would be a cool metal too. Both have their pros and cons. How about a quartz that looks like marble? Modern and old fashioned in one material.
I love my french door fridge. They are great for holding large platters for all the parties I’m sure you’re going to be having at Cross House. 🙂
Thank you, Pat!
5. Consider skinny cabinets on both sides of the refrigerator. Why? To set things when you take them in and out of the refrigerator. If you make the one near the wall tall, it will hold brooms and mops and you will need them in the kitchen so you don’t have to bring them in from another area. The other side can be short to put things on when taking them out or putting them in the refrigerator. And in the cabinet below? Cookie sheets, cutting board, pizza peel, cooling racks. Those long skinny things that there is no place to put in a kitchen.
They make doors for modern refrigerators that look like old time ice boxes. I have no idea for how much but I imagine really pricey. But they are available. I’ve seen them.
7/8. If you move that small prep sink to the far right of your long prep counter it is in front of the window and that removes plumbing from the center island. Have the counter slope toward the sink and install a garbage disposal underneath. I encourage vermiposting to really cut down on the disposal use and garbage going in the trash but if you do you’ll need to make arrangements for a warm place for the worms during the winter.
9. If you bring plumbing up for a small prep sink for 7, consider moving the dishwasher with a concealing front panel that looks like part of the cabinet there as well. This would allow the island to be fully open storage and the top fully prep. Consider putting that center island on locking casters so you can wheel it around if you want or lock it in place. It could be just a big table with a big center and bottom shelf for storage and a big wood top for prep.
Tops. I would suggest several different materials. Metal for prepping meats easy to clean but not necessary if you can minimize the metal of the refrigerator and dishwasher. Wood for breads and pastries. If not a small slab of marble then one that can be brought out when needed for more delicate pastries and even candy and chocolate if the need arises. If you can’t get metal, wood does have a sterilizing effect. Just make sure they are not finished and that you treat with food grade mineral oil every six months just like a cutting board. Shellac is also food safe if you decide to finish wood in the kitchen.
6. They do make down vent stoves so you wouldn’t need a hood. Or you could put a venting microwave over the stove that will either vent to the outside or recirculate into the room after filtering and such. It keeps the modern things all together in one spot rather than spread out. But it does require a cabinet above to secure it. Those could be open shelves.
Have you considered pulley lights over prep areas? Pull them down when working and put them up when done.
I wouldn’t be bothered by a totally eclectic kitchen. That house has gone through a lot and it wouldn’t be out of line for it to have elements of every time period where changes took place, keeping something and updating something else. 1894 sink, 1929 lights, 1950 stove, 2021 refrigerator and microwave.
I couldn’t afford SMEG so I am stuck with a new stainless steel refrigerator that I ordered in September of 2020 and still hasn’t been delivered. Now they are promising June 2021. I wanted white but it doesn’t come in white and my 25 year old white refrigerator is on it’s last legs. Likewise my 15 year old white microwave. So the new microwave is also stainless steel. In my 1949 kitchen. I have a vintage O’Keefe and Merritt and wanted white for both but oh well. I do have a silver (brushed steel?) pot rack and brushed nickel pulls on a repurposed sideboard island. Still, kitchens are full of compromise. I lost a small cabinet to a dishwasher but at least it has a white front. (be sure you insulate all around any dishwasher to dampen the sound. That is a big difference between cheaper and more expensive models.)
Where are you going to put your cookbooks, aprons and dish towels?
Every old kitchen needs a marble counter top for rolling out pastry dough as it stays cool.