Compact 1940s kitchen with marble, stainless steel and wrap-around cabinetry

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This kitchen by Alan Berman of Archetype offers a pre-war look while tucking modern functionality behind the scenes

Stainless steel handles, appliances and fixtures are appropriate cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, cuisine classique, floor, flooring, interior design, kitchen, room, wood flooring, gray — Stainless steel handles, appliances and fixtures are appropriate to the pre-war Art Deco look of this remodeled kitchen. The integrated refrigerator and freezer are next to the display cabinets. The design is by Alan Berman of Archetype.

Full-height wraparound cabinets help this compact kitchen deliver cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, cuisine classique, home, interior design, kitchen, room, table, gray

Formwork on the ceiling of this remodeled kitchen countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, gray

Full-height wraparound cabinets help this compact kitchen deliver cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, home appliance, interior design, kitchen, kitchen appliance, kitchen stove, major appliance, oven, room, gray

An open pantry across from this remodeled kitchen cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, home, home appliance, interior design, kitchen, room, window, gray

Older apartments often celebrate living areas at the expense of more practical rooms, such as the kitchen. These were usually under-designed and allotted only a small share of the footprint.

Such was the scenario when architect Alan Berman came to renovate this kitchen in a 1920s condominium. While units in the tower had been inexpensive at the time of building, today they are high-end inner-city residences and the new kitchen had to reflect this, says Berman.

"One tricky aspect was remodeling within almost the same footprint, as space was limited by the architecture and services. A bathroom behind the old kitchen was removed, gaining some room, but a gap behind the cabinetry was retained for the original plumbing lines."

To optimize a sense of space, the new kitchen is open to the living areas. However, Berman introduced a short peninsula and a millwork beam on the ceiling to provide a degree of separation. The hollow beam contains the elaborate wiring required for IT systems and air conditioning, and the peninsula doubles as a serving station and breakfast bar, and contains a wine cooler. Full-height cabinetry maximizes storage within the constrained space.

"Typically in a design like this, planning is modern and finishes are classic," says Berman. "Aesthetically, the kitchen reflects the spirit of the building's pre-war architecture. This is seen in the transitional recessed paneling, and in the choice of stainless steel hardware, sinks and appliances a popular material of the time."

The apartment features classic mouldings throughout and these are continued in the kitchen for an eclectic feel. The double ogee edge on the Ice Brown granite countertops is another classic detail. This mottled surface also adds a sense of luxury to the space.

Internally lit glass-front display cabinets are also in keeping with the look, and offer restful ambient light when the kitchen is not in use.

The chrome and glass pendant lights above the peninsula have a semi-industrial feel and would also have been popular in the earlier part of the last century, says Berman.

"This kitchen includes a wealth of modern apartment functionality behind a 1920s face."