New Kitchen for Historic Home

This kitchen renovation began with the challenge of reimagining an addition that had been DIYed onto the house 40 years ago. The previous homeowner’s efforts, while well-intentioned, fell short of today’s standards, both in terms of building codes and design choices. Materials like modern bamboo cabinetry and a choppy, poorly thought-out layout clashed with the timeless character of the home. The interior design didn’t reflect the 250-year-old Federal-style brick home’s essence, located in the heart of Historic Ellicott City. The current homeowners purchased this house because of its rich history and unique charm, and they wanted a kitchen that honored that legacy—not necessarily a period-perfect replica, but one infused with vintage character and a touch of the home’s original quirkiness.

Homes from that era were rarely perfect—they were designed for function, not flawless aesthetics. With that in mind, the renovation focused on balancing modern convenience with historical charm. For example, a small, awkwardly placed window by the refrigerator offered a view of an outdoor wall. Instead of keeping it, we opted to close it up, creating a more cohesive design. The result is a space that feels like it belongs to the home’s history while incorporating the comfort and efficiency of a modern kitchen. Every detail was carefully considered to create harmony between the old and the new. Even down to the Tiffany lampshade that effortlessly binds all of the kitchen hues in one place.

To accommodate the homeowners, who are on the shorter side, we designed countertops with their needs in mind. While we couldn’t lower the main counters without creating appliance-fitting issues—and custom appliances were cost-prohibitive—we prioritized usability wherever possible. For the countertops, they selected soapstone, a material that perfectly marries beauty and function. Its natural, timeworn appearance fits seamlessly with the home’s vintage aesthetic, and as a bonus, its antimicrobial properties make it a practical choice for a busy kitchen.

The result is a space that feels like it has always been part of this historic home—authentic, functional, and full of character.