This 1900 Home Remodel Features a Fully Renovated Kitchen

This article highlights four regional architects who renovated five outdated kitchens in Pittsburgh, transforming them from functional spaces into designer areas. The architectural projects emphasize improved layouts, increased natural light, and enhanced aesthetics, focusing on the kitchen as the central hub of the home. Architect Mary Cerrone undertook two kitchen renovations. In Squirrel Hill, a 320-square-foot kitchen and deck addition aimed to improve the home's functional layout and views. The design incorporated durable materials such as linoleum over radiant floor heat, stainless steel, engineered stone countertops, stained maple cabinets, and porcelain tiles. A new deck connected to the kitchen expanded views and natural light. Cerrone maximized space by combining the kitchen with a small pantry, building out over the basement stair for a recessed refrigerator, and using a sliding screen door to eliminate door swings. In Upper Saint Clair, Cerrone transformed a 1,000-square-foot first-floor kitchen from a builder-style design into a streamlined, contemporary space. This involved redefining connections between the kitchen, eating area, laundry, and family room by adding windows and reorienting the kitchen workspace. The project featured end-matched walnut cabinets, aluminum and glass elements, Cambria countertops, and cork flooring. Storage was maximized by trading wall cabinet space for windows and installing an 8-foot length of full-height cabinets. The formal dining room was converted to a living room, and a generous eat-in area was created to accommodate twelve people. Fred M. Fargotstein focused on renovating a 1920s Pittsburgh home, changing its 1970s modern kitchen to a traditional style that aligned with the house's overall character. The renovation increased the kitchen size by 36 square feet by removing a servants’ stair. A colorful cast iron English import range became a focal point, featuring five commercial-style burners, two convection ovens, and a separate broiling compartment. Fargotstein improved efficiency by eliminating the problematic servants’ stair traffic pattern, creating a contiguous countertop work area, and ensuring the dishwasher did not obstruct access. A separate, fully functional work zone was incorporated in the pantry, complete with a prep sink and hot beverage station. Storage capacity was significantly increased by extending wall cabinets to the ceiling and incorporating glass doors for a sense of openness. Custom modifications included specialized storage for cookbooks and a nook for pet food bowls. Paul J. Levine revamped his own 1920s French Tudor home's kitchen in Point Breeze. His goals included aligning the kitchen with the home’s style, complementing existing Mexican Saltillo tile floors, increasing home value, and creating an eco-friendly space. The small kitchen, measuring 8 by 15 feet, was designed in a Craftsman style. He maximized island cabinet space and countertop surface for a bar-type eating area, using frameless cabinet construction to enhance interior space. Custom features included extending wall cabinets to the ceiling, using drawers instead of roll-out shelves, and a specific drawer for flatware. Levine self-performed the construction, using low VOC paint, water-saving fixtures, and Energy Star-rated appliances. He replaced a drafty back door with an energy-efficient wood door and restored a transom window. Gerald Lee Morosco led a kitchen remodel in Shadyside as part of a rehabilitation of a Dutch Colonial-style home. The existing kitchen, remodeled in the 1980s, lacked historical details. Morosco’s design aimed to reintegrate functionality with the home’s classic style. The kitchen was arranged into functional areas: a primary cooking area with a range and island, a cleanup area with dual dishwashers, a pantry with storage for a freezer and wine cabinet, and a breakfast space. Cabinet and drawer contents were meticulously planned for efficiency, with pull-out trays for pots and pans, and individual bins for garbage and recyclables. The island's non-working side included pull-up stools for guests, allowing them to engage without obstructing the cooking process. #KitchenRenovation #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #SpaceMaximization #SustainableDesign #FunctionalKitchens #PittsburghHomes #HomeImprovements

