The Classic Kitchen – A Complete Source List

Hi Everyone,

Can I just say, Wow?

Like, really WOW!

Both Mary and I are overwhelmed with your kind words about Mary’s classic kitchen renovation in Bronxville, NY.

If you missed the post that includes the kitchen before, during the renovation, and many after photos, please go here.

By the way, for those who aren’t so fond of subway tile or are just plain sick of it, how do you feel about it in this classic kitchen? My feeling is that in this 105-year-old home, it looks like it was always there. I guess context is important.

Although, I like subway tile in new homes too. I’m one of those people that when I like something, I usually like it forever.

 

Okay, I know that many of you are dying to know the sources of the items in this classic kitchen.

 

Well, tough noogies.

***

Haha, of course, I’m joking. But, what are noogies, anyway?

You don’t have to answer that. ;]

Of course, I’m going to give you the entire source list, thanks to Mary. (plus a few extra items)

And, I’m also going to give a bit more of the backstory.

You already know that it was essential to retain the vintage feeling and character of this 105-year-old home.

 

One way to do that is to NOT have everything match.

 

So, we didn’t.

Mary and I looked at several shades of green, but Calke Green stood out as the winner with the Raphael wallpaper.

Originally, Mary was thinking more of a chartreuse green to coordinate with the stools in her entry.

 

bronxville-entry-classic-gray-walls-tobi-fairley-cr-laine-stool-circa-lighting-sconce-pilasters-traditional-entry-gracious-home

However, when Mary said that she wanted wallpaper, I immediately thought of the Sandberg Raphael wallpaper as I’ve been admiring it for years.

You can see the wallpaper in past blog posts here.

Logically, Mary went with the same Benjamin Moore Cotton Balls that she has in the dining and living room and trim in the entry. And, she decided to use the same classic gray that she has in the entry.

 

It looks very different in the much brighter kitchen, but different in an interesting way.

 

I went through some old emails from late last summer. In this one, Mary was trying to figure out what she wanted to do for the floor. She sent me some links to gray and dark slate colors, but I didn’t feel they were quite right.

 

Here’s what I said:

 

I think that a warm stone color will look great with the copper hood, as well. But, maybe look
at Pinterest for more ideas? Also, the English companies, Devol, Plain English Kitchen, and Neptune Kitchens have kitchens with beautiful stone floors.

There is a ton of kitchen inspiration in these posts featuring deVOL and other kitchens.

I realize that you also have the Carrara marble island. However, I think it’ll work in a non-matchy sort of European Country Kitchen sort of way. Your floor is currently kind of that color, and it doesn’t bother me now.

***

Did I really say, “sort of European Country Kitchen sort of way?” Apparently, I did, haha, but after that, I looked for a stone that Mary could purchase online.

 

So, let’s begin with some inspiration for our classic kitchen from deVOL.

 

Devol kitchens Travertine floor classic kitchendeVOL Kitchens – A beautiful Travertine floor.

And, below is a travertine floor in a classic Versailles pattern that I found doing a Google search.

 


Mary got some samples and loved them, and that is what is in her classic kitchen!

Kesir Travertine Tile – Philadelphia Standard, Antique Pattern. It is brushed, chiseled, and partially filled. The online source is called Build Direct. I do not have an affiliate link for them; however, there is another beautiful travertine in the widget. To be clear, Build Direct is not the same company as Build.com.

 

In this classic kitchen, it was a no-brainer to do white subway tile.

 

Remember this sight gag with the white subway tile? I’m still laughing.

Frankly, I’m not 100% sure of the timeline, but I think we were discussing this around the time I was in mortgage hell the entire month of October.

And, I was dreaming of my own kitchen and came across some gorgeous vignettes, either kitchens, bars, or pantries with mirrored backsplashes.

 

© Matthew Quinn and Mali Azima - mirrored backsplash wet bar

Like this beauty.

© Matthew Quinn and Mali Azima via The Peak of Chic

 

Blakes London mirrored backsplash - classic kitchen

Blakes of London

Oh, and if you want to see tons of inspiration and exquisite antique mirror ideas, please go here. They’re across the pond, too. Sigh…

 

Antony Todd - hearst designer visions 2012 image - habituallychic

Designer Antony Todd

Image – Heather Clawson

 

And, I was mesmerized by this image of mirror and silver.

 

Yes, it’s contemporary but with an undeniable vintage feel. I thought the mirrored tile would be a fun accent. Plus, the reflective glass would bring in some welcome light and a touch of sparkle.

Well, it does. And, at night, it’s absolutely magical. During the day, you don’t notice it as much, but it does bring in more light.

