Old-House Journal

Editor’s Note
I have such fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. It wasn’t very big, but it had everything Yiayia needed to get the job done—a hulking 1940s stove, a stand-alone wooden work table where I spent many hours watching her knead dough for the bread she made every few days, and a porcelain sink with built-in drainboard. It was the center of her universe, and maybe mine, too, when I was greeted by the smell of her baking bread.

There’s no denying that today’s kitchens are the heart of the house. Part meal-planning and prep center, part kids’ homework station, part family gathering spot, part entertainment hub—modern kitchens are a busy place! Which is why it’s so important to get their details right. If you’re looking for ideas, you’ve come to the right place. In this issue, we visit kitchens that homeowners retrofitted to three different, distinctive styles—Victorian eclectic, 1940s, and Spanish Revival. These spot-on spaces can help you nail such details as tile, trim, islands, appliances, and lighting. Speaking of lighting, we also help you narrow down choices by explaining what to look for in both vintage lighting and reproductions.

Once you’ve envisioned your perfect kitchen, you might want to check out a whole-house project of note in Old-House Living. Homeowner Gary Carlson took possession of his Prairie-style house after it had sat vacant for seven full years, so his to-do list was extensive. You’d never know it by looking at the finished product. If your project list is likewise long, you won’t want to miss this issue’s story on saws. Professional carpenter Mark Clement weighs in on 5 must-have tools to carry you through a wide range of typical restoration projects, and offers helpful hints on using them effectively.

Whether you’re just getting started removing remuddled elements, or are mapping out the kitchen of your dreams, we’ve got you covered.

Demetra Aposporos, Editor-in-Chief of Old-House Journal

In This Issue: