Revolutionary Kitchen: A Colonial Comeback – Winfield, IL

This antique corner cabinet was used as for inspiration for the new kitchen. Part of a matching set, both pieces are in a formal dining room adjacent to the kitchen.

The Remodel

Design challenges to be solved:

• The intricate inlay pattern from the antique cabinets required complex custom fabrication to translate into full kitchen cabinetry without overwhelming the space.
• Balancing professional cooking appliances with the authentic Colonial aesthetic meant finding ways to conceal modern stainless steel while maintaining functionality.
• The existing herringbone slate floor in an adjacent space was laid three degrees off from the planned kitchen layout, creating alignment issues.
• Incorporating multiple appliances including two refrigerators, a freezer, warming drawers, and wine storage in a modestly-sized kitchen while preserving adequate storage.
• The farmhouse sink’s rounded profile created inevitable water damage concerns for the custom cabinetry below.
• Sourcing period-appropriate decorative elements including ceiling medallions and brass appliqués that matched the home’s existing fixtures.
• Creating proper proportions for the complex door style with mahogany center panels and decorative inlay without making the design appear busy or overwhelming

The  Renewed Space 

Design solutions:

• Custom cabinetry was crafted using mahogany center panels with hickory frames and detailed inlay work, with strategic placement decisions like combining two drawer fronts to share one inlay piece, reducing visual complexity while maintaining authenticity.
• Professional appliances were thoughtfully integrated by paneling the refrigerators to match the cabinetry and selecting a streamlined stainless steel hood that complemented rather than competed with the detailed woodwork.
• The misaligned adjacent floor was completely removed and re-laid to ensure perfect alignment with the kitchen’s herringbone pattern, creating seamless flow throughout the spaces.
• Appliance storage was maximized through strategic placement planning and incorporation of storage beneath the island seating area, ensuring every piece had its optimal location for the chef’s workflow.
• A custom marble drip edge was fabricated to protect the cabinetry from the farmhouse sink’s natural drainage pattern, using the same material as the countertops for visual continuity.
• Period-appropriate elements were sourced through specialty vendors, with some pieces provided by the knowledgeable clients who had researched authentic Colonial suppliers.
• The complex door style was refined through multiple iterations, balancing the ornate inlay work with simpler elements and ensuring proper proportions that honored the antique inspiration without appearing overdone.

This kitchen successfully bridges the gap between authentic Colonial Williamsburg craftsmanship and modern luxury living. By honoring the homeowners’ passion for historical accuracy while incorporating contemporary conveniences, Samantha created a space that serves as both a functional chef’s kitchen and a stunning showcase of period artistry. The result is a truly unique kitchen that reflects the homeowners’ sophisticated understanding of Colonial design while providing the performance and durability expected in today’s luxury homes.