 

mirrored subway tile pantry

So, Mary sent me the link for her mirrored tile, which is very subtly antiqued.

However, the photographer clearly worked very hard to make the product image look as ugly as possible. It doesn’t look in the slightest bit sparkly. No, they managed to make the mirrored tile look like it was dredged in a sewer, left to dry overnight, and then photographed the next day.

I had to remove it from the widget. Don’t believe me? Here is the link for the mirrored subway tile in the pantry so that you can see it for yourself.

However, it’s the same tile that’s in Mary’s pantry! As you can see, it IS sparkly. And, you can see me taking the pic on the far left side.

 

So, now we had the basics of Mary’s classic kitchen design.

 

Mary really wanted to do brass hardware but wasn’t sure if it was okay.
Well, I told her that I thought it would be. It went with our “theme” of if we love it, it goes. lol

But, I love unlacquered brass, and over time it’ll get a more tarnished patina. I don’t think one walks into the kitchen and thinks, “Oh my, look at all of the different metals.”

 

One thing that’s super important, no matter what, is to get samples of everything.

 

I guess that is pretty obvious, but photos can be misleading.

And, don’t be afraid to contact the manufacturer if you have questions. Mary did have some about the floor, and she said the folks at Build Direct were fantastic. Good to know!

 

Vernon Brass Bin Pull Rejuvenation

 

However, when she found out that there would be a lengthy wait for the brass bin pulls from Rejuvenation (August 23, 2021, now), she got them and the knobs from another source. And, phew, she did check that they matched well with the Rejuvenation latches. Those are harder to find.

By the way, a while back, I did this pretty post that pairs cabinets, hardware, and lighting together in five kitchens!

It was a lot of work, but a good one.

 

Okay, it’s time for the classic kitchen widget.

 

I’ve added a few accessories, as well. Oh, no dishwasher, but it’s a Kitchenaid. You can see them here.

Oh, and the hinges. They’re from Rejuvenation, too.

Please click on any image if you’d like to know more.

 

 

It’s the best way to link to products because there’s a visual, a caption, and a source.

 

(But, a little technical thing, for those with websites, is that there’s actually only one link on my site as the product links in the widget are hosted on a different server, not mine. Google’s not fond of seeing dozens of links all together in one blog post. He thinks it looks a little spammy. It’s best not to make Google angwy.)

By the way, if you have a website and want to hear about even far more critical things that people frequently don’t do right on their sites, please look into getting my blogging guide.

You might also enjoy this post about 12 awesome Farrow & Ball paint colors for the perfect English Kitchen.

 

Okay, that’s  a wrap for this classic kitchen. I hope this list is helpful for some of you.

I know that some of you wanted to see the other side of the kitchen. Yes, the hutch is there. But, the rest isn’t camera-ready yet.

xo,

PS: Please check out the newly updated HOT SALES!

 

PPS: I’m very proud of you guys. I only needed to delete part of one comment that started in on what she didn’t like which was about three things. To be clear, I am not suggesting that you must stroke egos. Not at all! It’s totally fine if you think I or someone else sucks. Please just keep it to yourself.

This is why:

 

If you think that a reader or I have hideous taste or poor judgment, and feel like letting us know in the comments it ALWAYS creates a lynching-type atmosphere. Others invariably jump on the neggy bandwagon.

And, then, instead of getting my legs waxed, I’m forced to be tethered to my laptop anxiously, deleting inappropriate comments.

It’s human nature to want to be part of the pack. The problem is that pack is destructive.

Nothing is perfect. Anyone who’s ever renovated has wished that something or things had turned out differently. I say, let’s embrace the quirks, ignore the imperfections, and focus on the things that really matter in life.

People matter. Let’s strive to be kind to each other. That is all I am asking.

Thanks, so much! I love you all!

 

37 Responses

  1. Hi Laurel. I feel so silly but I have spent hours trying to find your blog I read recently in which you discuss your angst at the hallway and foyer in your apartment.
    Cant find it, so I am leaving my comment here on my absolute favorite blog about the remodeled kitchen/pantry.

    As it happens, I am researching updating my hallway/foyer and came across a website that has fabulous Victorian Floor Patterns, with lots of history and interesting info on the various different patterns. https://www.originalstyle.com/
    I’m obsessed with it now and thought it may be something (YOU?) or your readers would be interested in as well.
    I am reading now about a Victorian hallway makeover HERE:

    https://www.originalstyle.com/blog/welcome-home-a-victorian-floor-tile-hallway-makeover/

    Going to get the DROOL BUCKET and get back to that site to finish my research! HA!

