Working with a 222-year-old brick fireplace might be intimidating to some designers, but Harmony Cabinets and Construction adopted the challenge. This 1790 house in Moorestown, New Jersey, claimed many of its original attributes over the years, and keeping it accurate to the first time frame was a priority. The heavy brick fireplace was outfitted for contemporary performance with a stove and became the kitchen focal point. Classic cabinetry and finishes transformed the expansive room into an elegant and practical kitchen that would be stylish in any century.
Christopher Michael Interiors
The blue cabinetry end is a custom combination that Chris Ingram of Harmony Cabinets and Construction calls “worn blue jean.” The antiqued finish helps tone down the cherry cabinetry for a timeless look that fits the 18th-century house.
Backsplash: white subway tile ; countertop: Carrara marble; island top: cherry
Christopher Michael Interiors
The magnificent brick stove surround is a remnant from the house’s original kitchen, and was used as a focus. A 48-inch Wolf range fit perfectly in the area, and Ingram had a custom hood created. Upper cabinetry was left off on each side of the stove surround in favor of bigger windows and wall sconces, which make the heavy-looking fireplace seem more delicate and beautiful.
Christopher Michael Interiors
The rolling library ladder was custom developed for the kitchen, creating easy access to upper cabinetry while contributing to the kitchen old-world charm. After the customers decided on the 3-inch-thick cherry island counter, the sapwood ladder seemed like a fantastic way to tie the remainder of the kitchen into the job and prep area.
Christopher Michael Interiors
Modern organizational tools fill every nook and cranny. Pullout baskets along with a cabinet for hanging utensils are just a few of Ingram’s beloved features. Because they were working with such a massive area, Ingram focused on creating each area function as a separate channel and did not worry too much about the traditional work triangle.
Christopher Michael Interiors
The house’s first yellow pine wide plank floors was refinished for this project. The window seat retains a subwoofer to get a built-in sound system.
Christopher Michael Interiors
The bottom cabinets on the left and right of the fireplace were created 30 inches deep to be flush with the brick, which makes using the counter area somewhat easier.
Sink: Shaws Original Farm Sink; prep sink: Kohler; taps: Perrin & Roew; light: Horchow