The kitchen in my 1910 Victorian house was updated and modernized over they years and then neglected by the previous owners. When you approach a Victorian home your mind is set up for what to expect. Upon entering you should see an interior that relates to the exterior. The house should have harmony and flow as you move from room to room. The contemporary kitchen was out of place and upset the balance of the entire house. It needed to go back in time to blend in with the other rooms. A 1910 kitchen would not have had cabinets so as an easier alternative I chose a 1920’s era kitchen and work with what was already there.
The existing 1950’s cabinet doors were cut out (by my father) and glass knobs applied for a period look. Formica counter was replaced with a varnished maple one. Repro sink with nickel plated faucet added. Three layers of flooring removed to find the original wood floor was painted tan. Wainscotting and 1931 Sears Prosperity stove was added.
Once the kitchen was done the refrigerator just stood out like a white elephant and spoiled the entire balance of the room. There are other options available to disguise a refrigerator but none that looked right. I therefore devised a way to convert my modern refrigerator into looking like an antique icebox. I now even offer do-it-yourself instructions for it.
The result – period parlors are a dime a dozen and to have a rooms that work together you need to keep that flow right into the kitchen. While other kitchens will soon appear dated and and require regular updating, my kitchen will remain classic and live on.