    Much Love,
    Kate

    1. I am so sorry, Kate, but I was told to take the post down, so I did. Whatever. I certainly meant no harm. However, thank you so much for sharing this cool source! It looks to be from the UK, but I see they sell in the US. I’m going to take a closer look now.

  2. I’m late to the party with my comment but I’d firstly like to thank Mary for sharing her kitchen with us all. It’s perfection and the pantry is a TRIUMPH. I have but two questions. What is the source of those cabinets in the pantry? Those are my dream and I’d like to know where to start searching for them or something close. The other regards the beam in the kitchen. Does Mary know if there was, at one time, an interior wall connected to that beam, with, perhaps, and interior window? Would that room have been a sunroom? Thanks.

    1. Hi Mary Z,

      Great questions.

      The cabinets are by a local cabinet maker, but I don’t know who. They work with the contractor. However, I recommend not working with them anyway for numerous reasons I’m not going to go into on the blog.

      I’m not sure, but it is possible that the eating area on the other side of the beam was originally part of the porch that wrapped around. People didn’t have eat-in kitchens in those days. So, yes, that beam is 100% load bearing. There very well could’ve been a window there, as well. It’s also possible that this was the screened-in section of the porch.

      On the other side of the living room is another room that has windows on three sides and lots of stone. That was definitely a porch that someone closed in to make a family room. This is as common as cornflakes all throughout southern Westchester county. In fact, this one is the biggest one I’ve seen Some of them are only about 6 or 7 feet deep making them a challenge to furnish.

  3. And another thing…. (one more comment)

    Laurel’s blog-site-building e-book is packed with everything you need to get your own blog going. It’s funny and easy to read.

    She does a great job of ‘splaining sh*t.

    If you do it right, you’ll have to buy more mattresses to hide your growing piles of cash.

  4. Add On Comment-

    To DE: The higher price tag for Limestone is because it’s harder to mine and is less likely to crack or chip. So you’re gettin’ somethin’ for the extra cash.

  5. I’m diggin’ the backstory of how the design evolved!

    To DE: I’m no expert, but as I understand it Limestone and Travertine are both made out of sediment + calcium carbonate, so they are sister stones.

    Travertine is like the younger sister who got to play and have fun. It’s lighter and more porous, and has those yummy pockmarks. It’s also a little softer and often shows more striated coloring. Pockmarks should be filled with epoxy so the dirt doesn’t build up. It’s often sold with the epoxy already applied.

    Limestone is like the older sister who was given all the responsibilities. It’s more dense, from intense pressure and usually has a more uniform surface. It’s also got a higher price tag.

    Both are beautiful!

  6. Thank you for the little mini-vacation I took as I dreamed my way through this beautiful kitchen renovation. I had to look at each and every detail and could not get enough. What a gift to be able to design a kitchen like this! It evoked such a welcoming, comfortable, inviting, homey vibe. I want one just like it!

  7. Laurel
    Love this style and have an architect working on the layout now. He mentioned Limestone floors- are they the same thing as travertine? Another beautiful design. Thank you!

  8. Bravo, Mary and Laurel! Simply gorgeous! I love love love the little jewel box of a pantry. I can just imagine it’s sparkling in the evening. I get so tired of kitchens looking so similar and boring as a result. You’ve mad some bolder choices but boy, did it pay off. This post gives me courage to go with my decorating heart. Thank you, ladies!

  9. I have always loved antiqued mirror in a kitchen. I recently gave my kitchen a Botox lift and want to use antiqued mirror.
    I found some gorgeous mirror pieces on Etsy and I was wondering what type of tradesman could help with the installation.
    The Etsy shop recommends that you buy a glass cutter and do it yourself. I don’t want to mess this up because the mirror is not cheap. I am hoping someone can help me with this?

  10. Yes to your final PS! People matter. Let’s strive to be kind to each other.

    Now, to the kitchen….it’s FABULOUS! Nothing better than a kitchen with a SOUL! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

  11. Good morning, Laurel –

    Funny blog intro! You took me back to my childhood … Noogies are when your older brother grabs you by the neck and rubs his knuckles on your scalp. It’s a teasing display of raw power that causes short term pain & humiliation but no long term injury.

    With your sense of humor, I wouldn’t be surprised if we were in for more noogies!

    I’m stumped by someone finding three things wrong with Mary’s kitchen. I can only find two things wrong: 1) It’s not mine, and 2) It’s never going to be mine. ;]

    Thanks for sharing her & your sources. My kitchen and I thank you both.

    Have a great day!

  12. I love that Mary kept that gorgeous hood. I think it was essential to creating that evolved and “real” look. It gives the kitchen such distinction and your design choices just jell. The impression is that it all came together over time and without too much pretense. Do we know the source of the hood? I apologize if it was mentioned somewhere already.