Selecting a kitchen design style can be challenging, even for those with a clear personal fashion sense. To assist homeowners embarking on a kitchen renovation, five popular kitchen styles are outlined, aiming to streamline discussions with designers and contractors and simplify the selection of appliances and finishes. Understanding these distinct styles can help homeowners identify their preferences and make informed choices. Transitional kitchens represent the top-trending style, blending traditional and modern elements for a minimalistic yet relaxed aesthetic. This style is highly favored by young families due to its combination of high functionality and low maintenance. Key features include simple cabinetry, such as Shaker style, paired with durable, low-maintenance quartz countertops. The color palette typically involves clean, neutral tones like whites, greens, grays, beiges, and blues, contributing to a calm and inviting atmosphere. Contemporary kitchens are characterized by a more refined and edited aesthetic compared to transitional designs. They emphasize sleek, simple finishes and meticulously planned lighting schemes. The color scheme often revolves around basic black and white, accented by grays and beiges, creating a sophisticated and modern look. Defining features include abundant natural light from expansive windows and glass walls, large-format tiles made of porcelain or natural stone, and extensive drawer storage and armoire-style cabinetry to discreetly conceal appliances. These kitchens also incorporate a high degree of technology, such as smart lighting controls, to enhance convenience and efficiency. Farmhouse design is a timeless style distinguished by specific features that make a statement. This style often incorporates found objects like reclaimed barn doors or vintage lighting. Its resurgence is often credited to figures like Chip and Joanna Gaines. Characteristic elements include shiplap walls and ceilings, apron-front sinks, and pendant lighting. Shaker cabinets in white and gray tones are common, and a high contrast between countertop materials and cabinetry, such as butcher block tops with white cabinets, is a signature look. Industrial kitchens convey a minimalistic yet energetic feeling, particularly popular in urban environments and loft spaces within renovated commercial buildings. This style utilizes edgy materials such as stained concrete countertops and reclaimed wood floors. Mixed metal finishes are prevalent, along with commercial-style appliances, sinks, and faucets. Exposed-bulb light fixtures, often featuring Edison bulbs for a vintage appeal, are a defining characteristic, contributing to the raw and authentic industrial aesthetic. Mid-century modern design emerged post-World War II and remained popular into the late 1970s, maintaining a timeless appeal due to its enduring principles. This style is praised for its clean lines, simple finishes, organic curves, mix-and-match materials, and multifunctional designs. Key features include simple, well-designed objects and floor plans that prioritize functionality and aesthetic balance. An emphasis on organic and geometric forms, along with more textured fabrics and furnishings, adds depth. The color palette often features clean, bold colors, including bronzes and browns, mixed with whites, reflecting the vibrant and optimistic spirit of the era. #KitchenRemodel #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #TransitionalKitchen #ContemporaryKitchen #FarmhouseKitchen #IndustrialKitchen #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesignTrends

Homeowners residing in older properties frequently face the challenge of integrating modern amenities while preserving the historical integrity of their homes. Interior designer Karen Hott addressed this common dilemma by successfully blending contemporary function with vintage aesthetics in a 1920s Virginia-Highland bungalow kitchen. The transformation aimed to create an up-to-date kitchen that also honored the period of the house. The design strategy centered on carefully selected appliances that would establish a retro tone for the entire kitchen. Hott opted for a line of "new-to-look-old" appliances from Big Chill, which includes a refrigerator, range, vent hood, and dishwasher. These appliances are notable for their polished-chrome exteriors, reminiscent of 1950s designs, yet they offer modern functionality. The choice of a custom subdued gray color for the appliances, rather than more flamboyant retro hues like turquoise, allowed the homeowner's vibrant Fiestaware collection to introduce pops of color, contributing to the kitchen's vintage appeal without being overly kitschy. Efficient space planning was crucial for this kitchen renovation. The project required a complete overhaul and an expansion of the kitchen's footprint. To achieve this, Hott borrowed space from an adjacent dining room, ensuring the kitchen was both functional and harmonious with the rest of the historic cottage, especially since it is visible from the front door. The cabinetry, finished in a classic off-white, features Craftsman-style details, an architectural style prevalent during the home's original construction period. Glass-front doors on some upper cabinets were incorporated to display the colorful dishes, further enhancing the retro theme. The 8-foot island serves as a central feature, combining aesthetics with practicality. It is topped with a warm walnut countertop, contrasting with the Black Zimbabwe granite used for the perimeter countertops. The island also incorporates a small prep sink, facilitating the involvement of two cooks simultaneously, and ingeniously conceals a microwave on its backside for a tidier appearance. Display shelves on the island provide space for cookbooks or other decorative items. Above the island, unique pendants made from 1950s milk jugs, repurposed into lighting fixtures, contribute significantly to the old-fashioned charm. Additional design elements reinforce the vintage aesthetic while maintaining modern comfort. Roman shades, fabricated from Schumacher fabric featuring a Williamsburg pattern, soften the kitchen windows and offer another subtle nod to the past. A farmhouse sink by ROHL further enhances the cottage vibe. A small seating area was carved out, furnished with a vintage Morris chair inherited by the homeowner, creating an inviting spot for relaxation. This area has become a favorite for perusing cookbooks or enjoying coffee. When designing retro kitchens, Hott advises homeowners to keep elements unfussy, recommending clean lines for cabinets and countertops to reflect the simple designs celebrated in the 1950s and 1960s. She also suggests sticking to a neutral color palette for core elements to avoid an overwhelming or kitschy effect, allowing colorful accessories to provide visual interest. The successful integration of modern functionality with a vintage aesthetic in this project demonstrates that it is possible to honor a home's historic roots while incorporating contemporary conveniences, provided there is thoughtful design and expert guidance. #RetroKitchen #VintageDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #CraftsmanStyle #BigChillAppliances #HistoricHome #SpacePlanning

