In a hundred year old Muskoka cottage, there are characteristics which one would like to retain when remodelling. Trim details, the use of stone and wood together, warm neutral colours and proper accent decorating all unite to create a kitchen that is instantly welcoming and easy to work in.
This cottage on lake Muskoka is just that. A mix of old and new. A beautiful stone fireplace, original v-joint ceilings and trim, made with the materials harvested from the area when the cottage was built in 1910. I`ve scribed cabinets to the stone for a built-in feel and used some of the v-joint for door panels and cabinet backing, all stained to match the old finish.
The owners supplied a 10 foot antique bakers` work table with a steel top they hoped could be incoorporated into the new design. By cutting it into 2 equal sections, rebuilding the rough sawn bases high enough to house a dishwasher, and adding some drawers, they now bookend a farmhouse sink and provide lots of usable counter space and storage.
Open shelves with x-bracing support brackets hold glasses and plates and a shelf on the top of the upper cabinetry show off some of the owner`s antiques. The fridge and dishwasher are panelled and the microwave is built into an open upper cabinet. Below that is a corner dry sink cabinet that is lined with granite and wood trim. The coffee maker and cups are stored here for easy access.
A large island with 2 banks of 3 drawers and a tray cabinet provides ample storage and a 4 door storage cabinet on the dining room side provides storage for all the serving trays, linens, and items used for entertaining guests.
The cabinets were finished by hand on the site in a 5 step process. The over all effect is a feeling that the cabinetry has been there for years but has some of the modern hardware features that everyone would like in a new kitchen. This project was a joy to build and hopefully a joy to use for the owners for years to come.
