When it comes to retrofitting a kitchen in a historic home, it’s critical to let the architecture lead.
“The whole team really wanted to maintain the integrity of the house,” says designer Jessica Prier with Birmingham Design House. “If a client doesn’t prioritize quality and craftsmanship, the charm and character that we all love in a historic home can easily get lost in the value engineering.” Fortunately, owners Kate and Donnie Smith and their team’s mindset aligned.
To maintain these goals, it was essential to commit to high-end finishes and appointments. Kate leaned into authenticity and high-quality selections, choosing a La Cornue range, unlacquered brass hardware and fixtures, and leaded-glass windows in the scullery that replicate originals in the house.
“Of course there are always budget compromises,” Jessica says. “For example, Kate and I loved Calacatta gold marble for the kitchen, but the Imperial Danby marble was less costly.” Similarly, they opted for alder for the island in lieu of walnut. “The expensive items that we did choose were intended to make a larger impact in the overall design,” Jessica says.
Resources
Architect and space planning: Architectural Cooperative; Interiors and finishes: Jessica Prier, Birmingham Design House; Builder: Alan Simpson, Highland Construction & Preservation; Cabinets: Millstone Cabinets, collaboration with Architectural Cooperative; Rugs: Hazel House Collective; Hardware: Brandino Brass; Tile, countertops, backsplash: Surface One; Plumbing fixtures: Fixtures & Finishes
