In renovating the kitchen of a brick townhome in Philadelphia dating back to 1891, Kevin Bennert, a principal at the Philadelphia interiors firm Oak Design Project, looked across the pond. "We were inspired by London townhomes that seamlessly blend the old and new,” he explains. "The chief priority was to make it more functional for the family."
More From House Beautiful
Before the client commissioned the firm, Bennert says, the kitchen "was closed off from the rest of the home with dated cabinetry." After a full gut renovation by the Janusky Group—they went down to the studs and reinforced floors—the wall dividing the kitchen and dining space was removed and the floor was dropped to increase the useable space. Now, the kitchen is open, flooded with natural light, and great for entertaining with the newly created space between the dining room and the patio.
Dish Zone
Simple sheer cafe curtains add privacy but don't block sunlight by the dishwasher and sink.
Range Wall
"We up-cycled an antique window to use as a partition between the range wall and the dining room," Bennert explains. "It created a visual separation that still let natural pour in." Curved uppers above the range mimic the shape of the island.
Entry
It wasn't until a structural engineer was brought in post-demolition that the design team learned they could actually drop the floor (to make the ceilings taller)."It was our biggest question mark," says Bennert, "but in the end, it was a remarkable transformation!"
Bar Area
A reflective backsplash bounces even more light around the room.
Details
Every inch of space was utilized—down to a few inches for a spice rack in the lower cabinetry.
See How the Kitchen looked Before
The rounded ends of a walnut-tamboured island open up to reveal hidden cabinets. "It was a highlight to design," says Bennert of the piece. Tumbled silver travertine floors add sparkle.
