Kitchens and Restoration in Vintage Homes
Cabinets, more than any other single element in the design, determine the look and feel of a kitchen. To give a kitchen a historic feeling, designers caution against filling the kitchen with modern built ins. Architectural salvage companies often stock vintage cabinets in wood or metal. These cabinets mix well with freestanding antique or reproduction pieces. An antique dresser or a dry sink adds charm as well as semi-customized items like plate racks and open shelving. Painted wood cabinets may warp when stripped so be advised to try one cabinet door first. Metal cabinets should be stripped, buffed, and lacquered to prevent them from rusting.
Stone countertops are compatible with old-fashioned kitchens as long as the stone is honed to a soft finish not sleek and modern. Vermont soapstone is one popular choice.
For flooring, designers usually recommend hardwood. Linoleum, maligned for years, is making a comeback. Unused rolls of vintage linoleum from the ’20s to the ’50s can often be found at salvage companies or at specialty stores.
On the ceiling, pressed metal makes quite a statement, particularly when left in its natural state. As an alternative, try heavy Anaglypta paper, a cream-colored wallpaper embossed in a variety of period patterns. It is less expensive to install than pressed metal and once painted, achieves a much similar effect.