When you fall in love with a house for its great character, remodeling is a matter of helping new spaces live in harmony with old ones. At least, that's how Tom and Kim Prescott saw the renovation of their 1866 Italianate home and its woefully outdated kitchen. The couple and their three daughters lived in the suburban Naperville, Illinois, house for 10 long years before tackling a major overhaul that included bumping out the kitchen and adding an adjacent laundry room. By then, working with architect Fred Burghardt, kitchen designer Pamela Polvere, and contractor Marty Brummel, "we knew exactly what we wanted," says Tom.
Their wish list included more storage and prep space and a big dose of vintage style, including a spot for the rebuilt 1930s Magic Chef stove that Tom bought on eBay and drove home from Montana. Today, after adding and subtracting space, the Prescotts have Shaker-style cabinets, honed black granite and butcher-block countertops, and room to hang out, making the kitchen their go-to spot. Says Tom, "It finally feels right, like having a part of the house that was always missing."
From style to tile, find tons of inspirational photos, ideas, and how-tos for brand-new rooms, quick upgrades, and big and small fixes, plus special offers.
Contribute to This Story Below