Designing a French Country Farmhouse Style Kitchen

As most of you may already know, we have been thrilled to be a part of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes this year. We have enjoyed working with Witt Construction on the award winning bathrooms, but also in the kitchen. Yes, we were thrilled to also design the kitchen in the home at 61 Granite Street! Set in Saratoga Springs, NY, the kitchen was planned with a French Country farmhouse theme. Anna designed the kitchen with a balance of masculine and feminine styles to match the area known for its beautiful Victorian architecture. Although the home is a completely new construction, it looks like it could have been built a century ago in the historic city. Anna made it her mission to ensure that the design would fit the architecture of the home, the rich history of Saratoga Springs and the needs and wants of the client. Since the kitchen has gorgeous high ceilings reaching 115”, Anna planned to use stacked cabinetry with small windows in the upper layer of cabinets for display. The client fell in love with Wood-Mode cabinetry’s copper chicken wire inserts, so the material was used in the windows instead of glass to create a homey farmhouse feel. To play up the farmhouse details, we also used a 3” wide beadboard in the backs of the open display cabinet over the refrigerator, the bookcase cabinet to the right of the refrigerator, and the back of the island. Anna was smart to incorporate a gorgeous black soapstone countertop (a product that was used quite a bit in the Northeast a hundred years ago) which elevated the Victorian feel. We also chose to use a medium stained glazed maple finish on the main kitchen cabinets, complemented by a large distressed black island that gives the space an unfitted look and also helps ground the tall space with the dark color. The worn through corners and edges on the island perfectly match the color of the rest of the maple cabinets in the kitchen. To continue with the rustic elements in the kitchen, Witt Construction planned and built a gorgeous stucco hood as the centerpiece of the kitchen. To add some elegance to the space, we planned an oversized crown moulding around the tops of the wall cabinets and the custom stucco hood. We also added hand carved onlays on the repeated columns on either side of the range and also on all four corners of the island. Anna’s favorite details were these columns because they actually opened to reveal custom tray, cookie sheet and cutting board storage. I also loved the mail center on the right of the refrigerator. The bottom base drawers are file cabinets and the upper section is perfect for showing off the client’s large collection of cookbooks.

We also used some repeated elements from the architecture of the home. The arch over the refrigerator was custom designed to match Witt Construction’s arch for the pass-through into the dining room. To help tie in the chicken wire from the upper cabinets, the birdcage handles and knobs were installed. The beadboard detail was carried into the beaded frame of the inset cabinets, the bead around the opening of the arched display cabinet over the refrigerator, and the bottom of the crown moulding detail. Lastly, Anna chose traditional mouldings in various sizes to create some interest and allow the eye to move up to the large crown moulding at the ceiling. You should also note the rustic farmhouse pendants that hang over the island. Our client found them at Barnyard Lighting, and I don’t think she could have chosen better! Again, we have enjoyed working on this stunning project. Anna, the work you accomplished in this home has been superb! Remember there’s still time to tour the home as the showcase runs this Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm each day. Hope to see you there! -Laura

Vintage Farmhouse

The Hinrichsens, a family of four and a pet dog named Cleo, were in need of a kitchen renovation. The kitchen in their old farmhouse had become a bit claustrophobic and was far too modern for their vintage home. The previous remodel had been completed 10-15 years prior. With experience in historical preservation and a love of antique style homes, Anna was thrilled to work with the family to design their dream kitchen.

When renovating older homes, you have to work within a certain frame of dimensions. In this particular project, the ceilings were very low at 88”H and the structural beams on the ceiling were 6”H. This would mean that the wall cabinets could only be 28”H. We decided to create an “unfitted” kitchen with three different door styles and finishes. The island and the refrigerator area would each look like pieces of furniture that were added to the kitchen over time. The island looks like an old loved and used Shaker table, while the refrigerator and pantry look like an old built-in closet or cupboard. For the main kitchen wall and base cabinets, Anna recommended a soft white washed finish called Vintage Country Linen to make the space feel larger and more airy. The inset cabinetry door style, Madison Raised, was selected to match the detail of the wainscot panel already underneath each window. Each piece of hardware – from the exposed barrel hinges, to the cup pulls that look like they had once been painted but time and use had worn most of it off, to the HL hinges and entry door handles on the refrigerator – were carefully selected to help recreate a vintage look in the kitchen, with a blend of American country that the Hinrichsens desired.

Since the ceiling height came to 88″, it would be difficult to find an integrated built-in refrigerator that accepts custom door panels. Fortunately, we discovered the French door Liebherr refrigerator. The pantry was matched to the refrigerator exactly, which meant a custom overall height, special sized drawers, and an oversized upper door. We used a custom 6”W beadboard on the side of the unit which would have been common on an old built-in cabinet from the 1800s. We then repeated the 6”W beadboard on the backsplash of the L-shaped kitchen to add continuity.

