Let’s examine a kitchen PB Kitchen Design created a few years ago for our showroom, and focus in on the hows and whys we used repurposed items in this particular project in Geneva, Illinois. The main focal point, a large mantle hood positioned over a La Cornue range, creates a separation between the sink and range walls. Six foot reclaimed wood beams surround the range, which were sourced through a local salvage company, adding to the buffer between the two workstations.
The process of preparing reclaimed lumber is a laborious one, as the beams are first cleaned to rid the years of grime, splinters, and unwanted perfections. Next, the wood is sanded, stained and waxed (the wax adds a dull sheen and a bit of a build to the finish). When searching for lumber projects, we always look for wood that can be cleaned up and used nicely in a finished home, but still retain the character obtained over years of service in its original home.
Our design team was particularly proud of the pot rack on the range wall, which was also recovered and reused. Found at the antique store, this piece of metal was from an old butcher shop. For our showroom kitchen, it was cut, spliced to fit the width required over the range, and mounted to the slate backsplash. The result, the old metalwork harmonized beautifully with the new stained and glazed cabinets, hammered limestone countertops, and the La Cornue range. The living brass finish and handmade iron hardware brings old and new together making guests question which elements are historic.
In our kitchen design, even the pantry is a work of art. The pantry doors in this kitchen are truly one of a kind and while we wanted there to be a separation between the kitchen and walk-in pantry, we also wanted to admire the pantry cabinetry and shelving.
