1920's Spanish home kitchen remodel

13 years ago

Hello! We just bought our first home and it is a serious fixer upper. I am in the process of figuring out a design scheme for our kitchen. It is a typical Spanish California bungalow red-tile roof home. We have dark wood beams in part of the house that will be kept. Really I am stuck at what to do for cabinets. Do you think dark to keep with the wood beams, or do you think white, in keep with the classic 20s kitchen? It is important to us to keep the charm of the period/ style. Thank you!!!!

Featured Answer

PRO

Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

13 years ago

In looking at my book on "Santa Barbara Style" by Kathryn Masson, I see medium/light stained cabinets with light walls. You'll need to decide just how authentic you want to be. Be at least you'll be able to provide better lighting than was available in the 1920's. I DO very much like the kitchen shown below with off white painted cabinets.

Mediterranean Entry · More Info

Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Tiffany Acker
Original Author
13 years ago
other info: wood floors in other areas that will be refinished dark to match the beams. The kitchen floor will be a Spanish tile inkeeping with the style. Thanks again!
PRO
Linda
13 years ago
I would probably do white especially if you don't have much natural light. You could do a medium tone wood finish if you have some windows. If you're looking for vintage style, keep a close eye on the details. Cabinets from that era typically go straight to the floor and don't have the inset toe kick. Check out Crownpoint cabinetry for some beautiful ideas.
Related Professionals
Augusta Interior Designers & Decorators · DeRidder Interior Designers & Decorators · Dover Architects & Building Designers · Bowling Green Architects & Building Designers · San Marcos Architects & Building Designers · Syracuse Architects & Building Designers · Huron Architects & Building Designers · Glenwood Springs Architects & Building Designers · Pueblo Architects & Building Designers · Mesquite Architects & Building Designers · Fort Collins Architects & Building Designers · Johnson City Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Galveston Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Scranton Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Redding Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Tiffany Acker
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you both so much for your input! I think we are leaning toward white, as may be more flexible for resale down the road??? Great info about the toe-kick! That is something I would not have thought of. And yes, I love the photo above. If we can get it to look like that, I will be very happy. ha.
decoenthusiaste
13 years ago
Here's a look at light, white, medium and dark. Take your pick! If you want to emphasize how Spanish the house is ('cause it is in a neighborhood full of them) go darker. If you sell it and are competing with a neighborhood of contemporary or modern houses, you might rather go lighter.
Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. · More Info

Spanish Kitchen - 2012 Design Excellence Award Winner · More Info

Traditional Kitchen · More Info

Hacienda Kitchen · More Info
Tiffany Acker
Original Author
13 years ago
I wish we had the room for an island. I love the idea of the light/ white cabinets with a dark island. Unfortunately the space is too narrow I think, although we have not yet talked to our architect about layout. I think I am staying away from the medium brown. That top right photo would be a dream kitchen!!!