Modern Colonial Kitchen Design Ideas

Photo by: Alexandra Rowly, Styling by: Frances Bailey

Getting the Modern Colonial Look

Architect Ken Pursley paid respects to 18th-century Colonial Williamsburg with handwrought steel pot racks; a deep, framed, brick-lined “hearth” that shelters the range; and two stand-alone cabinets that conceal tableware, paperwork, a TV, and a wet bar.

Overall, though, the look is more classic than Colonial. By assigning most of the storage and cooking functions to the hearth, island, and cabinets, they can devote the rest of the space to the exquisite detail of the wide-planked pine floor and 7-foot vertical wainscot. It’s all washed in a barely there palette of pale blues, whites, and taupes.

Source Guide
Island paint: Old White (4), by Farrow & Ball.
Hearth cabinetry paint: Mouse’s Back (40), also by Farrow & Ball.
Island benches: Dual Seat Counter Bench (7000-53) by Lee Industries upholstered in Naugahyde, available through Circa Interiors and Antiques.

Photo by: Alexandra Rowly, Styling by: Frances Bailey

Kitchen Layout

“The previous space was broken up by a pantry,” Ken says. “Because the house is symmetrically designed, we knew if we removed that wall, we’d have a wonderful open space.” The absence of sprawling cabinetry and counters furthers that airy look. Now the hearth commands center stage and the island and cabinets play supporting roles. “Ken designed this kitchen in a way that makes it look clean all the time,” Carolyn says. “It feels like taking a deep breath every time you walk in. It’s my little oasis.”

Source Guide
Wall, ceiling, and trim paint: Off-White (3) by Farrow & Ball.
Sideboard paint: Light Blue (22), also by Farrow & Ball.
Dining chair fabric: Breaker outdoor fabric in Sky (06) outdoor fabric by DeLany & Long, also available through Circa Interiors and Antiques.
Lighting: Paul Revere Lantern by Dennis & Leen.

Photo by: Alexandra Rowly, Styling by: Frances Bailey

Tour the Space

Steal this kitchen’s best layout ideas.

1 A round wood farmhouse table with a white-painted base is family-dinner headquarters.

2 A new pantry located off the side of the kitchen holds the microwave and provides storage.

3 The 504-square-foot kitchen already had perfectly symmetrical windows and proportions. Tearing down some walls was all it took to reveal them.

4 The framed Colonial-style “hearth” and large island replace the cramped, G-shaped arrangement of cabinets. The hearth houses the range and prep space.

Photo by: Alexandra Rowly, Styling by: Frances Bailey

Colonial Revival

Two freestanding cabinets stow everyday necessities and hold a ready-for-entertaining wet bar. “They’re very true to that period when kitchens used actual pieces of furniture to house everything,” says Carolyn.

Source Guide
Cabinetry design and woodwork: Goodman Millwork Company.

Photo by: Alexandra Rowly, Styling by: Frances Bailey

Save That Looks Like a Splurge

A thin strip of marble countertop runs along the side of the hearth’s cabinets for a faux-wraparound look.

Source Guide
Marble countertops: Calcutta Gold Marble from InStyle Charlotte; 704/665-8880.
Range: 48-inch Dual Fuel Range by Wolf.

Photo by: Alexandra Rowly, Styling by: Frances Bailey

Smart Splurge

Dual dishwashers and dual faucets. “We use them constantly!” says Carolyn.

Source Guide
Dishwasher: Bosch; 800/944-2904.
Sink: Shaws Original Two-Bowl Fireclay Apron Kitchen Sink from Rohl.
Faucets: Elio by Dornbracht.

Photo by: Alexandra Rowly, Styling by: Frances Bailey

Meet the Hudsons

“Ours is the house where all our kids’ friends gather,” says Carolyn . “It accommodates not just us but the whole lacrosse team—and their cleats.” She likes to cook for her friends, too, and loves entertaining, cooking, and eating in one space.

Source Guide
Interior designers: Jane Schwab and Patrick Lewis of Circa Interiors and Antiques, Charlotte, NC; 704/332-6369.
Builder: Kaleel Builders, Inc.; 704/366-5541.

Dream Kitchen: Modern Colonial Style

Getting the Modern Colonial Look

Kitchen Layout

Tour the Space

Colonial Revival

Save That Looks Like a Splurge

Smart Splurge

Meet the Hudsons