The clients knew that they needed a large family-sized microwave in the kitchen, so it became a challenge to find a location that would make sense functionally and aesthetically in the space. The solution was to create a hutch next to the new windows. The microwave was located in the center of the kitchen so it could be easily accessed, and mounted at the perfect height to be easily used.

To complete the vintage look, Anna included many details that would compliment the kitchen. She noticed the original ceiling beams had a small bead on the bottom of each side of the beam and used that as the main repeated detail throughout the kitchen. It was incorporated around the frame of each inset door and drawer, the bead board backsplash, and the bead along the bottom of the crown moulding mounting board at the tops of the wall cabinets. The main kitchen counters were topped with a gorgeous waxed soapstone highlighted by the large white farm sink and the cross handled gooseneck faucet.

Lastly, every kitchen needs a stunning focal point…in this kitchen, a large walnut edge grain butcherblock island countertop! The worn edges of the distressed black island cabinets pick up on the rich wood color, making the table style island the centerpiece that a farmhouse kitchen deserves.

Anna, this may be one of my favorite kitchens you have designed. The level of craftsmanship, detail and creativity in this renovation is just spectacular! Go Anna!

-Laura

Kitchen Countertop trends in 2012

From wood to natural stone to stainless steel, countertop materials are more diverse than ever before. Homeowners have moved beyond the original Formica and laminates, and enjoy the unique selection of today’s surface materials. With so many choices, it’s important for homeowners to choose the countertop that will be best suited for their needs and kitchen’s aesthetic. As a growing trend in the kitchen, marble is booming in popularity. Marble has been popular in Europe for years and has finally made its way to America. Homeowners love the veined look it provides over the spotted, granular look of granite. Also, people are interested in materials that aren’t too shiny and have a satin finish. Originally, people wouldn’t have considered marble for their kitchen because of its tendency to stain. Fortunately, homeowners are warming up to the material and love the beauty it provides within a space. What we enjoy about marble, is how beautiful it looks in contemporary kitchens, especially when the rest of the house is a traditional style. Marble helps to tone down a contemporary feel and introduces a bit of classic elegance into the kitchen. Marble isn’t the only surface material popular in kitchens. Carrera continues to be a quintessential choice for homeowners. Also, various types of soapstone are desirable due to their dramatic veined look. When you oil it properly with a plain mineral oil, it becomes very durable. Available in numerous shades, soapstone may be the perfect fit for your home. Remember, choose the countertop material that is best for you and your family. It’s a decision that should be thought through carefully, because more likely it will be the countertop you live with for decades. Learn more about countertop materials by downloading our guide on “The Down and Dirty on Countertops” today! -Laura

Laura’s Favorite Things for the Kitchen

When it comes to the kitchen, it is difficult for me to narrow my list of favorite things. I could literately talk all day long about cabinetry, windows, appliances and more. However hard it may have been, below are my top 5 favorite things in the kitchen.

Soapstone Countertop

In the kitchen, the number one countertop material I recommend for homeowners is soapstone. This material is an excellent choice because it is heat resistant, a great option for those who cook on a daily basis. You do need to be careful about scratching the countertop, but you can remvove scratches easily by lightly sanding the area. Soapstone is also nonporous, so it does not need to be sealed. Most natural stones like granite and marbles need to be periodically sealed to prevent staining, in fact some stones even after being sealed will still stain. Soapstone is a very dense stone which will not absorb anything.

Heartland Dual Fuel Range

With a chic and sleek design, Heartland’s Dual Fuel Range is a beautiful choice for the kitchen. It’s also a dual range that I have loved having in my home. This unit comes complete with 4 gas burners, easy clean, porcelain coated solid cast iron grates and burner bowls and is available in 30 or 36 inch models. The dual fuel range offers the power and precision of the propane cooktop combined with the efficiency and convenience of the room 4 cubic foot self-cleaning electric convection oven.

Floating Shelves

For an open airy feel, a floating shelf makes it easy to reach items within the kitchen. From pots and pans to canisters, you can store practically anything on floating shelves. I recommend mixing floating shelves in with your closed-in cabinets to diversify the look in your kitchen.

KitchenAid’s Double-Drawer Dishwasher

The double drawer dishwashers are really a great appliance to have in your household. With KitchenAid’s double-drawer dishwasher, you’ll love its sleek design and that it is quieter than standard dishwashers. This appliance also features two drawers to give you the convenience of two dishwashers in one, and provides the same easy to access drawers as higher-end models. Another plus, it’s energy efficient! Unlike your regular dishwasher, you can wash smaller loads and use less power.

Moen’s 90 Degree Stainless Faucet

Pull-out faucets are a great convenience option for the kitchen, and I’m in love with Moen’s 90 Degree Stainless Faucet. With its attractive design, you’ll love it’s easy to install and clean functions for everyday use in the kitchen. This pull-out faucet brings function with it’s swivels and sprays that provide lots of room to clean and fill large pots. It’s another kitchen product I am proud to use on a daily basis in my own home.

Don’t miss tomorrow’s article as Anna shares her favorite things for the bathroom!

-Laura