The Old Cabinets Stayed in This Historic Townhouse Renovation—Just Not in the Kitchen

The author recounts their experience with a kitchen cabinet upgrade in their new home, focusing on a specific design choice they have come to regret: the “T-shaped” drawer pulls. While the new kitchen shares many similarities with their previous one, including navy cabinets, quartz countertops, and a large center island, the new hardware has proven to be a significant functional and aesthetic drawback. This article details the specific issues encountered with these drawer pulls, highlighting how a seemingly minor design element can negatively impact daily kitchen activities, from cooking to cleaning. The primary problem with the T-shaped pulls is their design, which creates numerous pinch points and snags. The author describes frequently catching their clothes, particularly pant loops and pockets, on the exposed ends of the pulls. This leads to minor inconveniences like torn clothing and more significant frustrations when navigating the kitchen with children, as these pulls pose a risk for catching on their clothes as well. The sharp edges of the T-shaped design contribute to these snagging issues, making quick movements around the kitchen a hazard. The author notes that this design flaw is particularly pronounced in a high-traffic area like the kitchen, where efficiency and ease of movement are crucial. Beyond the practical issues of snagging clothes, the T-shaped pulls also present challenges during cleaning. Their angular design and exposed ends create crevices and surfaces where dust, grease, and food debris can accumulate, making them difficult to wipe down thoroughly. Unlike simpler, rounder knobs or bar pulls, the intricate shape of the T-pulls requires more effort and precision to clean, adding to the overall maintenance burden of the kitchen. This aspect contributes to the author's daily regret, as cleaning becomes a more time-consuming and frustrating task than it should be. Furthermore, the article suggests that while the T-shaped pulls initially appeared to be a stylish choice, fitting into a minimalist design aesthetic, their lack of functionality ultimately outweighs any visual appeal. The author implies that the pursuit of a modern or minimalist look sometimes compromises practical utility, leading to long-term dissatisfaction. This personal anecdote serves as a cautionary tale for homeowners considering similar design choices, emphasizing the importance of balancing aesthetics with practicality in kitchen hardware selection. The author expresses a strong desire to replace the pulls, underscoring the profound impact this single design element has had on their everyday kitchen experience. This account offers valuable insights for anyone planning a kitchen renovation or upgrade. It highlights that the choice of hardware, often considered a finishing touch, can significantly influence the usability and enjoyability of a kitchen space. The author’s regret stems from a combination of practical annoyances and increased stress related to cooking and cleaning, demonstrating that function should be a key consideration alongside form in interior design decisions. The article implicitly advises readers to prioritize user experience and ease of maintenance when selecting fixtures and fittings for their homes, particularly in functional areas like the kitchen. #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #CabinetHardware #InteriorDesignMistakes #KitchenUpgrade #MinimalistDesign #HomeImprovement #PracticalityVsAesthetics

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

Harmony Grogan, a kitchen designer, undertook a transformative renovation of a client's kitchen, which was previously described as "dark, bland," and "beige." The client desired a space that blended modern functionality with vintage charm. The existing kitchen suffered from poor lighting, with light fixtures positioned inadequately, creating shadows. The layout was also inefficient, featuring a large, dated beige island that dominated the space, preventing proper workflow and making the kitchen feel cramped despite its size. Additionally, the kitchen lacked storage solutions, leading to clutter on countertops. The original design included heavy, dark wood cabinetry and a limited color palette, contributing to a dim and uninviting atmosphere. The design also incorporated a built-in pantry that was aesthetically unappealing and not fully utilized. The renovation began with addressing the lighting and structural issues. Recessed ceiling lights were installed to provide ample ambient illumination, replacing the previous inadequate fixtures. The large, cumbersome island was removed to open up the floor plan and improve flow. To enhance storage and visual appeal, a new custom island was introduced, featuring both open and closed shelving. This new island, with a marble top, serves as a focal point and offers increased functionality without overwhelming the space. The outdated pantry was replaced with a more streamlined and aesthetically integrated storage solution. The aesthetic transformation involved a strategic use of color and materials. The old, dark beige cabinetry was replaced with custom cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore’s Blue Nose (1678), a serene blue shade that brightens the room and introduces a fresh, modern feel. The trim was painted in Early Morning (CC-818), a complementary shade that aligns with the home’s existing mint-green and blue exterior, maintaining a cohesive architectural style within the neighborhood of older bungalows. The flooring, previously a dark and uninspiring material, was updated to a lighter, more reflective surface, further contributing to the kitchen's brighter ambiance. The layout was optimized by consolidating essential kitchen functions onto a single 10.5-foot-wide wall. This efficient design includes custom cabinetry and scaled-down Miele appliances, such as a 24-inch cooktop, an 18-inch paneled dishwasher, and a 24-inch refrigerator, maximizing space without sacrificing utility. Glossy white backsplash tiles were installed to reflect light and add a clean, modern touch. Schoolhouse light fixtures in a marigold hue were chosen to provide both task lighting and a vintage-inspired decorative element, contributing to the desired mix of modern and classic styles. A custom 5-by-4-foot banquette replaced a former dresser in the corner, offering a comfortable and integrated dining area. Instead of traditional upper cabinetry, which Harmony believed would visually close off the space, open shelving was implemented. This choice maintains an airy feel and allows for decorative display, with connecting elements to ensure a cohesive look. The renovation extended to the smallest details, with Harmony specifying everything from plates and cutlery to the artwork, ensuring a complete and harmonious design. The overall transformation resulted in a significantly brighter, more functional, and aesthetically pleasing kitchen that perfectly balances modern needs with vintage charm. #KitchenRenovation #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #HomeImprovement #KitchenDesign #BlueNose #CustomCabinetry #OpenShelving #VintageCharm

