Our Elkins Park client was seeking a kitchen and dining room remodel to give cohesiveness in design and function while matching and honoring the 1920s aesthetic from when the home was originally built. The existing kitchen and dining room were one large room awkwardly divided by a heating radiator disguised as a bar adjacent to the side entry. Mismatched cabinets and outdated countertops added to the undesired look along with an under-utilized and disorganized entry/mudroom.

To address flow, a wall with a large, framed opening was added to separate the kitchen and dining room and a walk-in pantry with pocket door and ample storage was built at an existing alcove area. The radiator between the two rooms was removed and replaced with a toe kick heater under one of the kitchen cabinets. Separating the rooms allowed the large kitchen space to be maximized with cabinetry on three walls including a large cabinet hood over the new 36” range. A combination of the client’s recently purchased appliances along with new ones were incorporated along with wish-list items including full-height pantry cabinetry beside the refrigerator and glass-door display cabinets that rest on the countertops. To reinforce and maintain the period style of the home, wood floor inlays were reinstalled to match the originals in the new hardwood floors in the dining and family rooms. Custom molding knives were made to create exact matches for the moldings installed throughout the house. A William Morris inspired design was incorporated at the stove backsplash that beautifully complements the new custom wood hood. A 1920s black and white hexagon floor tile is now featured at the side entry/mudroom which boasts bench seating with coat hooks and shelving for decorative bin storage.

Desiring a feel of outdoor serenity, a mix of Verde green base cabinetry with stained wall cabinets and crown molding were selected. The light, bright and cohesive new spaces incorporate the gorgeous existing characteristics of the home while introducing needed and fresh new functional and aesthetic features throughout. Truly, a very successful remodel that adds to the heritage and value of the home and will be enjoyed for decades to come!