AGH Country House: Kitchen
Project Tour
The old world-inspired kitchen at the AGH Country House is full of charm and special details. From the recessed panel cabinetry and honed carrara marble countertops to the polished nickel bin pulls and cabinet latches, this space is full of timeless finishes and features.
Most of the framework of the kitchen existed as-is when we moved in seven months ago, including nearly all of the cabinetry, painted checkerboard floors, vintage overhead glass & iron pendants and hewn ceiling beams. There was still plenty of opportunity to put our touch on things, though! First, we color drenched the walls to match the putty-colored cabinetry. Upon moving in, the walls were a dark gray; I didn’t love the way it visually cut up the cabinetry, and felt the space was so much better suited with a single color. The new color is a custom mix by Laysville Hardware, however the amazing team there helped determine the closest color match is Stingray by Benjamin Moore. Next, we upgraded the kitchen faucet to a pull-down single-handle in polished nickel by Moen. There had previously been a low-budget brushed stainless faucet, and knew a small but impactful upgrade like that would be money well-spent. Lastly, and most excitingly, I designed this custom hutch around an existing unused narrow counter on a large open wall in between the french patio doors and the sink. With the help of RJW Home Services, we built and installed the piece together this past fall using pre-primed 3/4” pine and Windsor Trim from Landon Lumber, custom-cut inside-mount cafe curtain rods from Rejuvenation, and custom linen cafe curtains in Oat from Pepper Home. You can see the before and progress here. The hutch’s open shelves allow me to display my treasures, while also providing some additional countertop storage for things like desserts or baked goods, and extra produce (which we tend to have plenty of both!).
For the furnishings, housewares and finishes: The circular oak dining table came with us from the last house. It’s a well-made table and I love the way its contemporary flair pairs with the antique chairs. The antique turned wood rush chairs were a happened-upon item that I didn’t know I needed. I don’t know much about them, but through a little research I found a similar set here. The chair cushions are a budget friendly purchase that can be thrown right into the wash when needed. The vintage pine step-back hutch was the first “new” find for the house. It might seem unusual for it to be completely bare, with just an antique marble sink from Olive Ateliers that I purchased secondhand from a client, however I think it allows the beauty of the cabinet to really shine and prevents the space from feeling too busy. When we entertain, it makes a wonderful makeshift bar; underneath I store my vases, hosting platters, dining linens, and bar supplies. The styling pieces throughout are a collection of found vintage items, Olive Ateliers, Blanc Marine Boutique and Lille Shoppe.
Shop the Kitchen
When I work on a kitchen, of course I think about beauty and aesthetics- but it’s so much more than that. Function and storage are equally as important (as is our philosophy here at AGH). So while I’m thinking about the feeling one might have while stirring a pot of sauce over a beautiful stove, I’m also thinking about the experience of getting that pot from a nearby perfectly organized drawer or cabinet. What’s in your drawers and how that drawer is arranged is just as significant as what’s on display. I’m always keeping in mind life and living and how to make everyday moments more enjoyable through functionality.
I’m not afraid of negative space or empty counters, as you can see! In fact, I prefer it that way most of the time; in general a strong argument can be made for it in the mindset of organizing philosophies, but even more specifically to this house, the less things that are crowding each space, the more the architecture can shine, and that’s who the main character really is here. At 12’ x 21’, this kitchen might be considered a bit small by modern American standards, but with thoughtful space planning, carefully considered systems and supportive materials, and an emphasis on living clutter-free, it’s more than enough space for us. Scroll down for an organizing video tour of the kitchen.
Shop Kitchen Organization