Full Circle Design Works, a St. Louis-based builder, specializes in the renovation and restoration of historic properties, focusing on integrating modern, frameless cabinetry into these century-old structures. The company operates its own modern shop, producing contemporary cabinets, man doors, trim, specialty mouldings, and custom furniture. While 75% of their work involves residential renovations and additions, the remaining 25% is new construction. A key differentiator for Full Circle is its in-house shop facility, allowing them to handle a wide range of custom millwork and cabinet needs, making them a preferred choice for architects seeking highly detailed work. The majority of Full Circle's projects involve extensive gut rehabs, where everything except some original walls is removed and then rebuilt. Some of these rehabs qualify for historic tax credits, necessitating the restoration of interiors to match original millwork details. The company frequently undertakes kitchen and bath renovations within these historic settings. Renovation work is particularly prevalent in various historic areas of St. Louis City, as well as wealthier suburban towns like Clayton and Ladue, where century-old homes are well-maintained. A notable project involved creating a 1¾-inch thick door with distinct designs on each side: a five-panel configuration for the dining room and five equal horizontal panels on the other side, showcasing the company's ability to tackle complex custom fabrication. Despite working with 100-year-old buildings, Full Circle's cabinetry aesthetic is distinctly contemporary and frameless. They construct cabinet boxes using melamine and maple on MDF or particleboard, with custom veneers for doors, drawer fronts, and finished ends. Maple veneer is treated with a post-catalyzed conversion varnish, consistent with the finish on doors and drawer fronts. This contemporary style is Full Circle's niche, standing apart from the traditional five-piece doors and crown mouldings common in St. Louis. The blend of contemporary cabinets with original running trim, base, casing, and doors creates a harmonious and visually appealing contrast. Matching the original look often requires creating new elements, as original casing and baseboards are rarely in good condition after a century. Full Circle specializes in fabricating new pieces that meticulously match original profiles and materials. Their commitment to precision is evident in their 2mm tolerance for cabinet reveals, a tighter standard than many other shops. As a general contractor, Full Circle also supplies its job sites with matching sills and plinths, ensuring consistency and helping to maintain project schedules. Collaborative work with architects allows them to contribute to initial project development, offer samples, and identify potential issues early on. Full Circle employs 10 people, with three dedicated to the shop, which moved to a larger 10,000-square-foot facility (a former dairy) two years prior. They utilize KCD software for design and EnRoute to feed work to their CNC router. The shop's workflow encompasses edgebanding, veneering, cutting, sanding, a spray booth, and assembly. A separate solid wood section handles jambs and other components. Equipment includes a Streibig Compact Plus vertical panel saw, a C.R. Onsrud 145M12 Mate series CNC router, Biesse Artech Levia 220 widebelt sander, and Biesse Polymac Akron 420ER edgebander. They also have two veneer presses, a Felder AD 41 planer-jointer, Felder KF7X combination machines, and a Casadei 24-inch surface planer. Finishing is done in-house using Chem-Craft post-catalyzed conversion varnish in a Col-Met spray booth. The company primarily uses Blum hardware, including the Legrabox metal drawer system, and some Grass hardware. The new facility is largely powered by solar panels, significantly reducing electricity costs. Future plans include acquiring an edgebander with premill capabilities and a widebelt sander with advanced technology to improve veneer sanding. Full Circle also aims to expand its specialty low-volume part production via CNC and custom cabinetwork for other general contractors, fostering collaborations with metal fabricators for wood components. #HistoricRenovation #ModernCabinetry #CustomMillwork #WoodworkingShop #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #CNCManufacturing #SustainablePractices #RenovationProjects