Three Connecticut kitchens have been renovated to combine historic charm with modern functionality. Each project demonstrates a different way to preserve character while updating living spaces.
An Old-World Kitchen with Modern Light
A Tudor home in Farmington now has a kitchen that blends period elegance with practical updates. The space connects to the great room, maintaining the home’s original warmth while improving flow.
Stacy Millman of SKM Design in West Hartford worked with the homeowner to respect the home’s style. “It was a pleasure to work with a client who wanted to honor her home’s period style,” Millman said. “Together, we bridged the gap between old and new.”
The centerpiece is a sweeping marble backsplash made from Arabescato Fantastico, an Italian marble with bold veins. Slabs were book-matched to create continuity across walls, shelves, and corners. A copper range hood and brass fixtures add richness, while a ribbed-glass partition keeps the pantry hidden but allows light through.
A La Cornue range anchors the space, flanked by Sanza Carrara marble tiles. The island, adapted from an existing table, is topped with Nero Marquina marble in a leather finish. Upholstered seating and shaded fixtures give the area a furnished feel, and a HydroTap provides instant hot, cold, or sparkling water.
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High-gloss cabinetry by Plainville’s H&B Woodworking contrasts with exposed brick discovered during construction. A blue banquette and small metal table create a casual dining nook, reinforcing the kitchen’s welcoming feel.
A Mystic Home’s Nautical Revival
A historic sea captain’s home in Mystic was renovated to preserve its antique roots while adding modern conveniences. Jonathan Gordon of Design by the Jonathans in New Haven used a classic blue-and-soft-white palette to honor the home’s nautical heritage.
“We went with a traditional look,” Gordon said. “We leaned into the home’s ‘antique-ness’ without overdoing it.” The design met historic preservation standards, including retaining existing windows and incorporating custom millwork.
The apron-front sink features brass meshwork doors, and the range hood is concealed behind cabinetry. A painted-tile backsplash adds a standout element, while appliances include a beverage drawer and a HydroTap faucet. Gordon’s team matched the refrigerator to the La Cornue range’s Wintersky finish for a cohesive appearance.
A sculptural arch softens the room’s angles, framing the marble backsplash while hiding the range hood. Leather stools swivel for flexibility, and floor-to-ceiling cabinets keep the space clutter-free. A hidden coffee bar and built-in niches for spices and olive oil add practical touches.
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Such renovations prove historic homes can adapt without losing their essence. The key is making the past work for modern living, where open layouts and high-end appliances coexist with original details.
A Westport Kitchen
This eat-in Westport kitchen was dubbed the “green
The three kitchens share a common approach: respect for history combined with innovation. Whether through book-matched marble, hidden appliances, or custom lighting, each design shows that classic style can work alongside modern convenience.
Professionals handled the electrical updates in these renovations.
