Industrial Kitchen in Historic Building
This has been one of the most rewarding projects.
We wanted to add historical building materials and historical character to this historical building!
This loft has so much character that it begged for even more character and definition.
In the 90s this was an automotive shop, and cars would drive in and out. Then the building was sold to local artists, and this particular loft was used by painters.
They used the large wooden window panels to hang up art and other creative work. Which was also used to display artwork on the other side, so the neighbors who would walk by got to enjoy this as well. Unfortunately, they painted over the original oak floorboards, and would also be totally careless when it came to rinsing off and drying paint brushes: paint stains on the floor were everywhere.
YET, this Loft is beyond gorgeous and so impressive.
Original oak floors from 1900, a huge staircase, exposed beams, large windows, top and bottom. And so much space and height!
Unfortunately, the kitchen was not really functioning as a kitchen from this era. Everything had broken down and the functionality and balance were far gone.
My clients and I talked for a long time and they asked me to embrace, honor, and improve the historical value of this loft.
This loft reminds me so much of Amsterdam. I felt at home right away.
We decided on making this a beautiful industrial kitchen: a white perimeter with a 48” 6 burners and griddle range, with an industrial hood and a 45” super-duper sink. A huge black island with lots of deep drawers, bar stools to sit on and entertain guests, and we added 2 oversized pendants that totally fit in this space and era. The concrete-looking countertop with the brick backsplash completes the industrial design.
I couldn’t be more proud of how this kitchen space and the entire loft turned out. It is functional and elegant, and still honors the loft space and the historic building.
This loft now looks how it was supposed to have looked from the beginning.
And a deep bow for my contractor! He was able to restore the oak floors completely! He sanded them down, got rid of most of the stains, and made them shine again.