When creative director Kirsten Blazek was hired to redesign a 2010s kitchen in a 1927 Craftsman bungalow, she found a space that felt out of place. The owners, both educators, hated their current kitchen, which featured baby blue cabinetry and patterned floor tiles. The renovation was meant to bring the modern elements into harmony with the home’s classic details, including warm-wood paneling and sturdy built-ins. “It was a pretty tragic representation of the 2010s,” recalls Blazek, who founded the design firm a1000xbetter. The previous owners had attempted to fight the home’s lack of natural light with a bright palette, creating a jarring contrast against the century-old surroundings.
Blending Old and New Tones
Blazek and the owners decided to keep the existing cherry-wood paneling in the dining room. They wanted to use dark tones to create cohesion between the past and present. The range alcove features burgundy tile, and the cabinetry uses a two-tone brown finish. The lower cabinets are painted in Dunn-Edwards’s Nomad, while the tops are stained to match the wood grain. The designer focused on finding shades that would build cohesion, ensuring the design respected the original architectural elements while updating the aesthetic.
Practical Changes in the Layout
Blazek moved the washer and dryer out of the closet behind the island to make room for a mudroom. This change allowed for banquette seating and a pantry with a coffee station. She placed the new dining zone in the sunniest corner of the kitchen. This arrangement ensures there is enough space for everyday items and casual seating without sacrificing natural light. The two existing windows above the banquette were in good condition, so it didn’t make sense to remove them for more cabinets, allowing for the extra space needed for everyday items.
