Last July we bought an 1820 stone house on the Chateauguay River in Dewittville, Quebec. Thr previous owner was an absolute purist and so little has been done to update the house. The kitchen is very unusual and is on the first level of the house. When one enters the house, one enters on the second level. One must descend stairs to go to the kitchen. Here there is a huge cook fireplace, exposed stone walls and a working area at the far end of the kitchen. My problem. There is little cupboard space as the previous owner did not want to cover up the stone wall with cupboards. The counter surface is about 17 feet at the end of the kitchen but in it is a sink, (no dishwasher) and a stove top, as well as the microwave. The side of the the counter there is a minute wall oven and I have a table and armoire where I store food, In the center is a butcher block and another working table beside it. The fridge is in the storage place on the other side of the kitchen!!
I would like to put a gas oven in the kitchen however that presents a problem as the walls of the house are very thick. In addition, an island in place of the butcher block, but given that the kitchen is virtually in the basement, where do you put either plumbing or electricity, depending on what you put on the island, I would like to replace the counters with granite to bring out the colours of the stone, The cupboards were and old green, but I just painted them a pear colour to accent the colour in the stone, It doesn lighten up the room.
I would like to reintegrate the fridge into the kitchen. My husband feels that by not having it, it allows the room to keep its antique charm, Help. I will send pictures to accompany this letter, following.
[email]lindsay_strachan@hotmail.com[/email]
Comment Guidelines
We welcome your feedback on Houseandhome.com. H&H reserves the right to remove any unsuitable personal remarks made about the bloggers, hosts, homeowners and/or guests we feature. Please keep your comments focused on decorating, design, cooking and other lifestyle topics. Adopt a tone you would be willing to use in person and do not make slanderous remarks or use denigrating language. If you see a comment that you believe violates any of the guidelines outlined above, please click “Alert a Moderator.” Thank you.
Hi Kipper
Thanks for the info. Checked it out and really like the idea of the fridge with drawers. I wonder how practical it would be. I am going to go have a look at them.
I meant that "very upscale kitchen" really means a scary expensive one. Sorry for the confusion.
Take a look at the SubZero website for the panelled fridges and integrated refridgerator drawers. I think these are the perfect solution to keeping true to the style of your centuries old home, but making it FUNCTIONAL for you today.
Here's a link:
[url]http://www.subzero.com/subzero/700series.asp[/url]
I don't actually know what the costs are for these, but I think they're worth pricing out.
oh, and here's a link for that antique stove company. Also a great idea!
[url]http://www.elmirastoveworks.com/[/url]
Hope this helps,
kipper
Soem great ideas. Thank you so much. I love the idea about the upscale fridge, but I am sure it is expensive. Where do I read this article Scary Expensive.
the Elmira Stove Company for up to date technology in vintage looking appliances. They are routinely found at the Canadian Home Show and the Home and Country show. They come in assorted colours as well and would look terrific in your kitchen!
eek, I found a price for the stainless steel farmhouse sink.... $2000 canadian. I hope you win the lottery!
have you considered a fridge with cabinetry panels instead of your typical stainless or white behemoth appliance?
Actually, I think what would work best in the space would be a small bar-size fridge done with a cabinetry panel accompanied by those refridgerated drawers you see in very upscale designer kitchens (read: scary expensive). That way you have equivalent use of refridgeration without the largeness of a traditional fridge.
It's hard for me to tell whether it would be best to integrate these units in an island, or into the cabintry on a wall. I don't want to lose any of your precious storage space. For cooking, I think you're right; a slide in range will be your best bet to save space.
I love the idea of a aproned farmhouse sink. The copper looks lovely. A canadian company that has stainless steel farmhouse sinks is Kindred. They might be easier to source, and perhaps less expensive, if you're interested. Their website is [url]www.kindredcanada.com[/url] . Kohler also sells farmhouse sinks in porcelain and enamel finishes (very expensive though... in the 1000 dollar range) I like the idea of fixed, open shelving to maximize storage and not obscure your fantastic stone walls.
You might want to consult a kitchen designer on this job, as the electrical and plumbing constraints might be above our regular Forum Members' grasps (especially mine!). If you're just tossing around ideas at this point though, you might want to take a look at Home and Country magazine, as they often have great pioneer kitchens showcased.
