Anyone who’s lived in an old home knows that space can often be an issue–either there’s not enough of it, or it’s not configured in the way that we need it to be.
The latter was the case for Philip and Susan Hamilton, who launched their kitchen remodel with the goal of creating a more functional space, where they could cook and entertain. The Hamiltons have lived in their 1870 Victorian home in the West End neighborhood of Portland, Maine, for more than 20 years, and had previously only done minor upgrades and repairs.
Choosing the Right Design Partner
Before they tackled the kitchen remodel, they sought out the expertise of kitchen designer Mary Adams, who’s owned and operated Portland’s Kitchen Cove Design Studio for 13 years. For
seven of those years, she’s been a Clarke partner, encouraging her clients to not only visit the Clarke Showroom to see the products “live” before purchasing them at a local retailer but also take advantage of the learning opportunities Clarke has to offer like their product demonstration classes or one-on-one time with one of their in-house chefs.
“Our clients really enjoy the experience,” Mary says of the Showroom, which features Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove appliances incorporated into 12 full-size kitchen displays. “They’re not sold, they’re educated. They understand it’s an ongoing resource.”
Establishing the Homeowners’ Priorities
The appliances were one of the most important parts of the Hamiltons’ kitchen remodel from the beginning, since they’re skilled cooks. The couple also wanted to reconfigure the layout to better connect two distinct kitchen areas, with plenty of room to plan and execute complex meals, and add a bar area, where friends could relax while they’re prepping.
Other asks for the project included bringing the cabinets up to reach the 12-foot ceilings, to increase storage, and keeping the original windows intact–they couldn’t make any exterior changes due to the historic nature of the home. And while they wanted to change the layout, the Hamiltons requested retaining as much wall space as possible, to display their extensive collection of art–including pieces made by Susan, and others featuring Maine landscapes.
Managing Timelines During a Pandemic
Not long after Mary got started on making the Hamiltons’ vision a reality, the project slowed to a crawl due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mary had to complete most of the design work remotely, and materials were backordered–the cabinets ended up taking more than 20 weeks to arrive, which was more than double the typical lead time.
While Mary’s projects generally take 1 to 1 1/2 years, this project took nearly three. The Hamiltons, however, weren’t phased by all the delays. “They really weren’t in a hurry,” she recalls. “They wanted to get it right.”
The Hamiltons also wanted to work with a specific contracting business that was booked for months, since so many homeowners were remodeling at the time. “Morse and Doak Builders, Inc. were definitely worth the wait,” she says. “Their execution of this project was outstanding.”
Making the Most of Limited Space
To better connect the two kitchen rooms, Mary’s design opened up a small doorway to improve the flow and increase light. In the former cooking area, she created a more functional workspace by installing a five-foot Galley Workstation. The Galley, a Clake partner, offers a unique system that allows for preparing, cooking, serving, and cleaning all in a centralized workspace.
“All of a sudden we had this really nice workspace where they could create everything they wanted to,” she says.
This galley kitchen is also where Mary placed a 24-inch Sub-Zero column refrigerator, a 36-inch Wolf gas range and a second oven, a Wolf Convection Steam Oven. The steam oven is a favorite of hers–she installed one in both her own home and office and says it’s a “game changer” when it comes to design.
In the main kitchen, there are two Sub-Zero freezer drawers along with an apron-front sink, and Cove dishwashers in both the galley and main kitchens. Mary also added an under-counter refrigerator and freezer in the bar area. She appreciates that Sub-Zero offers modules, so she can separate the refrigerator and freezer, and put them in different spaces.
“We can make each space a little more functional when we break those pieces up,” she says. “We’re not tied down by one big refrigerator, like a 36-inch or a 42-inch.”
To work around the large, low windows in the main kitchen, she installed banquette seating–with under-seat storage–and added a round table where guests could sit and socialize. For additional storage–and to close the gap between the vertical cabinets and the ceiling–horizontal cabinets were installed with glass doors to break up the long line. The original radiators were replaced with more streamlined wall units to gain additional floorspace.
Incorporating Unique Design Elements
As for the aesthetics, Mary chose dark walnut cabinets, with brass hardware from Armac Martin. “It’s appropriate for the stately nature of a Victorian home,” she says, adding that the faucets and light fixtures are brass, too. “They really pop on that dark wood.”
Despite some initial skepticism from the Hamiltons, Mary and her team used two different types of tiles for the backsplash: in the galley kitchen, there’s a light and bright marble tile, and in the main kitchen, the tile is dark and dramatic with some texture. She added more drama to the main kitchen with an Infinity Blue marble counter, and while the galley kitchen has a simple natural granite that’s both easy to clean and a good fit for the age of the home.
Striking the Perfect Balance
In the end, Mary said she and her team were able to accomplish all of their goals for the project, despite the initial delays and challenging layout.
“I love when you can take all the modern abilities of new appliances and products, but make it feel like it was always designed that way,” she says. “It seems like the space belongs in a 154-year-old house.”
Most importantly, Mary reports that the Hamiltons are happy cooking and entertaining in their updated and unified kitchen. “They’re delighted with all of it.”
For kitchen remodel inspiration, visit a Clarke Showroom today.