Historic kitchen rehab - 1950's Colonial

6 years ago

I'm considering a 1950's Colonial that is a contributing property in a historic district. I may be able to qualify to rehab the home for a state tax credit but any work has to conform to the NPS rehabilitation standards. the house is in great shape, and the original kitchen is still in great condition, but we want to expand it and increase the utility by installing granite countertops, an island and modern appliances. To keep the context and character, well have to go to layout, cabinetry and design elements (although I doubt granite was common in the 50's, I don't think it will break the rehab). One thought is to have an island end in an open display, similar to the attached pic, but with little kids around, that is not a great idea. also, from the other attached pic it seems that it was not always present (although it seems to have been very prevalent) and we may be able to be faithful to character by rounding the two ends of the island. another thought is to install a beadboard backsplash instead of tile, along with some glass fronted upper cabinet doors.

we also want to redo the master bath. here,I'm less devoted to the idea of keeping the character, although we may have to, because bathrooms in the 50's seem to all have lots of garish, small tiles, and sinks without cabinets, and be more or less utilitarian in their amenities and design.

Finally, the basement is fully finished in knotty pine. not a veneer, but the genuine article. Very, very light shade. there is also the original 1950's bar with sink that is really not cool and would probably get a lot more use as a half bath.

sorry for the lack of pics of the house, but it's not mine yet. I welcome all advice! Also, if anyone has done this before,I'd love to hear about it! thanks!

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Comments (4)

PRO
User
6 years ago
If you want to “modernize” the home, and there are restrictions in place fo keep to an original look, I think you are looking at the wrong home.

Or, you are looking at a really huge expense that you may not be aware of the costs. The Italian style kitchen that you posted as a possible inspiration is one of the most expensive choices on the market. Cabinets could easily run 70-90K for that modern Italian style. Tile work as is typically found in homes of this era would be 30-50K today, if you could even find an old school guy who could do much of it.

Restoration work also has the most expensive contractors with the most expensive work that you can have done. Its admirable that people buy and preserve these old treasures. But it isn’t for those who want modernized spaces. And It isn’t for those who have a modest budget.
Elie Dassi
Original Author
6 years ago
thanks. sorry my post was unclear. We are preserving the details in all the other rooms (and landscaping FWIW). The kitchen, though, is where we're going to stretch the limits on that faithfulness. We want to increase the space, and include modern appliances, but still while keeping in the "spirit" of the original, not the details. that being so, I am happy using modern cabinetry, flooring etc, but in a manner that fits with the macro character of the house (the other rooms fit the micro character in terms of correct materials and details). So general layout, colors, and style cues. the pictures above were intended just for the style of the islands, where one is rounded and the other has open storage.

thanks!
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DrB477
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Certainly you can update the kitchen and still be consistent with the style of the home. People do this all the time (some better than others). It's just a matter of how much money you can spend on it (hint: it will be more than you think and if you have never done this sort of thing before it will be WAY more than you think) and if you have to conform to restrictive external standards or just simply your own tastes.
Elie Dassi
Original Author
6 years ago
thanks guys. I appreciate the input. I am going to reformulate the question and repost in a new thread.