Hope this helps,
kipper
We *must* be related - because my family too was involved with the Strachan bakery. However, I can assure you that Andrew Bryce Strachan is buried at Mont Royal Cemetary - because my grandparents are buried in the same plot. They (my greatgrandparents) lived on Mt. Stephen in Westmount. Andrew Bryce and his wife had four children: Vivan, Doris, Andrew Laurence (Laurie) and Norman (Doo). My grandfather was Andrew Laurence. What a small world!!
my email is [email]marci@andkilde.com[/email] if you want to chat more.
Jainey
That is a great sink. thanks. I actually was looking for something like that with the skirt. Now for family. We have to be related. I grew up in Westmount on Belmont Avenue. My father was Corniel and his sisters were Loraynne, Lois, Mary and Pauline. Where I live, there were two documented Strachans. Alexander and Andrew. (Andrew is buried however in Ormstown) I have traced their origin to know that they were my great uncles, or great great. In addition, my family were the STrachan Bakery. Are you related to them. I am sure as there were few Strachans in Montreal, especially Westmount. There were also two Strachan sisters in Ormstown, which is my neighbourhood. Mary Strachan and I don't recall the other. Ask your parents about this, if they are still alive.
This is what I meant - this one is a Florida company at [url]www.galleriacollection.com[/url]. It gives you a general idea. The website has a lot of different styles.
I definitely wouldn't suggest painting antiques - I'm totally with you there! Although it has been known to happen in my family. Apparently the large formal dining table that was in the Strachan family home in Westmount had it's top painted green at one time for use in table tennis *gasp* I can't even imagine who might have perpetrated that gross injustice. I imagine they didn't think anyone would ever need a 12 seat dining table again, after the main home was broken up amongst the descendants.
I know I've seen copper sinks for bathroom basins and am assuming that it could be done for a kitchen sink too. I take your point about oxidation - I wonder if it is coated such as shiny brass is? Perhaps not very practical. I wasn't suggesting it as a countertop, however I know the new War Museum has encorporated oxidized copper roofing from the roof of the Parlimentary Library building into one of it's walls - so obviously it lasts and lasts. I liked the idea of backless cabinets with glass fronts too. Of course they would still have to be as neat as open shelves.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I like the idea of putting shelving on the stone wall. As well, the slide in gas stove is the route we will probably take. I know that the table and chairs are very "woody'. Unfortunately they are not in the original paint and we stripped many years ago. I would not over paint them however as that you devalue them as antiques.
The suggestion for copper sink and counter top is very interesting. I had originally thought of granite in the pear tones, but that is something to think about. Where would one purchase a copper sink and would it not turn green eventually?
And yes, the wall oven must go. Not only is it very dated, it is very small. Christmas dinner was a real challenge. Thanks again
Jainey....it is funny as my family were related to the Brysons and there was a Bryson Strachan. Maybe that is where the Bryce came from on your side. It is indeed a small world.
Lindsay
Your space is amazing. Some more things that come to mind when looking at your pictures is that you can really let your space guide you, but you don't have to be 100% true to traditional ideals. With that in mind - possibilities are endless. I see copper or aged bronze as being metals to use throughout. While, they are traditional, you could use them in unconventional ways. For example, someone mentioned beefy shelves on your stone wall for open sheving - modern idea and maintains your magnificent wall. What if the shelves were like the very modern stainless steel blocks, but rather done in copper? You could also go with a copper sink or possibly a stone sink which might tie in the stone wall. I love your beamed ceiling and I think it is a real feature. I was concerned however that other wood elements such as your dining table and chairs aren't popping out. What if you painted them? Maybe a very creamy yellow with the backs and legs of your chairs stained a dark mahogany?
Alternatively, I think your kitchen could go in an entirely different direction - more of a Swedish inspired style- using the stone as a guide - pull all the various greys from them and use those colours for painting out the furniture and walls and cabinetry. Then use stainless steel and glass and ultra modern fixtures.
I think you need to remove the wall oven it really looks out of place and I would look into putting lower cabinets on that wall and include a slide in cooktop and oven. You could then possibly have the gas oven you wanted by running the gas lines in the back of the cabinets and not through the wall. This would have to be approved by an inspector but a thought. I like the open shelves on the stone wall but I think they need to be more substanial with thincker shelves and wider. Maybe somes upper open shelves over the counter at the end. I would like to see an appliance garage to hide all the modern appliances that are out of character of the place. Just some of my thoughts.
