Kitchens and catering in old houses
The preservation of old houses is a favorite conversation of the owners of old houses, but there is rarely a kitchen restored to its former glory. These beautiful historic homes that we have come to love and appreciate did not have the kind of cuisine we expect today. The historic kitchens are now obsolete, inefficient and poorly designed.
In a typical pre-war model, kitchens were clear and simple work areas. Everything in the kitchens was independent of the large cast iron stove, the porcelain sink, the cooler and a table that also served as a workspace. Those that were modernized in the 50s, 60s or 70s were often less attractive than the previous ones. The countertop, floor coverings and ceiling materials they contained did not visually match those of the hardwoods, linoleum and metals they replaced. The appliances were at best disappointing with their dismal colors.
Today, we want to capture the flavor of the cuisines we imagine and our great-grandparents loved and appreciated. Welcoming, warm and filled with aromas of good food. Fortunately, reproducing the ambiance of a vintage kitchen in an existing space has never been easier. The demand for patinated kitchen accessories has increased, as has the availability of period materials. Architectural recovery and well-designed reproduction equipment and devices are relatively easy to locate. You can find resources for old-fashioned pieces by browsing advertisements in many interior design magazines and by learning from local antique shops and architectural recovery companies.
Cabinets, more than any other unique element in the design, determine the appearance of a kitchen. To give a kitchen a historical aspect, designers advise against filling the kitchen with modern elements. Architectural recovery companies often stock vintage wood or metal cabinets. These cabinets blend well with antique pieces or freestanding reproduction. An old dresser or a dry sink adds charm, as well as semi-custom items such as plate racks and open shelves. Painted wood cabinets can become deformed once they are detached; It is therefore advisable to first try a cabinet door. Metal cabinets should be stripped, polished and lacquered to prevent rusting.
Stone countertops are compatible with older kitchens, provided the stone is refined to a soft, elegant and modern finish. Vermont soapstone is a popular choice.
For flooring, designers generally recommend hardwood. Linoleum, manhandled for years, is back. Unused linoleum rolls from the 20s to 50s are often found in salvage companies or specialty stores.
On the ceiling, pressed metal makes a big difference, especially when left in the natural state. Instead, try Thick Paper Anaglypta, a cream-colored wallpaper engraved in a variety of vintage motifs. It is less expensive to install than pressed metal and, when painted, produces a very similar effect.
The search for authentic stoves and refrigerators became easier in the mid-1980s, when the country was booming. The stoves of our grandparents have all been renovated and are easier to find than ever. No match needed! Although most old stoves are white, some are sometimes cream, green or cobalt blue. Hoods are harder to find to match your stove because they were not there about a hundred years ago. Try to buy wood and mix it in the upper cabinets.
