Historic Seattle Kitchen Remodel: A Case Study by Better Builders

Preserving a Historic Kitchen's Charm While Modernizing Functionality

Better Builders was approached by a homeowner with a vision of modernizing their century-old kitchen. By crafting and executing a well-thought-out plan, the dining room, kitchen, and breakfast nook were transformed in a way that seamlessly blended with the rest of the house.

The primary goals of the project were to improve the flow of the space, infuse warmth into the revitalized areas, and preserve the original charm of the 1920 home.

The demolition phase began with a complete gutting of everything located north of the dining table, followed by the removal of the wall that separated the formal dining area from the kitchen - a key improvement.

Preserving & Adding Historic Details

When dealing with challenges in older homes, we often rely on our experience to come up with innovative solutions.

In this project, we faced the task of matching the historical crown molding. Our team took an original piece of the trim to NW Custom Interiors, who successfully replicated it. This allowed our craftsmen to seamlessly blend the new kitchen with the original trim in the dining room, preserving the home's historical integrity.

Celebrating Unique Features

The home's history is celebrated through distinct features, such as the medallion details found on the legs supporting the kitchen island and the pedestal for the custom table located in the nook, among other features.

Another traditional detail added to the modernized space is the replicated medallion design from the 100-year-old stair banister. Designed to match the tone of the custom Alder dining table the homeowners brought back from Africa, the island base and table in the nook were crafted with precision.