Now We're Cooking with (Vintage) Gas

The homeowners of this historic landmark Victorian—built at the turn of the 20th century—started their remodeling dream with a specific goal: freestanding appliances and basins in the kitchen. They wanted it to feel like they were cooking in the original space.

Brett Waterman’s team accepted the challenge. They found and installed an early 20th century range that was refurbished and converted to use in a contemporary home. A freestanding sink from Vermont Soapstone—featuring custom metal legs from Palmer Industries—replaced the cabinet sinks that were added during an earlier remodel. Finally, they added panels to the refrigerator to mimic a Victorian icebox and installed authentic linoleum flooring with inlays. Extra details like replica pulls and grooved mahogany cabinets—using a groove pattern found elsewhere in the home—add further period-authentic ambience. Waterman said it’s not difficult to balance contemporary practicality with an authentic, period feeling:

"You can basically dress any modern functionality in period style."

Work on an Old House Is Never Done

The project expanded into the dining room and parlor, where major goals focused on restoring the woodwork. Lee Tosca, Waterman’s design and project manager, said the finishes were corroding and developing an orange peel texture. But stripping and refinishing the woodwork turned into a much larger project than the team expected. Tosca said she and Waterman were working late into the night over the Thanksgiving holidays to complete the task by themselves.

The refinishing work revealed a bonus, though. Waterman discovered the fireplace surround was constructed from white oak rather than the Douglas fir found elsewhere in the rooms. They were able to create a focal point with the surround by highlighting its contrasting color compared to the rest of the woodwork. Finally, a stair runner and several pieces of antique lighting capped off the restoration.