Heritagespace

Ornate Victorian features, such as fretwork and leaded windows, are some of the architectural elements that many of us preserve when remodeling but small, dark kitchens tucked away at the back of the house are generally not among them.

The owners of this Victorian house in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood wanted a kitchen that was sympathetic to the home's architecture, while including modern amenities, storage space, and room for entertaining. Three small rooms were reconfigured to form a kitchen and butler's pantry, with new glazed doors leading to the back yard, and a repositioned window over the farmhouse sink.

The designer, Julie Bower of Community Home Supply, chose cherry for the Shaker-style cabinetry, and granite for the countertops. The wood has been finished with a matte varnish to accentuate its golden tones. Ceramic tiles in a geometric design, reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's early work, form the backsplash.

"I've aimed for a symmetrical, period look, but I've warmed and lightened the space to create a cozy and friendly ambiance," says Bower. "I've also added modern stainless steel appliances, and balanced them with heritage elements, such as the traditional faucets and pendant lights."

As storage was important, Bower specified UltraCraft cabinetry, which incorporates lazy susans, roll-out shelves in the pantry, a double trash can pull-out cabinet in the island, and soft-close drawers.

"The other advantage is that the cabinets are frameless, which gives easy access to the drawers, and increases the storage space," says Bower. "It's a common feature in Europe, and is starting to be used more in the United States. I often specify frameless cabinetry for small kitchens, or kitchens where full access to storage space is important."

For more information, contact Community Home Supply, 3924 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, phone (773) 281 7010 or visit the website: www.communityhomesupply.com. UltraCraft web- site: www.ultracraft.com.

Story by: Trendsideas