A newly designed kitchen in Pennsylvania showcases an ideal balance of style and functionality, setting a new standard for modern home cooking. The project, led by designer Michelle Gage, reflects the needs of a family that enjoys culinary arts while emphasizing clever storage solutions and aesthetic appeal.
The kitchen, nestled within a home over a century old, presents unique challenges due to its non-linear architecture. Gage notes, “This is the kitchen of an over-100-year-old home; the walls and ceiling are not perfectly square.” Despite these hurdles, the design emphasizes a practical layout while celebrating the home’s historical quirks.
Gage explains that the clients, who are passionate chefs and bakers, initially sought a space optimized for high-capacity cooking and storage. A significant overhaul was necessary, including relocating appliances while maintaining the sink and cooktop in their original positions. New placements for the refrigerator, ovens, and cabinetry were introduced to enhance functionality. The kitchen lighting was also redesigned to include layered options for task and ambient illumination.
A standout feature is the incorporation of 36-inch deep lower cabinets within a cozy window nook. This innovative design maximizes storage by utilizing available space creatively. “We took the little window nook by the old chimney as an opportunity to add in extra deep lower cabinets,” Gage mentions. The cabinetry also includes a hidden electrical outlet, contributing to a clean visual aesthetic.
Throughout the kitchen, every detail has been meticulously planned. Gage highlights that “we got creative in how we laid out the cabinetry and appliances,” ensuring that all storage needs were met without sacrificing visual harmony. A full-height spice cabinet and a deep drawer under the ovens were designed specifically for baking essentials, catering to the homeowners’ culinary practices.
The kitchen’s color scheme plays a crucial role in its overall appeal. The cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore Monticello Rose HC-63, a sophisticated dusky rose, while the walls are adorned with Benjamin Moore Lacey Pearl 2108-70, providing a pearly white contrast. Gage emphasizes that the color selection was influenced by the natural light that fills the space, enhancing the warm undertones throughout.
In addition to its functional elements, the kitchen features whimsical touches such as patterned wallpaper in the breakfast nook, adding a layer of charm to the design. The flooring is a custom ceramic tile that mimics slate, providing durability while maintaining an old-world feel.
Gage concludes that the design’s success lies in its ability to create a warm, inviting space where families can gather: “The banquette is a family-centered dining space: a cozy corner where they can gather in the kitchen for homework or meals or a hundred other moments in the day.”
This Pennsylvania kitchen serves as an inspiring example of how modern design can successfully merge practicality with aesthetic charm, making it a true heart of the home.
