Revolutionary Kitchen: A Colonial Comeback
The Setup
After purchasing this 1990-built home, the homeowners discovered they had found exactly what they were looking for – but not in the way they expected. The original builder had a passion for Colonial Williamsburg, and painstakingly researched and constructed an authentic reproduction of a Virginia estate, complete with hand-selected brick, custom millwork, and period-appropriate details throughout. However, when it came time to sell, a stager convinced him that the specialized Colonial aesthetic would appeal to too narrow a market and persuaded him to whitewash the entire home with generic white-on-white staging.
Ironically, Sam’s clients had been searching specifically for a property to convert into a Colonial Williamsburg-style home when they discovered this house on the market. What should have been a perfect match had been stripped of its authentic character – hand-blocked wallpaper painted over, Pennsylvania-milled period fabrics discarded, and carefully curated antique chandeliers replaced with modern farmhouse fixtures. The kitchen, while featuring quality appliances, bore no resemblance to the home’s architectural heritage.
Upon learning the home’s true history, the homeowners purchased not only the property but also 85% of the original owner’s authentic Colonial furniture from storage, returning these pieces to their intended spaces. Their vision for the kitchen was inspired by a magnificent pair of antique mahogany cabinets with intricate inlay work – pieces that embodied the craftsmanship and elegance they wanted to achieve throughout the space.
This remodel wasn’t about going back in time, however. The husband is an accomplished chef who loves to entertain. He needed modern functionality for serious cooking and plenty of space for entertaining. This remodel was all about honoring the home’s original Colonial vision while updating it for today’s cooking and entertaining needs.
Design objectives:
Create cabinetry that replicates the intricate mahogany and inlay details of the clients’ antique furniture pieces to achieve authentic Colonial Williamsburg character.
Incorporate the husband’s serious cooking requirements with professional-grade appliances while maintaining the historical aesthetic.
Establish an entertainment-focused layout that facilitates movement and conversation rather than formal dining.
Integrate natural materials including slate flooring and marble countertops that reflect period-appropriate textures and variations.
Incorporate authentic brass fixtures and hardware that complement existing original elements in the home.
Design custom mullion patterns that mirror the antique cabinet glass work.
Create seamless flow between the kitchen and adjacent spaces including the wine room and dining areas.
After purchasing this 1990-built home, the homeowners discovered they had found exactly what they were looking for – but not in the way they expected. The original builder had a passion for Colonial Williamsburg, and painstakingly researched and constructed an authentic reproduction of a Virginia estate, complete with hand-selected brick, custom millwork, and period-appropriate details throughout. However, when it came time to sell, a stager convinced him that the specialized Colonial aesthetic would appeal to too narrow a market and persuaded him to whitewash the entire home with generic white-on-white staging.
Ironically, Sam’s clients had been searching specifically for a property to convert into a Colonial Williamsburg-style home when they discovered this house on the market. What should have been a perfect match had been stripped of its authentic character – hand-blocked wallpaper painted over, Pennsylvania-milled period fabrics discarded, and carefully curated antique chandeliers replaced with modern farmhouse fixtures. The kitchen, while featuring quality appliances, bore no resemblance to the home’s architectural heritage.
Upon learning the home’s true history, the homeowners purchased not only the property but also 85% of the original owner’s authentic Colonial furniture from storage, returning these pieces to their intended spaces. Their vision for the kitchen was inspired by a magnificent pair of antique mahogany cabinets with intricate inlay work – pieces that embodied the craftsmanship and elegance they wanted to achieve throughout the space.
This remodel wasn’t about going back in time, however. The husband is an accomplished chef who loves to entertain. He needed modern functionality for serious cooking and plenty of space for entertaining. This remodel was all about honoring the home’s original Colonial vision while updating it for today’s cooking and entertaining needs.
Design objectives:
Create cabinetry that replicates the intricate mahogany and inlay details of the clients’ antique furniture pieces to achieve authentic Colonial Williamsburg character.
Incorporate the husband’s serious cooking requirements with professional-grade appliances while maintaining the historical aesthetic.
Establish an entertainment-focused layout that facilitates movement and conversation rather than formal dining.
Integrate natural materials including slate flooring and marble countertops that reflect period-appropriate textures and variations.
Incorporate authentic brass fixtures and hardware that complement existing original elements in the home.
Design custom mullion patterns that mirror the antique cabinet glass work.
Create seamless flow between the kitchen and adjacent spaces including the wine room and dining areas.
Project Year: 2024
Project Cost: $200,001 - $500,000