    1. Hi Michelle,

      I don’t know the source of this hood, however, Thompson Traders makes hood like this and they’re gorgeous. You won’t find it in their product line, but they can create anything.

      Or, Texas Lightsmith. They have an extensive collection of custom range hoods that you can see. And, they can also make anything.

  13. I cannot thank you and Mary enough for the link for the flooring. I am going to use it in the foyer of our new house we are building in Coeur d’Alene (Idaho). A million thank yous!!

  14. Hey this is for Mary E re leaky dishwasher. We discovered when sliding the tray back in after loading the silverware, knives would brush against the seal and ever so slightly tug/tear. It does not take much to make it leak. We replaced the seal and are very careful that nothing brushes against the seal.

  15. Laurel, i love this kitchen. The storage in the pantry makes the unkitchen practical. IMHO. My favorite is the tile and the way the mirrored tiles sparkle and mimc the kitchen tile in size. At least that is how it appears to me. Except for wall tile my kitchen remodel is complete. Do I interpret correctly—the tile is from Wayfair? The wayfair photo makes the tile look very uniform whereas in your photo it looks more random.

  16. Thanks for such a splendid post! I sit and look at pics for days…such a lovely home.
    Thanks to for your spin on negative comments, just be kind, life’s too short.

  17. The stone floor is very classic and beautiful, but my feet wouldn’t like it. I know they make pads you can stand on, but they ruin the look, IMO. My pre-renovation kitchen floor was linoleum over plywood, and that too made my feet ache. Now I have a hardwood floor, and I never even think about my feet. I added inexpensive runners that look good, but that was to hide and prevent all the coffee drips staining the floor as my husband walked through the kitchen carrying his coffee!

  18. This kitchen is very gorgeous
    I love everything about it. Great decision to keep the copper hood. I am also loving the calke green and that wallpaper is to die for.
    Another great room with Laurel’s assistance.
    Thank you

  19. I’m so happy to see color in a kitchen! That green just makes the whole room and adjoining butler’s pantry so unique. It elevates an already incredible renovation. Great job, ladies!!!

  20. As the saying goes, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at ALL”!
    Beautifully done, ALL of it! Drop dead gorgeous!

  21. Mary’s kitchen is one of my favorite renovations, it is such a classic, beautiful space. The pantry is stunning, and timeless! I just realized I have always wanted to ask you the source for the stool/bench in her entry, but I didn’t know it was Mary’s entry I loved. Can you please share the source of that classic bench? Thank you.

  22. I absolutely adore this kitchen. I also love the collaboration between you and Mary during the design and execution!

  23. Thanks for the final explanation at the end of the post, Laurel. It had never entered my mind that herd behaviour would affect comments on your blog. Translate this to matters of more import and it’s frankly terrifying.
    On a happier note, I enjoyed seeing the details and gleaning more info about the design process, even though the links are no use to me.
    This morning I have put the first coat of F&B Studio Green on a mirror I’ve had for many years (found on the pavement in London!), and whose red colour no longer works for our room. I am pleasantly surprised at the F&B colour: it really is a good dark dull green, with no blue in it, contrary to what I’d imagined from photos. I thought this report from the ground might be useful to readers!
    A final word re some pictures I often see of American kitchens: beside the stove is a tray with various condiments/ingredients, one of which is a glass bottle of what looks like olive oil. If it is, please don’t do this unless you’re going to use all the oil within a week — it deteriorates fast when exposed to light, and is much better kept in a metal container or in the dark.

  24. Hi Laurel,
    Looking at this beautiful kitchen. Wanting to paint all of my stained woodwork a white paint. I have lived in my house 19 years and we have done a lot of painting and renovation over the years. Is it ever a bad thing to paint woodwork white? And which white. I bought samples and am leaning to BM Simply White. Thank you.

    1. Hi Julie,

      Have to laugh because half of the posts here talk about painting woodwork white. Okay, a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s talked about a lot. The only time in my opinion that it’s bad to paint stained wood white is if you’re in a Frank Lloyd Wright home, or something along those lines. As for which one, I can’t say from here. But, Simply White usually looks good.

  25. Hi Laurel,
    Thanks for all the links. I have a new KitchenAid dishwasher as well. But I wonder if Mary has the same trouble with hers as I have with mine. Mine leaks a bit.
    I hope hers doesn’t.

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Hi, I’m Laurel, and Laurel Home is the website and blog for Laurel Bern Interiors.
I’ve been creating new-traditional interiors since 1988. The blog is where I share all.

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