Friday, March 18, 2011

Vintage, yet modern kitchen


When you look at shelter magazines and design blogs as much as I do, it can sometimes feel like you've seen absolutely everything before. Been there, done that. Sometimes it feels like the more I dive into design, the harder it is for designers to truly knock my socks off and show me something I haven't seen before. Kitchens and baths seem particularly vulnerable to my growing design ennui as designers and builders continue to cling to the same predictable styles and materials.

But of course, every so often a room comes along that reinforces why I fell in love with interior design  in the first place. This updated vintage kitchen belongs to Bob Williams (of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams) and it, along with the rest of the home, is featured in this month's Traditional Home. And I love it. The mix of materials, from Carrara marble (an exception to my grip about tiring of seeing the same materials over and over again) to honed granite (a finish I'm loving so much more than polished right now!) and butcher block is superb, especially alongside those dark teal cabinets (brilliant!) and the mix of new and old appliances and lighting. It's the best of vintage and modern and perfectly suits an older, remodeled home. The overall effect is elegant, but also warm, inviting and intensely personal.


The modern red drum shades are a bold touch of color that matches the intensity of the deep teal cabinetry and beautifully sets off the black and white tile floor. The few upper cabinets along the back wall are painted off-white to blend in with the walls and help keep the room feeling open and bright.


While there's a lot to be said for ultra-modern, high tech appliances, they never have quite the same charm as a vintage piece. The concealed vent hood ensures that the focus stays put on the 1930s range.


In yet another nod to the home's period, Williams converted a vintage 1940s walk-in cooler into a pantry. Now how clever is that? I also adore the marble baseboards and wall-to-wall subway tiles. Talk about easy cleanup!

10 comments:

Karen said...

What an interesting mix. The flooring reminds me of what my grandparents had in their home but the lighting is very modern. Fun space, I love Mitchell Gold & Bob Williams style in general.

Kathysue said...

Averill I did a post titled There is nothing new under the sun!! My sentiments were the same as your so I reading some new design books to spur me on!!! I love the mix in this amazing kitchen. Especially the old stove and the carrara. I think it is a classic, here to stay. Granite on the other hand is been there done that so many times in the past for clients I was over it before it ever began,hehe. I am loving soapstone though,wouldn't mind some of that in a kitchen. It kind of looks like this kitchen has some around the sink area. Love your post and so glad to see you thinking about design and sharing with us in between cuddles with baby G!! Happy Weekend Kathysue

Christy said...

I love it too - the floors, that oven, and that pantry door are my faves! How are you, Dave and Graham holding up?! I hope you're getting some sleep. I think it's time for a baby update here on your blog Averill! :) Speaking of....be sure to check out my post today - I know you'll want to share in our excitement!! :)

Unknown said...

Oh, fabulous! So enjoy the colors, tiles, stove! Just the whole package!!!!

Glamour Drops said...

Interesting mixture of a thousand styles ~ and yet it just all works. The floor tiles are fantastic!

Yes, agree it is sad when things are repeated endlessly ~ it takes a brave client to allow a designer to do something different than what they can already see elsewhere.

Angela said...

I love this kitchen! Mitchell Gold is a favorite of mine, so I'm not surprised I would like it.

Tobe | BIA said...

LOVE this space!!

Liz @ It's Great To Be Home said...

I love this kitchen, and before I read your post I had only seen it from one angle - now I love it even more! I must have teal cabinets in my future...

Lazaro said...

It's beautiful, elegant and cool!!
In my opinion, if I have a kitchen decor like that, my wife would be comfortable to do the cooking activity. I really like the kitchen decor!!!!

Decor8 said...

What a great kitchen! Do you by any chance know the color of the teal used on the kitchen cabinets ?

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