Chris and Audrey
Kitchen Restoration
Project Scope: Kitchen
Year home built: early 1906
1900's Kitchen
When Chris and Audrey purchased their 1906 home, it had suffered what so many historic houses have endured… serial remodels and “modernizations.” The initial restoration process addressed replacing the missing woodwork, installing period-appropriate lighting, adding Bradbury and Bradbury wallpapers, and furnishing the entire home with antiques. When complete, this beautiful home had stepped back into its original time…with one exception.
THE CHALLENGE — The existing kitchen had last been rehabbed in the late 70s, and the Bonds had been waiting years to tackle this significant challenge. Though both clients had significant knowledge on the Victoria era of design, they weren’t sure where to find the specialized contractors needed to bring the kitchen back to its original glory.
The Vision
THE TEAM — Karla Pearlstein had known the Chris and Audrey for years and was familiar with their kitchen dilemma. When they were ready to move forward, Karla formed a team of experts: Matthew Roman on design, and Mike Edeen on carpentry and contracting. The Bonds had some tradespeople for the finish details, so now it came down to their vision and how to make it happen.
THE VISION — They wanted a kitchen that paired authentic 1909 Victorian aesthetics with the functionality of a modern kitchen. Between photographic references and the client wish list, Matthew and Karla collaborated with them to build a dream kitchen.
The Results
Karla sourced a period gas stove, The Real Economy, through David Erickson in Littleton, Massachusetts. An unusually-sized period sink, with the drainboard on the left, was needed. Sinks of this particular size with the left handed drainboard are difficult to find, but Karla was able to source the perfect match. They found a pair of unusual hot and cold spigots that work beautifully with the sink.
Fisher Paykel fully integrated drawer dishwashers were perfect for this project, as the appliance could be camoflauged into the cabinetry. The refrigerator was also a fully integrated, panel ready appliance that was clad to look like an icebox. It featured freezer drawers below, so everything was very conveniently located.
Chris and Audrey were able to locate period appropriate hardware, tin ceiling material, and other details that helped pull the kitchen together. Their kitchen evolved from the low point of a grand house into the heart of a home.
