The heart of any home is undoubtedly the kitchen. It’s where culinary creations come to life, where families gather, and where memories are made. We are about to take you on a journey through a 1920s kitchen renovation that evolved from a cramped, isolated space into a functional, social hub that seamlessly integrates with the rest of the house.
Join us as we explore this new kitchen with homeowners, Jordan Samet and Meredith Blankinship, who turned their kitchen dreams into reality.
From Isolation to Integration
The transformation began with a clear vision: To create a kitchen that was not only functional but also sociable. The original kitchen was two separate rooms with limited natural light, where only one person could comfortably work at a time. Jordan and Meredith, passionate about cooking and hosting, envisioned a space that would bring people together while accommodating their culinary adventures. Within the first few weeks of their 1920s kitchen renovation being finished, the kitchen provided just the space they had envisioned for themselves and their friends. “We just hang out while we cook dinner. Before, we had very little counter space, and we really wanted something in the center that made it a more social space, while also being functional for the kitchen,” says Samet.
Embracing Functional Design
“And for us, we’re people who love being in the kitchen and who love having people over in the kitchen. And we do really love cooking, and we really love food. There’s so much more space. It’s super functional,” Blankinship says. The new kitchen design prioritized functionality. The addition of ample counter space and a central island transformed the kitchen into a workspace that could accommodate multiple cooks and guests. This functional design not only eased meal preparation but also enhanced the social aspect of the space.
Honoring the Home’s Character
Samet continued, “We were really interested and wanted to have the kitchen reflect the time period that the home was built in. We bought the house because it’s, you know, this kind of old house with a lot of character.” One of the unique challenges in this 1920s kitchen renovation was to maintain the character of the home, which both Jordan and Meredith cherished. They were committed to preserving the authenticity of the house by ensuring that the kitchen design aligned with its original time period. This commitment to authenticity guided the renovation process.
Partnering with Experts
“Knowing that we needed folks who had a really deep well of knowledge to kind of draw on in terms of what would be period-appropriate and what would make it look like it had always been here,” says Blankinship. The couple recognized the need for expertise to achieve their vision. They sought the guidance of experienced professionals who could provide valuable insights into period-appropriate design elements. This collaboration ensured that the kitchen seamlessly blended with the rest of the house as if it had always been there.
The Art of Rendering
“Cory helped us with picking out materials, appliances, and color schemes,” says Samet. “Once we saw the rendering, it was incredible and it really holds true to that time period, the color, the cabinetry, and the lighting particularly. We love the lighting.” The use of digital rendering played a pivotal role in visualizing the final design of their 1920s kitchen renovation. It allowed the couple to see the space’s transformation before it became a reality. The rendering captured every detail, from color schemes to cabinetry and lighting choices, ensuring that the design aligned with their vision and the home’s character.
An Incredible Experience
The renovation journey was marked by collaboration, attention to detail, and the pursuit of excellence. Jordan and Meredith’s dedication to creating a space that not only met their functional needs but also retained the charm of their home resulted in an incredible experience. Every decision, from materials to layout, was meticulously considered to ensure a harmonious outcome. “We wouldn’t have really known what exactly to think about in the details and just how functional and useful everything is,” says Samet. “It’s just been an incredible experience.”
A 1920s Kitchen Renovation Success Story
Jordan and Meredith’s satisfaction with their 1920s kitchen renovation is evident in their plans for future renovations. “There are other parts of our house that we’re thinking about renovating, and we definitely won’t do it with anyone else,” says Meredith. Their commitment to creating spaces that enhance their daily lives and bring their family and friends together speaks volumes about the success of their kitchen project. The journey from a cramped, isolated kitchen to a functional, sociable space is a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, trust, and a deep appreciation for a home’s character.
This kitchen transformation serves as an inspiring example of how thoughtful design and a commitment to authenticity can create a space that not only meets functional needs but also enriches the lives of those who dwell within it. It’s clear that the heart of any home lies not only in its physical structure but also in the memories and connections created within it. And, in this case, the kitchen has truly become the heart of a happy home, where friends and family gather, meals are prepared with love, and cherished moments are shared.
