Step by step of the restoration of a kitchen in an old house.

Restoring an old kitchen while maintaining its original charm and keeping it in keeping with the style of the house but above all functional and adapted to the needs of the times can be a complicated but rewarding project. From the team of «Restoration of old houses» we are going to tell you step by step the proposal of how we are going to restore an old kitchen in a house dating from 1900 in a town in the south of Valencia.

First of all, we would like to put you in context regarding the characteristics and style of the house in general and what is the idea and objective of these clients in particular. It is a typical Valencian house from the last century, called «a dos mans», that is to say, it has a main axis that divides the house in two and there are rooms on each side.

Our clients were very clear that they wanted to restore a kitchen that was adapted to the period of the house, keeping as much as possible of the elements that they could keep. Each client has a different idea and different needs, so the result will also be different.

It seems that this has always been the case.

We started with a kitchen that had been renovated in the 80s. In addition, a few more metres had been added with an extension on the right-hand side that overhung the courtyard. It was decided to keep this extension. The roof of this area is going to be reformed, as it has fallen down and the aluminium windows and doors are going to be replaced with wooden ones following the same pattern, colour and material as the access doors to the patio so that it looks as if they have always been there.

 

 

The most important change in the kitchen renovation will be the elimination of a partition wall that separated it from the living room, integrating it and forming a single room. The reasons for this are not only because it was in very bad condition, but also because it was a way of making it more practical and functional.

The original elements to be preserved are the tiles, the pantry, the pantry door and the access doors to the courtyard.

In this case the furniture and carpentry were made of chipboard with railite laminate. We are going to make the carpentry following the same design criteria as the windows and doors, imitating the colour, material and style of the pantry door to make it look as if it had always been like this. As far as the handles are concerned, it was decided to use very simple brass-coloured ones like the original handles on the patio and pantry doors.

When it came to the flooring, it was a little less clear-cut. The original floors in the house are hydraulic with a geometric design in blue, beige and dark orange. In different rooms of the house, including the kitchen, they were replaced by more contemporary ones in the 1990s with a clay model with white and blue motifs. As we have not been able to find these original tiles because the model has been discontinued, it has been decided to replace them with hydraulic tiles of the same dimensions and shades but plain in order to homogenise all the floors in the house. The predominant colour is dark orange and a carpet has been created with a beige and a blue line.

 

Maximum respect and preservation of original elements.

On the front wall of the kitchen we will keep the white tiles and the border as they are in good condition. They will be cleaned and restored. In the stove area we had a metal hood, which we are going to remove and make a new one that occupies the same space as the old one. We know this because when the false ceiling of the kitchen was removed, the soot from the original kitchen was observed. We will lay the same border tiles that we will salvage from the wall that we will remove between the kitchen and the living room. It has been decided not to place cupboards in the upper area of the kitchen to give a feeling of lightness as the furniture, doors, windows and floors are quite dark. Although the colour of all the walls is white. The storage problem is solved by keeping the original pantry.

The owners were clear about their choice of appliances. Although in general appearance they had to look as antique as possible, in terms of functionality they had to adapt to the times we live in. The cooker and oven work with gas because they love this type of cooking and an imitation antique model has been chosen to fit in with the style in black so that it goes as unnoticed as possible among the kitchen woodwork. A dishwasher will be placed on the right-hand side of the sink and will be integrated with the same carpentry as the rest for the same reason to «make it disappear» so that it does not take centre stage. The big dilemma was the location of the fridge, as wherever we put it in the kitchen it «bothered» both aesthetically and detracted from its functionality as it took away from the preparation area. It was decided to place it in the old pantry as there was plenty of space. In the rest of the pantry, open shelves were placed for different storage. Remember that the fridge gives off heat, so a window will be placed above the pantry door as a vent.

 

Finally, lighting and electricity. The windows and doors overlooking the courtyard have been fitted with clear glass to maximise natural light. There was no need for curtains or any other privacy system because the courtyard is interior and no neighbours can see them. For the artificial lighting they opted for adjustable black track lights so that they would not stand out among the wooden beams. This type of system allows the lights to be moved and directed as needed, ideal for focal lighting. For example, on the subject of sockets and switches, we have opted for antique imitation sockets and switches, the same as the original ones in the house.

To increase the functionality of the kitchen we will create a mobile island with wheels. The island will follow the aesthetics and colours of the kitchen and the stone of the worktop will be the same white macael. This island allows for food preparation and a seating area for eating.

As final details, open shelves will be placed just above the border tiles throughout the kitchen so that both functional everyday items and salvaged items such as copper utensils, antique chinaware or glass jars can be placed in the kitchen to add character.

In summary, although we have aimed for an antique style in keeping with the original style of the house we have ensured that it is functional for everyday use and includes modern conveniences. Maintaining a balance between restoration and modernisation is key to achieving a kitchen that retains its antique charm. The colour scheme has been consistent with those of the period.