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    Project Case Study:
    Historic Seattle Kitchen Remodel

    Preserving a Historic Kitchen's Charm While Modernizing Functionality

    Better Builders was approached by a homeowner with a vision of modernizing their century-old kitchen. By crafting and executing a well-thought-out plan, the dining room, kitchen, and breakfast nook were transformed in a way that seamlessly blended with the rest of the house.

    The primary goals of the project were to improve the flow of the space, infuse warmth into the revitalized areas, and preserve the original charm of the 1920 home.

    The demolition phase began with a complete gutting of everything located north of the dining table, followed by the removal of the wall that separated the formal dining area from the kitchen - a key improvement.

    What This Customer Had to Say

    "Better Builders helped us with a major remodel of our kitchen and one of our bathrooms. We have a 1920s home and wanted to maintain the period details that make our house so special while updating it with some more modern features like an open floor plan. From the start I was impressed with their commitment to our project, their consistent and open communication, and their responsiveness to any questions, thoughts and concerns. Pete has an amazing eye and he has a team of people who really know their stuff and are super friendly. We absolutely love our new kitchen and bath and look forward to working with them again in the future for other remodels."

    Read more...

    Lauren M., Seattle, WA

    Before

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    historic-seattle-kitchen-1-before-dining-to-kitchen

    Updating the Flow with A Modern Open Floor Plan

    Our design team was able to capitalize on the added space after the wall was removed. This allowed us to incorporate a center island with a galley space of 44” on both sides, resulting in a modern open floor plan feel.

    The merging of these two spaces was the key to achieving our desired design outcome.

    After

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    historic-seattle-kitchen-1-after-dining-to-kitchen

    Channeling the 1920s Aesthetic

    To maintain the 1920s aesthetic of the home, we opted for new white oak flooring in the kitchen, installed in a concentric square design that perfectly matches the original floor details in the dining area. This flooring seamlessly flows into the built-in dining nook, creating a cohesive and stylish look throughout the space.

    Before

    After

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    historic-seattle-kitchen-3-after-kitchen-from-windows

    Preserving & Adding Historic Details

    When dealing with challenges in older homes, we often rely on our experience to come up with innovative solutions.

    In this project, we faced the task of matching the historical crown molding. Our team took an original piece of the trim to NW Custom Interiors, who successfully replicated it. This allowed our craftsmen to seamlessly blend the new kitchen with the original trim in the dining room, preserving the home's historical integrity.

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    Celebrating Unique Features 

    The home's history is celebrated through distinct features, such as the medallion details found on the legs supporting the kitchen island and the pedestal for the custom table located in the nook, among other features.

    Another traditional detail added to the modernized space is the replicated medallion design from the 100-year-old stair banister. Designed to match the tone of the custom Alder dining table the homeowners brought back from Africa, the island base and table in the nook were crafted with precision.

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    Achieving a Functional Kitchen for a Modern Family

    The kitchen's recent makeover included the installation of Bellmont cabinets, gorgeous Pental Quartz countertops, and an apron front farmhouse sink.

    The addition of transom windows and new 6” can lights lend a warm atmosphere that enlivens the space. With its open concept and modern amenities, this kitchen now offers a more functional setting for a busy family of four.

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    The Final Result

    The final result of the historic kitchen renovation project undertaken by Better Builders was truly remarkable. With a clear vision and meticulous planning, the dining room, kitchen, and breakfast nook were transformed into spaces that seamlessly integrated with the rest of the century-old house.

    The project successfully achieved its primary goals of enhancing the flow of the space, infusing warmth into the revitalized areas, and preserving the original charm of the 1920 home. The careful craftsmanship and execution of the plan ensured that the renovated kitchen now stands as a testament to modernization while staying true to its historic roots.

    Take a look at the full gallery of this project here.

    Schedule a  Discovery Call 

    You can request a virtual consultation to explore how you can transform your historic home into a well-preserved and functional space.