BACK TO THE 70'S KITCHEN

This kitchen remodel of a 1970s home seamlessly blends the character of the original design with modern functionality and style. The client sought a space that harmonized with the rest of the home, retaining key design elements from the era while incorporating contemporary kitchen features.

To achieve a more open and inviting layout, the wall separating the informal dining area from the family room was removed, expanding the kitchen footprint and enhancing natural light flow throughout the space.

The cabinetry selection combines Decor's Dove Wing-painted upper cabinets with naturally stained walnut lower cabinets. The dark walnut slab-style base cabinets anchor the kitchen, complementing the darker wood tones found throughout the home, while the slim-shaker white uppers create an airy, light-filled aesthetic. A defining design theme - tall, slender vertical lines - is evident in the beautifully grained walnut and carried through the space with minimal ornamentation. Walnut crown molding further unifies the design.

A striking backsplash of vertically set green Japanese tile from Virginia Tile pays homage to 1970s design while reinforcing the vertical motif. This theme is echoed in the tall matte black cabinet pulls from Top Knobs, thin quartz countertops, sleek shaker-style cabinet doors, and the streamlined refrigerator doors, all contributing to a refined, modern feel without unnecessary bulk.

A standout feature of the kitchen is the custom walnut reeded hood, a contemporary interpretation of a popular 1970s element. Below the white upper cabinets near the refrigerator, narrow walnut shelves provide a subtle yet eye-catching design accent. The expansive island, topped with a polished 2cm Corian Quartz countertop in Novello, offers generous seating, storage, and prep space. Designed to accommodate a family of five, it includes a designated area for a baby’s high chair, ensuring both function and comfort.

High-end Bosch appliances were chosen for their performance and sleek integration into the design. A well-appointed dry bar on the opposite wall enhances storage and convenience, featuring an Elica beverage refrigerator framed by tall walnut larder cabinets. The pocketing white larder doors reveal exquisite walnut interiors, adding a touch of craftsmanship.

For optimal functionality, Decor’s integrated under-cabinet lighting brightens the workspace, while puck lights highlight the beverage center counter. Storage solutions abound, with deep drawers featuring interior organizers for small-item accessibility. A built-in spice drawer adjacent to the range keeps essentials within easy reach, while a divided tray storage unit provides a designated space for larger kitchen items.

While inspired by the aesthetics of the 1970s, this kitchen exemplifies modern design at its best - open, bright, and thoughtfully designed for a family with young children. The result is a timeless, elegant space that respects the home’s original character while meeting the demands of contemporary living.