On this kitchen remodel in Poughkeepsie, NY the goal was to give the kitchen a modern update, without taking away from the character you would expect from a home that is almost 200 years old.
This kitchen perfectly blends old and new.
Collaboration
Along with some valuable input from the homeowners on the history of the home, this kitchen remodel was designed by Thorin Moss, of Oakenshield Kitchens. He is a cabinet designer and supplier based out of Poughkeepsie, NY.
You can check out more of Thorin’s work on their website.
Background on the Parrish-Overocker House
Built in 1850, this home sits in a quiet neighborhood in the town of Poughkeepsie, and was one of the oldest to settle there.
In a Historic Resource Survey Report (See link below), the authors describe the home, also known as the “Parrish-Overocker House,” as a gothic cottage that ‘seems to have been lifted directly from one of the pattern books from the period.’ The house has a tremendous amount of detail, from the eaves to the porch columns.
Although it has a few modern additions and amenities, a lot of the home is still original. The new owners are looking to preserve some of that original character, while still looking to make it their own.
Plaque displayed by the front door of Overocker House
An old photo of the home, built in 1850.
Before photo of the existing kitchen, taken February 2020.
Before photo of the existing kitchen, taken February 2020.
Design Challenges and Inspiration
The goal for this kitchen remodel was to get a fresh, updated kitchen, but not lose some of the old craftsmanship that makes this home so unique. This meant keeping some of the original aspects of the home such as the old pine hardwood floors, textured plastered ceiling, and heating pipes running up the side of the wall.
One of the first steps in selecting the cabinetry with the homeowners, Oakenshield Kitchens wanted something that wouldn’t look out of place for the time period of the home. They collectively fell in love with a sleek and simple cabinet door with a stick molding. The hardware has the appearance of being hand forged and adds nice texture and feel to the overall look.
The cabinet color is called “Moonbeam with Brushed Black Straie” by Signature Custom Cabinetry (http://www.signaturecustomcabinetry.com/).
Moonbeam Blue cabinets with Brushed Black Straie
The molding detail on the cabinets was incorporated into the window and door trim.
Playing off the stick molding on the doors, we incorporated that small molding detail onto each of the door and window casings. This contributes to a more cohesive look. The detail is also represented in the crown molding on the cabinets.
Other highlights of this kitchen include black stainless appliances, with a 48” Thor double oven range. Antiqued sunburst backsplash adds a unique flair that is both subtle and eye-catching.
48″ Thor black stainless double oven range and freestanding range hood
Simple cabinets compliment the character of the home.
The essentials packed into a small kitchen.
A small, yet functional kitchen.
Walnut dovetail drawers in the pantry cabinet.
Final Thoughts
Every kitchen doesn’t have to be fully gutted to have a big impact. This is a rather small kitchen, roughly 200SF, but functions well and has a lot of storage space and modern amenities.
Considering a kitchen remodel in an older home? Try blending new and old, as the two complement each other well. This can help a space look fresh, without looking out of place.
A big thank you to the homeowners for the opportunity to work on their home, as well as for their commitment to preserving its character.
You can learn more about our services, by visiting out About Us page. To see more Project Spotlights like this one, visit our Portfolio page.