In an old Victorian farmhouse in central Oklahoma is a remarkable kitchen for a family of multi-taskers. Home to two commuting professionals and their gifted teen-aged sons, every detail of their custom kitchen was created to be user friendly with an ease of maintenance.
“It is a period kitchen with a modern edge,” explains Certified Kitchen Designer Sally Sullivan of Showcase Kitchens and Baths, Inc. Stainless steel accents the mix of red and white cabinets with bead board inset by Wood-Mode that feature prairie-style mullions on the upper glass front cabinets.
The space was originally two rooms and included an enclosed porch with a shed roof. “The floors weren’t even the same level,” says Sullivan. And a large sliding glass door reduced the available counter top and cabinet space. Undaunted by the challenge, Sullivan assisted the homeowners as they meticulously planned each aspect of the dream kitchen.
Once the design details were finalized, the husband began the tedious renovation. “He did it all himself, including laying the wood floor,” says Sullivan. “One of his biggest challenges was making the structural changes required to level the ceiling.” In keeping with the period of the home, Sullivan suggested adding bead board to the ceiling.
The owners’ antique leaded glass panel and a vintage stained glass window were also incorporated into the kitchen design. And they provided the colorful light fixtures hanging over the island.
“The island is the hub of the kitchen,” Sullivan adds. “And since everyone in the family is tall, we made it a custom 39-inch height.” Because there is limited cabinet space, the island houses a Thermador warming drawer and a Sharp microwave drawer in addition to an under-counter wine refrigerator.
The island also provides the only eating area in the kitchen, so an overhang accommodates the owners’ existing four barstools. The stainless prep sink is positioned next to the chopping block that was custom made by the husband and allows the cooks to gaze out the large expanse of glass from the door to the windows deftly placed over the sink. Plus, they can watch television or see the computer as they work.
The countertops and sink are soapstone, and a bright white tile was selected for the backsplash. The Thermador stainless 48-inch oven and range plus the full sized refrigerator-freezer combination provide ample space for her love of cooking. The result is a comfortable family friendly farmhouse kitchen.
