Case Study: Kitchen and Dining Room for an Edwardian Queen Anne

STRATEGIC AND CHARACTERFUL

After the reworking

For this 1904 Queen Anne, we kept everything that was in great shape. And then we updated with a focus on practicality, low waste, and affordability — while still optimizing for a high quality space that would last a long, long time. Leola handled the research, design, sourcing, hiring, and project management.

A modern and hard-working place to cook and dine, yet also stylistically in tune with the era of the home... a project that minimized cost and waste, but also prioritized quality and longevity... this is a kitchen full of strategy.

We kept the layout, moldings, flooring, hand-made upper cabinets, dishwasher, faucet, light fixtures, and vintage hardware from the early 1900s. We repaired the original ceiling plaster detail, and some linoleum from the 1920s was found under the new cabinets and preserved with a note for the next folks to work on this kitchen... hopefully a very long time from now.

The new lower cabinets, backsplash, and countertops were designed for longevity, and because the appliances are freestanding and can be replaced easily, this kitchen should last another generation. Soapstone countertops from a local shop, brass hardware, tongue-and-groove backsplash, and locally sourced and reclaimed Douglas Fir made up the materials palette. In terms of storage, we designed custom double-width drawers for ease of access while cooking and to create a feeling reminiscent of a chest of drawers. The dining room features restored architectural detail, flexibility, and plenty of seating. This space is now a hardworking one meant for hosting and enjoyable meals.

MILDEWY AND MISMATCHED

Photos from before

Water damage, malfunctioning appliances, paint-covered lights, and not enough prep or storage space. This kitchen was rough to cook in. The countertops were poorly sawn — the section around the sink had five separate pieces with gappy seams that let water seep into haphazardly built and artificially shallow lower cabinets from the 70s. When servicing the range hood, the ducting just fell out with gravity! The fridge made an insanely loud popping noise about every hour, and that charming 40s O'Keefe and Merritt range broke repeatedly, filling the home with gas fumes even while turned off. On the other hand, the upper cabinets were hand-built in 2011 with old-style techniques by a fine furniture maker... an interesting contrast.

A VERY DIFFERENT VIBE

And a peek back in time

We also found some old photos!