Mindy Kelson O'Connor, known for her vibrant and bold design choices, embarked on a kitchen renovation project that perfectly encapsulated her signature "midi-malist" aesthetic. This design philosophy blends maximalist elements with a minimalist sensibility, focusing on careful curation rather than stark simplicity. Her previous kitchen, characterized by a dead-end galley layout, felt cramped and offered limited counter space and an uninspiring view of a side yard. The goal of the renovation was to create a kitchen that was not only more functional and open but also visually stunning, incorporating elements that reflected her unique style while maintaining a clean, modern feel. The transformation began with a bold structural change: removing a wall that separated the kitchen from a seldom-used breakfast nook. This single alteration dramatically improved the kitchen's flow, opening it up to the adjacent living and dining areas and creating a more cohesive living space. The once-dead-end galley was replaced with an L-shaped layout, significantly increasing counter space and storage options. This new configuration allowed for a more intuitive workflow and better interaction with guests during entertaining, a key consideration for O'Connor. Material selection played a crucial role in achieving the desired "midi-malist" look. O'Connor chose natural walnut wood for the lower cabinets and a textured off-white for the uppers, striking a balance between warmth and modernity. The countertops feature a durable and elegant Caesarstone, providing a clean surface that complements the custom cabinetry. The backsplash was a point of contention with her husband due to its bold pattern, but O'Connor’s vision prevailed, adding a distinctive artistic touch to the space. The flooring was updated with engineered hardwood that extends throughout the house, ensuring continuity and a sophisticated foundation. Appliance upgrades were a significant part of the renovation, fulfilling O'Connor's long-standing desire for high-performance kitchen equipment. She selected a six-burner range, a counter-depth refrigerator, and a fully integrated dishwasher, all chosen for their functionality and sleek design. These appliances not only enhance the kitchen's usability but also contribute to its modern aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the new cabinetry. The hardware, including handles and drawer pulls, was carefully chosen to complement the overall design, adding subtle yet impactful details. Lighting was another area of significant improvement. The original kitchen suffered from poor illumination, a common issue in older homes. O'Connor addressed this by installing a combination of recessed lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and a striking globe pendant light over the sink. This multi-layered lighting scheme not only brightens the space but also highlights the kitchen's architectural features and material choices, creating an inviting and well-lit environment. The new window over the sink further enhances natural light, offering a pleasant view of the backyard. The overall design reflects O'Connor's "midi-malist" approach by integrating vibrant art, unique textiles, and personalized accessories within a clean, modern framework. The kitchen now boasts an improved layout, enhanced functionality with dream appliances, and a distinct aesthetic that harmoniously combines Mid-Century Modern influences with a minimalist sensibility. This renovation successfully transformed a dated and impractical space into a contemporary masterpiece that is both beautiful and highly functional. #KitchenRenovation #MidiMalistDesign #ModernKitchen #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #GalleyKitchenTransformation #CustomCabinetry #ApplianceUpgrade #HomeImprovement

Architect Mindy Kelson O'Connor undertook a significant renovation project to transform a dysfunctional and outdated galley kitchen into a modern, minimalist masterpiece. The initial kitchen was described as a "functional disaster" and "truly falling apart." The client's primary requirements for the new space included a large island for meal preparation and gathering, ample storage for various small appliances, and improved connectivity between the kitchen, the rest of the first floor, and the outdoor deck and gardens. The existing layout presented challenges, particularly the disconnect between the kitchen and other living areas, and the cramped nature of the galley design. To achieve a more open and cohesive living space, O'Connor's design involved a complete demolition and redesign of the existing kitchen, adjacent breakfast room, and dining room. Partition walls separating the kitchen from the breakfast room and the hallway were removed, as were walls connected to a corner of the dining room. This structural modification allowed for an expanded kitchen footprint, utilizing space previously occupied by the breakfast nook. The renovation also included the installation of new windows to enhance natural light, new flooring throughout the redesigned areas, and updated lighting fixtures to contribute to the modern aesthetic. A central feature of the transformed kitchen is a 12-foot-long island, designed to serve as a versatile hub for cooking, serving, and dining. This island addresses the client's desire for a central gathering point and provides extensive counter space. Beyond its functional utility, the kitchen incorporates aesthetically pleasing elements such as a hand-painted Tabarka tile backsplash and a Lacanche range, which contribute to the space's sophisticated design. The cabinetry is painted in Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue, creating a classic and soothing ambiance complemented by painted terracotta tiles. The design successfully merges traditional and modern elements, evident in the combination of dark wood and marble countertops. The choice of lighting from Hector Finch further enhances the contemporary yet timeless feel of the space. The overall transformation aimed to create a highly functional, visually appealing, and well-connected kitchen that seamlessly integrates with the home's first floor and offers easy access to outdoor living areas, catering to the clients' lifestyle and culinary needs. #KitchenRenovation #HomeDesign #InteriorArchitecture #ModernKitchen #GalleyKitchenTransformation #MindyKelsonOConnorArchitecture #KitchenIslandDesign #HomeImprovement #MidiMalistDesign