Saint Paul Bungalow Kitchen
New functionality for a small kitchen
The client’s beautiful 1926 four-square bungalow in the Macalester-Groveland area of Saint Paul had an outdated 1960s kitchen. Like many kitchens of that era, there wasn’t an obvious place for a refrigerator, so it was positioned in an alcove leading to the basement.
The customer loved to cook and entertain and was interested in making the kitchen a more natural gathering place. Her goal was to create a functional kitchen that fit with the existing style and charm of the house.
A Clean Start
The existing kitchen had soffits above the cupboards and cracked plaster walls. We decided to get a fresh start and removed the existing walls down to the studs. This allowed us to replace outdated knob and tube electrical wiring, add new insulation and install two new, energy-efficient windows.
Solving the Layout Challenge
A key goal of the project was to improve the usability of the space. With the small footprint of the kitchen, that was a challenge. The solution brought the refrigerator into the kitchen and created a small but perfect triangle for a functional cooking space. It even allowed for a small dishwasher, which the original kitchen lacked. We also widened the entrance from the dining room to the kitchen and add a peninsula between the two to create a small eating and gathering space. Moving the refrigerator created a bonus space for a small pantry with a countertop for appliances, a shelf for the microwave, and additional cabinet space.
The Details Matter
Attention to detail makes this kitchen sing. The Italian tiles in the backsplash bring just the right level of color, gloss, and sophistication, complementing the warm wood tones of the cabinets and the deep gray of the quartz countertops.
The homeowner was looking for easy-to-maintain flooring that used natural materials. Marmoleum-brand linoleum fit the bill. Marmoleum is a sustainable product made from linseed oil, wood flour and rosins from pine trees with anti-bacterial and anti-static properties.
The minimalist range hood that sits in front of a window, both lets sunshine in and delivers functionality with a touch of modern flair.
The Result: Beautiful Functionality
The kitchen was completely transformed by this remodel. Opening the space and adding the peninsula creates the illusion of a much larger kitchen. The carefully selected finishes are subtle and sophisticated, blending perfectly with the early 20th-century style of the home yet adding a modern touch to the overall result.
