BE INSPIRED English sensibility in a kitchen
These rooms are part of a radical solution for a small, dark basement kitchen.
The ca. 1880 Romanesque Revival town house in Chicago had an awkward floor plan; the small galley kitchen, especially, was impractical, with little light or ventilation. A bold but historically sympathetic new design by Holabird & Root opened up the back of the house for an 800square-foot, two-storey addition (with the kitchen below, and a new conservatory or sunroom above).
The kitchen has three separate areas: one for cooking, the second as a cleanup scullery and butler’s pantry, and a third for food storage (in a pantry hidden under the stairs). The design of the kitchen has British connotations, both in its location in the bottom-floor “English basement” and because of its unfitted layout with a separate scullery. An open stairway leads from the kitchen up to the conservatory.
The main cooking area has restaurant-grade, stainless-steel appliances, sinks, and countertops. Glass-fronted cabinets and shirred cotton plaid skirting keep the kitchen rooted in its 19th-century origins.
1. THE RANGE AS HEARTH
The main cooking area is anchored by a restaurant-grade, stainlesssteel Garland stove. Its utilitarian appearance is timeless, but the historical look comes from setting it in a “hearth” alcove with a mantelshelf above.
2. VINTAGE ACCENTS
The kitchen is furnished, not spare, and softened with period-style lighting with hand-painted shades, topiarymotif wallpaper in English green, and an extensive collection of green majolica and dishware.
3. A COMMERCIAL MODEL
With a tin ceiling above and a slate floor laid in a traditional black-and-ivory checkerboard, the room feels like an old Chicago eatery. The butcherblock center island was in fact made from a vintage grocery-store checkout counter.
4. THE SCULLERY
The scullery–pantry beyond the kitchen proper was designed for easy cleanup. Glass-front cabinets allow accessible storage of china and stemware. Open shelves display 19th-century plates and pottery. Wooden countertops are more forgiving to delicate china.
1. GROHE AMERICA groheamerica.com
Complete line of European-designed, German-engineered kitchen and bath faucets. Also offers high-performance shower heads and thermostatic temperature control valves.
(630) 582-7711
2. NATIVE TRAILS nativetrails. net
Their kitchen sinks handily combine the alluring texture of hammered copper with effortless maintenance. Coordinating range hoods, bar and prep sinks, as well as bath sinks and home accessories are also available. (800) 786-0862
3. SIGNATURE HARDWARE signaturehardware.com
Beautifully crafted items for the kitchen, bath, and home. From timeless classics to modern accents, they have thousands of products for period and personal styles: stylish vanities, clawfoot tubs, one-of-a-kind sinks, all that make a statement. (866) 855-2284
4. JACLO jaclo.com
Unique decorative plumbing collections with traditionally styled faucets, showerheads, fittings, trim kits, and many accessories. (800) 852-3906
5. HOUSE OF ANTIQUE HARDWARE houseofantiquehardware.com
From authentic Victorian, Colonial, and Art Deco reproductions to sleek Modern designs, you can shop online a curated selection of plumbing, hardware, and lighting. Complete the look with gorgeous bath accessories, elegant mirrors, and a range of door and cabinet hardware. (888) 223-2545
1. ELMIRA STOVE WORKS elmirastoveworks.com
Choose the warmth of Antique styling in wood-burning, gas, or electric; or the coolly retro Northstar—all with the features and performance of today’s high-end appliances. Ranges, cookstoves, refrigerators, wall ovens, microwaves, and range hoods. (800) 295-8498
2. AGA agamarvel.com
Aga has a century of experience enriching kitchens around the world. More akin to a family hearth than to an appliance, its cast-iron construction delivers energy-efficient heating and a unique cooking experience. (800) 650-5775
3. GOOD TIME STOVE goodtimestove.com
Authentic, true-antique kitchen ranges and heating stoves, circa 1849–1930. Fully restored and functional; wood and wood-gas combos; electric conversions available. (888) 282-7506
4. RETRO STOVE & GASWORKS retrostoveandgasworks.com
Beautiful, practical, carbon-friendly, restored vintage stoves bring a new level of style and fun to an old house. Explore an inventory of Chambers, Roper, Universal, Tappan, Maytag, and more. (733) 456-7522
1. MOORE- MERKOWITZ TILE mooremerkowitztile.com
Ceramics studio specializing in the design and manufacture of handmade decorative relief and field tile in the studio arts tradition. Using artistic techniques and handmade processes, their original designs and glazes bring the beauty and practicality of the ceramic arts to your home. Explore their 230 tile designs in more than 150 colors.
(607) 587-9052
2. MITCHELL ANDRUS STUDIOS medicinecabinetmaker.com
Custom-made bathroom cabinets and medicine cabinets expertly crafted in Arts & Crafts and Mission styles. (908) 930-5583
3. J. P. WEAVER jpweaver.com
Designers and manufacturers of European-inspired interior architectural moulding since 1914. Creators of the unique Petitsin collection of flexible resin mouldings for walls, ceilings and specialty millwork. Design services available. (818) 500-1740
4. SHELDON SLATE PRODUCTS sheldonslate.com
Mining and manufacturing of slate products: sinks, counters, floor tile, roofing, and monuments. Business from earth to finished product. Custom work a specialty. (207) 997-3615
5. SIGNATURE HARDWARE signaturehardware.com
Beautifully crafted items for the kitchen, bath, and home. From timeless classics to modern accents, they have thousands of products for period and personal styles: stylish vanities, clawfoot tubs, one-of-a-kind sinks, all that make a statement. (866) 855-2284
1. HOUSE OF ANTIQUE HARDWARE houseofantiquehardware.com
From authentic Victorian, Colonial, and Art Deco reproductions to sleek Modern designs, you can shop online a curated selection of plumbing, hardware, and lighting. Complete the look with gorgeous bath accessories, elegant mirrors, and a range of door and cabinet hardware. (888) 223-2545
2. HARRINGTON BRASS WORKS harringtonbrassworks.com
A collection of Victorian, classic, and contemporary faucets and bathroom accessories. Choose from over 20 finishes, including Harrington’s own Perma Brass finish that comes with a lifetime warranty. (201) 818-1300
3. RENOVATOR’S SUPPLY rensup.com
Low prices on high-quality bathroom toilets in a variety of designs, including high-tank, pullchain models, space-saving corner toilets, and unique color finish options. Sinks, too! (800) 659-2211
4. E. C. RACICOT ART SINKS vtartsinks.com
Custom stoneware vessel sinks, self-rimming sinks, and undermount basins made using time-homored methods of craftsmanship. Visit the retail store, or buy direct from the website. (828) 225-5565
5. HISTORIC HOUSEPARTS historichouseparts.com
Extensive collection of antique and reproduction items for restorations or new construction; plumbing fixtures like sinks, toilets, and bath furnishings. (888) 558-2329