Thanks for the suggestion. Actually I have thought of that and might consider putting only one section near the wall. Not sure yet. One really has to live the place first before making changes.
I am soooo jealous of your kitchen! It has such great bones!!!
That butcher block is a real beauty. I hope that you plan on keeping it because it will come in real handy especially if you like to cook.
I can see why the former owner didn't want to cover up the stone walls with upper cabinets. I wouldn't either. If you need the storage have you thought about backless cabinets with frameless glass doors so that the stone would still show through? Sleek and modern but in a very subtle way that wouldn't detract from that rustic character of your space.
I remember that she did a kitchen in Old Montreal and it had stone work like yours maybe you can research her site and see if she has anything on it . I know that her kitchen had been redone in the 80's with a real 80's kitchen and these people wanted to make it more in the period and she just refaced the cabinets and stained them it was a show stopper when done.
oh what a fabulous space! Again, I can't really help you with your query but I certainly am drooling over those stone walls. :) That room will be a masterpiece once finished. I do agree with using some cabinets that are not attached and imitate period piece furniture. That will complement the style of the home beautifully. What fun you have ahead of you! Keep us posted with the progress.:)
Thank you everyone. This was not to showcase but to ask for advice. There is a lot of work to do. You should see the rest of the house. It is quite something but a lot to do.
Lindsay
Lindsay - what an amazing piece of history you have there. I'm jealous :-) It's quite lovely.
Jelli,
Just do a little research.
[url]http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/abhose/abhose_ce30.cfm[/url]
Have fun.
What a challenge I am sorry I couldn't help you I think you need someone that specializes in restoring antique houses. This is not a job for an amateur. I am sure you will have some very unusual design and structural issues. BTW incredible place I have never seen anything like it. Just never cover over that stone work it is amazing.
so glad to see that you got your pics up.........wow the stone on the walls is awesome, i hope you are leaving it there...im not much help for you but im sure many here could be....nothing like an older home, such character, and i mean that in a very good way...all the best
smiles
janetc
Ok gang, I think it may have worked. Thanks for you support. Let's go.
Lindsay
Home Diva what happens if one hires a contractor to do the work - do they have to have some sort of qualification in order to move a wall? Is there some sort of designation that a contractor can have that gives them the okay to move walls etc.? Are they required to have anotehr professional endorse the move? I have heard many horror stories of contractors taht have worked on a job without permits and have moved walls that needed reinforcements and such but didn't get them.
I have no idea what I would need to look for in a contractor in terms of what is the standard and such. I have just heard and read about it but never about any qualifications that a contractor is required to have. Any letters behind their name I should be on the lookout for?
Lindsay, what program do you use to edit your pictures? I have adobe photoshop and paint. What I do is right click on the pic. then choose "open with" option then choose 'adobe photoshop', then choose 'Image' at the top menu and then 'resize' then 'image size' you change the height and width numbers to 400x300 click ok and close. then try attaching again.
with the Paint program you go to 'Image' at the top toolbox and then click on 'attributes' and change the height and width there the same way.
I'm sure other programs have similar options. Once you get it down to the correct size you should be able to attach it to your post.:)
Are you wrong about that? It depends on who you ask. :-)
Not all interior designers (who are grads of interior "design" programs") do that either. Most of them contract out, also.
On the other hand, some interior decorators have architectural backgrounds and engineering and contractor backgrounds.
This debate has taken place here many times, as well as in other forums, and I'm not really interested in debating what designers can and can't do, versus what decorators can and can't do. Each province tells them what they can do. Interior Design is regulated in almost all provinces (I think only two are not). It's all relative. I just suggested CDECA as a resource. If you can get referrals, all the better.
contractors and such - but they can't do the plans to change the walls correct? I thought that was what Interior designers went to school to do. Am I wrong on this?
My neighbour renovated recently and she had a designer and a structural engineer to make sure when they knocked out the walls they wouldn't come tumbling down. Better safe than sorry I guess?
Hi Jelli,
Decorators contract out to engineers, architects, etc. But CDECA also has individuals with contractor experience.
:-)
This will by my last attempt for today. I hope this works. No it didn't. I reduced my camera setting and then reduced the pictures by 60 % and still it was 600 kb. Can anyone help? Thanks
I thought Decorators weren't allowed to make structural changes?? Am I wrong??
If you are going to move walls - have it looked at by a structural engineer.
Is ARIDO a Canadian organization or just in Ontario?