A Traditional Style kitchen Decked out For The Holidays

A historic house in Illinois receives a total renovation and the new kitchen is my favourite. Circa 1891 the house has been beautifully and sympathetically restored. The new kitchen has been relocated and completely re built from the floor up, including custom cabinetry designed to suit the era of this wonderful old home.

Thoughtful decisions with re-cycling in mind, were made during the renovations. The owners chose to use the base of an old laboratory cabinet for the central island in the kitchen. Pressed tin is becoming a popular material to use as splash backs and features in this kitchen. Its antique patina perfectly compliments the distressed black/grey of the hutch dresser opposite. This year I am embracing simple holiday decoration and I felt that the simple green foliage in this kitchen was all that was required to add a festive touch.

Above: The sunroom with original lead light windows

Above: The new kitchen built in a traditional style with wooden cabinetry and recycled pieces

Above: Pressed tin forms a splash back

Above: An old laboratory cabinet is restored to form the base of the island bench

Above: Trophy's make the perfect stand for small trees

Above: A breakfast nook is given a festive touch

Above: I love little details, especially the fleur-de-lis stencilled on the white washed wooden floorboards

This restoration project was taken on by Evanston Architects & Building Designers, Kipnis Architecture. I have to admit that I am a traditionalist at heart and love the character of older buildings. In New Zealand it is becoming more popular to keep the facade's of these older homes and renovate the interiors in a contemporary style. However, this is not my personal taste, so when I come across a kitchen renovation like this, I can't help but smile.