When Lancaster, Penn.-based Black Forest Design + Build undertook the renovation of a 1920s residence in Wilmington, Del., the team adopted a thoughtful approach to renovating the first floor of the 4,953sf, five-bed, five-bath historic home. In the kitchen (as well as the living room, dining room, mudroom, powder room, family room and primary suite and bath), existing architectural elements were preserved and refurbished, while new millwork was carefully matched to the building’s original details.
Designer Elizabeth Schulz said, “The clients wanted to update the kitchen while improving the overall flow of the first floor. The goal was to create a more functional kitchen and provide seamless access to the patio while maintaining the character of the 1920s home.”
Schulz centralized cooking with a new La Cornue range on the exterior wall, a far more efficient layout than the wall ovens and island cooktop found in the old kitchen. Upper cabinets have been minimized, their place taken by new windows and a butler’s pantry. Counter runs are longer and continuous. The elongated, table-style island is proportioned to the space and also is more in keeping with the neo-vintage style of the room.
The materials and finishes in the Wilmington kitchen were selected to complement the age and architectural character of the home while giving the renovated space a fresh, updated feel. Marble countertops and backsplash add a classic material element. Unlacquered brass fittings will develop additional character over time. The kitchen ceiling treatment – painted panels – was used to add depth and visually unify the space. “It’s something that we have done on past projects, but wanted to try in this deep green color,” said the designer.
A Scheduling Surprise
The extensive project was completed in a swift 16 weeks – a benefit of working with a design/build firm. Schulz explained, “We spend a tremendous amount of time planning projects. This means that we select fixtures and finishes with our clients prior to construction starting. Technical drawings, ordering and scheduling are completed by our team. We communicate the design vision to our field employees, who do an excellent job of being aware of a schedule, communicating any challenges along the way and providing quality craftsmanship for our clients. Larger renovation projects require a lot of tradespeople and an agile team to complete the project – and we have learned from our experiences.”
Sources for Historic Wilmington Kitchen Remodel
Design: Elizabeth Schulz, Black Forest Design + Build Photography: Rebecca McAlpin Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs Dishwasher, Microwave, Refrigerator: JennAir Faucets: Perrin & Rowe Lighting: Visual Comfort, Amber Interiors, Lyngard, Troy Lighting and Rejuvenation Paint: Benjamin Moore Range: La Cornue Sinks: Kohler Tile: Bedrosians Wine Cooler: XO Appliances
