Lots of folks would love a bigger, brighter kitchen, but structural or financial issues may prevent them from enlarging the footprint. Such was the case for Brad and Tiffany Tinsey, owners of an 1893 Victorian in Milwaukee, WI. “A previous renovation had stripped the kitchen of its character and disrupted the flow to the rest of the first floor,” Tiffany says. “We were on a mission to remedy that, but constraints of the floor plan prohibited a traditional expansion.”
The solution was deceptively simple. “The existing ceiling had been lowered at some point to accommodate plumbing, electrical, and HVAC for an upstairs bath and laundry,” explains interior designer Karly Mandell of Story Hill Renovations. “We were able to tighten all that up and then raise the ceiling to its original 9 feet.” This not only provided a lighter, airier feel, it made room for ceiling-height cabinets, increasing storage by about 15 percent. The crowning touch? Bright yellow beadboard that turned the ceiling into a delightful focal point.
An ample apron sink, an island with curvy corbels and a warm walnut top, lantern-style pendants, and reclaimed terracotta floor tiles all work together to evoke a welcoming old-time vibe. “The renovation brought drama to the kitchen and much-needed cohesiveness to the first floor,” says Tiffany. “We were able to honor the architecture of our home while expressing our individual taste.”
Ceiling-high wall cabinets increased storage by 15 percent. The raised-panel door fronts nod to the Victorian era, meanwhile the uppers with brass-wire grills are on trend right now. “Compared to glass doors, the brass grills let you display pretty pieces while slightly obscuring what’s inside, so everything needn’t be perfectly neat,” says interior designer Karly Mandell.
With all the ceilings now nine feet, graceful archways were added to mirror those elsewhere on the first floor. “The archways create openness and a smooth transition between rooms,” homeowner Tiffany Tinsey says. The island boasts a range with a built-in downdraft, so no obtrusive ceiling vent is required.
Tones in the reclaimed terracotta floor tiles pick up on the beadboard ceiling’s buttery hue. “What we love best about the beadboard is that it’s so unexpected,” Tiffany says. “The kitchen is otherwise all white, and then you look at the ceiling—pow!” Indeed, designers now consider ceilings “the fifth wall,” as in, another area to add interesting pattern or texture. And check out the vertical plate rack, a handy storage solution that may well have been present in the house’s cook space originally.
Victorian homes often incorporated color, so the Tinseys went with a patterned backsplash tile to bring in a bit of blue. The bright brass faucet and cabinet hardware, with pulls slightly larger than standard size, also make a statement yet feel period appropriate.
The Tinseys’ former kitchen had an underused (and unattractive) desk-and-pantry combo. Eager to scrap it, the couple filled the area with an electric fireplace to lend warmth and whimsy. Its cast iron casing and brick veneer surround hark back to olden days, while a microwave is discreetly garaged underneath. “We enjoy the cozy ambiance of the fireplace while preparing meals, and it’s a true conversation piece that guests always comment on,” Tiffany says. “It’s eye candy!”
Get the Look: Upgraded Victorian Kitchen
Think some of these kitchen components will work in your renovation? Here’s where to find them:
Smokeless Stove
When a range sits in the center of the kitchen, you may want to forgo a hood. This Kitchen Aid model has an integrated downdraft to banish smoke and cooking fumes.
Impressive Pendants
Illuminate an island with striking lantern pendants from Ballard Designs. Four candle-style arms, complete with faux drips, enhance the old-world charm.
Fire It Up
For a vintage vibe with the power to warm up to 500 square feet of space, consider this electric fireplace that emits 750 watts on low, 1,500 watts on high.
Backsplash Beauty
Create a Moorish pattern in subtle blue and gray with square porcelain tile, a pleasing change from ubiquitous subway tile.
