The brick Rodgers Forge row homes may look similar from the exterior, but inside they can be very different. Variations in layouts exist in the homes both large and small, but they all originated with galley kitchens of varying sizes. There are many things that can be done to update the kitchens, the new trend being to knock down the wall between kitchen and dining room to create a more expansive flow and contemporary feel. We found two kitchens that have done that very thing, and done it well.
Kitchen #1: The Craftsman's Kitchen
Buzz and Diane are constantly refining their impeccable middle group home in the Forge. Both of them have an amazing eye for detail, and Buzz can look at existing materials and craft brilliant new uses for them in his home.
"Buzz has a million ideas for every project, and I become the editor," Diane says with a smile.
For their new kitchen, Buzz and Diane knew they wanted white cabinets, tile and marble. Constantly visiting Second Chance for ideas and materials, they happened upon a complete set of high-end kitchen cabinets with recessed doors, which is what they had been looking for. The only problem was that there were too many cabinets for what they needed. After a lot of measuring and some negotiation, Buzz was able to purchase just the part of the kitchen that they needed. After some painting and customizing some of the doors to have glass rather than wood, the cabinets looked like they had been originally made to fit the space, rather then being found.
Rather than an island, the couple decided that they would keep the original footprint of the kitchen, and instead add a narrower isthmus coming off the exterior wall that acts as a breakfast bar and gathering place at parties. The top of the bar and corbel supports were also reclaimed pieces.
Kitchen #2: Large Enough for the Whole Family
Scott and Sylvia have actually lived in two Rodgers Forge residences. There current one is a five bedroom end of group that features bay windows in both the living and dining rooms. Over 12 years ago, when their house was filled with their 3 sons and all that that implies, they decided they needed a more family and entertaining friendly kitchen. They put their friend, interior designer Kim Jennings to work on a new layout.
Scott and Sylvia both like to cook and did not want to be trapped away from company in their small kitchen. They knew they wanted a large island with a sink on the kitchen side and seating on the other, but they also wanted to differentiate the two rooms. Kim's solution was the inclusion of counter to ceiling glass shelving units that define the space, while keeping an open feel.
By closing up a smaller opening into the kitchen from the front hall, they gained wall space for a pantry. Recessed lights create a contemporary feel and the glass french door lets in natural light.
The colors on the walls pick up colors from the granite countertops, although Silvia is thinking about changing that. "I love the black base of the island with the white of the cabinets, but after all these years I'm thinking of refreshing the color! There are lots more to choose from in that granite."
Both owners kept the style integrity of the older homes by continuing the hardwood floors from living space to kitchen, as well as details like crown molding and colors.
Looking for your own updated Rodgers Forge kitchen? See our new listing at 259 Stanmore Road! Kitchen picture below.
