Wauwatosa Avenue Kitchen

An un-sympathetic pre- 1980’s kitchen remodel best describes the existing conditions of this project. Original cabinetry was previously recycled in the kitchen, an aluminum slide-by window was installed, vinyl flooring covered Maple flooring beneath, and a makeshift island was built. These elements did not bode well with this turn of the century Victorian or the Owner’s taste.

The clients wanted a clean, functional design that incorporated the Victorian elements of the home, a layout that met with their living and cooking habits, and included some “found architectural objects” from an estate sale.

The room was gutted. The slide-by window was removed, the opening re-framed, and an arched top window that emulated the remaining arched top double hung windows was installed. Wide window casings, multi-piece base, bead board wane coating with chair rail, and furniture grade painted cabinetry was installed. A combination of recessed and hung lighting fixtures substantially improved the lighting conditions in the kitchen.

To incorporate the “found’ columns an island was designed in Cherry wood and echoes the bead board treatment used on the wall. The island has a farm style sink with a gooseneck faucet to accommodate over sized pots used by the owner. CORION counters, and simple brushed nickel hardware lend to an understated simple elegance and blends nicely with the stainless steel appliances. The vinyl flooring was removed and the Maple hardwood floors were repaired and refinished with a natural finish.

All of the mechanical systems were replaced and/or updated and a significant amount of additional exterior wall framing was added to plumb the walls for drywall and the new cabinetry. The wall space between the two double hung windows stands waiting the addition of a refurbished Hoosier cabinet that is still undergoing surgery to fit in to the newly remodeled kitchen.