Colorful Vintage-Inspired Kitchen with Brass Accents

We reimagined a 1920s kitchen to improve functionality and reflect the homeowners propensity for all things vintage. The resulting space is a colorful, modern take on the art deco era the home was originally built in. Open-concept dining and shaker cabinets are juxtaposed with patterned tile and plentiful brass. Splashes of bold colors make this kitchen remodel a fun, smile-inducing space.

Major considerations during design included: rethinking the dining nook, increasing counter space, accessing more natural light, and melding two styles (modern and traditional). The homeowners loved the idea of a dining nook, but didn’t need to seat more than 2-3 people. The combination of a built-in bench with undercounter stools created a more flexible and comfortable informal eating area. The adjacent cubby has built-in outlets so the homeowners can work from home and tuck their laptops into the shelving when not in use. We installed leather cabinet pulls in this area so they would not catch on clothing as diners scoot into the nook.

Before the remodel, the refrigerator and range were secluded on a wall to themselves. Now, the refrigerator is incorporated into the cabinets and the range is surrounded by countertops, creating a more effective kitchen work triangle. We added more natural lighting by creating a pass-through window at the back of the kitchen, allowing a sight line directly into the mudroom and backyard.

Specialty tile and appliances dramatically add to the aesthetics of the kitchen. The white GE appliances with custom brass hardware mimic the white and brass combo seen in the lighting and open shelving. Bold red/pink triangle tile from Heath Ceramics is handmade and combines two glazes: matte and glossy. The homeowners loved the look of inset cabinets, so our team installed trim around the face-framed pantry cabinets to give them an inset look. We finished the cabinets with cove crown molding—another example of combining modern and traditional styles.

The tongue and groove wall treatment creates consistency with other areas of the home, as do the vintage-inspired push-button light switches. A small corner bar area and brass outlet covers complete the jazzy look.

This home remodel also included: adding an egress window in the basement, an attic clean-out and insulation, a mudroom addition, as well as exterior siding replacement and painting. The mudroom has created a much-needed back entryway. It is a great hidden place for coats and shoes, and has matching tongue and groove as seen in the kitchen.

Photos: Cindy Apple Photography