Mixing the old with the new
Oh, the joy of an old house — the charming nooks, the original plank flooring, the ceiling beams, all lovingly restored to their original glory! But the kitchen, the very heart of the home, can be a jarring reminder of the 21st century —practical, even attractive, but lacking a unique personality and a sense of history. A hundred years ago, the kitchen was the main room of the house, where the daily life of the family took place. A sink, fireplace or wood-burning stove and a big wooden table were the only requirements for cooking. The elements were eclectic —freestanding sideboards and cupboards collected over the course of generations.
This relaxation space to invite friends over while you cook works wonders in revamping your old kitchen. (c) Rieulf Ramstad
Today, the advent of modular electrical appliances, has given kitchen design a new freedom, making it easy to combine the charm of a historic pieces with the convenience of the latest technology.
To create the look, expand your shopping horizons. Rather than opt for matching cabinets, browse second-hand and antique shops for credenzas and armoires to store pots, pans, cooking utensils and equipment. An old wooden table provides an ample surface for both working and dining.
Choose a color scheme that reflects the feeling of a historic kitchen. Natural pigments were expensive, added sparingly to lime-based paints. Think muted shades of brick, dusty green, butter yellow.
Design a room for relaxation, a place to comfortably entertain friends while you cook. Add an overstuffed armchair, cushions, textured fabrics. Display your favorite plates and glassware on open shelves, rather than hiding them behind close doors.
Don’t be afraid of mixing the new with the old. The sleek surface of stainless steel adds impact to the rustic textures of wood and brick. Arrange your kitchen for ultimate comfort. Gone are the days when a stove and oven unit had to be placed directly in front of a gas valve. Because the Grundig Induction Hob cooktops heat only the pan itself, they can be placed on any surface, anywhere in the room. By adding old-fashioned charm to state-of-the-art technology, you can make your kitchen the most inviting room in the house.
