All Americana
Budget matters in this Bucks County kitchen, but you’d never know it from the style-savvy choices and unique details.
When the homeowner of this 1900s Victorian house in Bucks County,
Pennsylvania, set out to renovate his kitchen in a budget-friendly manner, he called on designer Nancy Gracia, owner of Bare Root Kitchen Design, a boutique interior and kitchen design studio in the heart of Newton, Pennsylvania, to work out the design details for a cost-conscious update.
Luckily, there’s no better place to embark on a home kitchen renovation than Pennsylvania, says Nancy. “Lancaster County is the heart of cabinet country. There’s a cabinet shop on every corner, and budget-oriented clients shop around,” she explains.
POOLING RESOURCES
Nancy, who earned her BFA in Interior Design at the New York School of Interior Design, a program ranked first in the nation, specializes in custom kitchen design and adjacent interior spaces.
For this unique collaboration between a designer and a cabinet store manager, the homeowner decided to build his own cabinets and countertops using inexpensive materials accessible to him. The result? A well-balanced mix of interesting materials, ranging from stainless steel to wood.
A few signature elements include the exposed dove tails and butterfly pinches on the beaded inset cabinetry, which adds visual intrigue to an otherwise casual and down-to-earth aesthetic. A smart layout that includes a drop-in sink, stainless steel appliances and wood countertops are bonuses.
SPACE-CONSCIOUS CHOICES
Opting not to include an island left room to eat in the kitchen, which works well for the homeowner, and allows the unique cabinetry and numerous details to shine. With a wide-open space, more than one cook can join in for meal preparations, which is wonderful for spending quality time with loved ones.
“The homes in this area lend themselves to a character kitchen,” Nancy says. “They incorporate stone and reclaimed wood, but at the same time, people are trying to achieve a more streamlined feel.” She laughs, “We’re freeing ourselves of the late 1990s. People want cleaner lines, more function and easier living.”
“We’re freeing ourselves of the late 1990s. People want cleaner lines, more function and easier living.”
ROOM FOR STYLE
With the simplified layout, Nancy and the homeowner could infuse the space with personalized charm in eye-catching ways without the small kitchen feeling cluttered. Pops of color in décor pieces and fabric elements complete the quintessential cottage look. Chicken-wire cabinet fronts add a charming touch and a chance for the homeowner to show off his personal style. Wall art comes in the form of hand-painted game boards, which flank the stove, and a large basket on the soffit, which adds a homey feel.
“I believe in spending the time and energy upfront with my client so the entire design team is working towards a common goal of maximizing investment while delivering an outstanding and memorable environment,” says Nancy.