Homeowners Chris Nye and Poppi Multz found their picture-perfect home in a well-kept 1923 bungalow in Portland, Oregon. Chris cites only this major concern: “Both the kitchen and the bathroom were remodeled sometime in the early 1980s by a previous homeowner; as a result, the kitchen and bathroom clashed with the rest of the period 1920s house.” With the goal of blending the kitchen and bathroom into the original 1920s style of the rest of the home, Chris and Poppi set out to find a custom cabinetmaker to make their vintage restoration dreams come true.
THE GOAL: blending the kitchen and bathroom into the style of the rest of the 1920s home
MELDING A VISION
Chris and Poppi met with George Ramos, cabinetmaker and woodworking expert, with a clear design plan in mind. The couple kept the sink and dishwasher in the same place but decided to move the stove to make room for a hood for better ventilation and counter space.
As an avid cook and baker, Poppi opted for a large 36-inch range, and “moving the stove to the other wall created a work space on either side, which was nonexistent before,” Poppi says. George also suggested the kitchen cabinets that rest on the countertop and the extra set of doors below the uppers. These extra doors allow Poppi to simply slide her cookware into the cabinets, and maintain a clean, spacious countertop next to the sink.
Related Reading: House Tour: A Portland Bungalow with Vintage Flair
1920s KITCHEN RESTORATION: SMALL SPACES & STORAGE
“Most people think about blowing out walls in a small space; I like when people decide not to, and stick within the footprint,” George says. For example, the range and hood took up most of the space on one side, but Chris and Poppi were able to recess the fridge into the wall to save space. Two more spaces that needed careful consideration were the full custom banquette table and benches, and the cabinet that houses Poppi’s cookbooks.
“I almost never build a banquette without storage below,” George says. Beneath their fir exterior, both benches add ample room for storage to the charming, family-friendly seating area. The time and care put into this vintage restoration kitchen reflect Poppi’s love for cooking; similarly, so do her many recipe books. George says, “I decided to create a dedicated space to show them off.”
VINTAGE RESTORATION: PERIOD-CORRECT 1920S KITCHEN CHARM
As a Portland local himself, George had knowledge that proved essential to the couple’s project. “Portland recently made it mandatory for companies to deconstruct and salvage wood, rather than simply demolish the material when making way for a new house,” George says. Therefore, taking into consideration Chris and Poppi’s focus on a 1920S period aesthetic, George suggested reclaimed fir as the material of choice for both the banquette and countertops.
This way the banquette and countertops mirror the look of the original, 1920s fir built-in in the hallway. For the countertops, “I suggested cherry with a slight stain,” George says, “as opposed to the orange-amber color of the original fir built-in.” These countertops truly glisten, adding warmth and earthy appeal to the brightly colored, restored kitchen.
INVITING & ILLUMINATING
Find out how Chris and Poppi added color, light and airy appeal to their vintage 1920s kitchen restoration.
TOP TO BOTTOM. A white ceiling provides an open and airy feel. Meanwhile, the patterned tile adds period appeal.
PRETTY IN PAINT. The walls were bathed in bright yellow paint adding a cheery burst of color to the center of the room.
POP OF COLOR. Chris and Poppi selected retro-style orange appliances and décor.
STYLE FILE
TYPE OF HOME: Bungalow originally built in 1923
BACKGROUND: Chris and Poppi bought their house in 2009, charmed by the well-preserved bungalow. George worked with the couple to ensure a 1920s period aesthetic that would complement the modern appliances needed for cooking in their vintage restoration.
DESIGN ELEMENTS: Period style with a palette of yellow, orange and white; open plan with banquette
MATERIALS: Custom cabinets with golden cupboard latches, custom white paint to match the HVAC, reclaimed fir countertops and banquette
Want more simply beautiful ideas? Check out this post on 15 Retro Kitchen Appliances You’ll Love. And for more 1920s kitchen renovations, see A 1920s Kitchen Remodel: In With the Old and The Kitchen is Open.
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