Watch for Liz's kitchen remodel in the 
August 2006 issue of...

NEW HAMPSHIRE MAGAZINE

Good things Come To Those Who Wait

  We have been planning a kitchen remodel for two years and work has finally finished.  Since I have enjoyed cooking in many of your new or remodeled kitchens, I thought it might be fun to bring you into mine just as the work is beginning.  I have kept a photo journal so that you can watch the project progress.

Click on photo to see gardens

Built in 1744, our 2000 sq ft Gambrel is one of the oldest houses in Hollis. Thankfully we purchased the house with its fully restored original interior features.  Painted wide-pine floors, 24” King’s Pine feathered board walls, and five working fireplaces (including a large keeping room fireplace and bake oven that are currently used) tell a graceful architectural story.  A recent bathroom addition in the former “Borning Room” reflects the subtle beauty of the home originally built by Rev. Daniel Emerson, a cousin of Ralph Waldo Emerson.

 What I Will Leave Behind (Before)

 We are people who fit well into a smaller home.  We have only the number of rooms that we need and are quite happy knowing that limited storage space means fewer things can be stowed away. 

With just four of us, the only room that we have grown out of is the galley kitchen located in the center keeping room.  This 12’ x 7’ space was charming once, but now it is time to make some changes.

  Kitchen Sink. 

 The sink and the wall behind it will be removed.  The stained glass window will be saved.

Stove to right.   Refrigerator

The upper cabinets and the wall behind the refrigerator will be removed

By removing the wall behind the sink, we will gain an 8’ x 10’ space that currently serves as a small TV room.  With this change, our kitchen will grow from 84 sq ft to 306 sq. ft.  An amazing difference!   Not only are we adding 246 sq. ft., but we will also be adding an enormous amount of sunlight with the two oversized east facing windows now becoming part of the main kitchen area.

TV Room facing South

(wall to right will be removed)

TV Room Facing North East

(current kitchen is on the left wall not shown)

TV Room Facing North

(window and wall on left to be removed)

 Living in the house for 7 years has given me plenty of time to decide how I want the kitchen to look and to work.  While I had some definite ideas about my new kitchen I really felt I needed the help and guidance of an experienced kitchen designer; one who understands and respects the quirkiness of an old home. 

Our search brought us to Concord, NH and Vintage Kitchens.  With lead designer Sue Booth’s patience and design expertise, we have a kitchen design that respects the grace of this special 18th century home while giving a nod to the needs of a 21st century chef.  

See the transformation:

Remodel Photo Journal