Boerum Hill Kitchen Reno
A reader writes in…The original kitchen consisted of a lime green theme complete with torn formica and beaten up cabinets dating from the early 60’s. It is located on the parlor floor of a 4-story Boerum Hill brownstone in a 6×20 extension at the rear. It was very narrow and both the floor and ceiling…
A reader writes in…The original kitchen consisted of a lime green theme complete with torn formica and beaten up cabinets dating from the early 60’s. It is located on the parlor floor of a 4-story Boerum Hill brownstone in a 6×20 extension at the rear. It was very narrow and both the floor and ceiling suffered from rotten beams and leaned on a 6″ incline. When we started into the renovation, we were quite naïve. We had no architect or designer and decided we’d learn as we went along. We felt any money we had was better spent on the house.
We started by totally gutting the old kitchen, new beams for the floor and ceiling. We added a large picture window to bring in light and copied the surrounding wood molding from elsewhere in the house. In the new kitchen we put down a slate floor, with suntouch radiant heat underneath. So far that’s worked well in all the kitchens and bathrooms in the house at a reasonable price.
The cabinets are from Lowes, nothing special but solid cherry fronts which we wanted. The appliances are all GE Monogram which have turned out to be very reliable so far. Not the cheapest but not Viking or Wolfe either. Like Brownstoner, we felt significant investment in cabinets was a waste as we someday hope to expand the kitchen.
Our favorite part of the kitchen is the stainless steel tile backsplash. The tiles proved to be very expensive from Lowes or Home Depot but we found a place on the web that gave us a much better price. It still wasn’t too cheap but we really like the finished effect when the under counter lights are turned on.
Your kitchen is so beautiful! The stainless backsplash is so unique and creative. Love the slate floor too. We have one in our kitchen and I find it very cozy to walk on barefoot – must be great with the radiant heat.
I hope you’ll disregard all the obnoxious comments some posters have put here. Also, Consumer Reports confirms that “high-end” appliances are simply not as good as brands like GE and Kenmore.
All around, well done!
and i hate “Composite materials, plastic, glass, metal…keeping wood to a minimum.” To each his own.
Wonderful kitchen, especially the window.
12:27: “‘I just hate wood, or wannabe wood cabinets…the stove’s nice, though.’
what should they be made of, plastic?”
Actually, yes. Composite materials, plastic, glass, metal…keeping wood to a minimum. I hate those old fashioned looking cabinets. I feel like I’m at grandma’s house.
I meant corner sink, not kitchen sink.
I think GE Monogram appliances are a great value. They look very attractive and from my experience were very reliable. There is another alternative to the stainless steel backsplash that is very inexpensive and looks great. The material resembles a stainless steel flashing that is very friendly to install. It provides the stainless steel look without the expense of pricy tiles and installation costs. I never installed it personally however I have seen it and it looks great as a back splash. I am going to install radiant heat in the master bathroom and kitchen of my new home. Does anyone have any recommendations on radiant heat systems? How is Suntouch? FYI – The floors will be gutted and tiled with a natural stone. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
What’s wrong w/ a kitchen sink? I can understand its inconvenience if you’re fat and has trouble getting into the corner. But if you’re not, a corner sink saves a lot of counterspace.
As for the large windows, I like them because brownstones only have 2 exposures for a long and narrow space. You need all the natural light you can get.
Me at 1:53 again, I should add we are not the people with the kitchen in question. In case it sounded like that.
AL: Why so mean? Why not just keep it to yourself? And please don’t say they asked for it.
I’ve been seeing the corner sinks everywhere lately, in kitchens designed by designers. As for the wood knobs, those are only on the spice drawer and I think they’re cute. What’s your problem, Al? Bitter about DIY’s not hiring you architects, so their $50K kitchens become $100K kitchens? Sorry, we can’t afford it. Nor would I pay that just for a kitchen even if we could. I’d rather invest in art or antiques for the home. We ourselves used a kitchen designer but there’s no need for an architect if you hire a top kitchen contractor. Who is going to be expensive enough.