Modern Meets Historic
Kevin Clark of Historical Concepts brings a new meaning to cottagecore with character-rich twists in his own personal kitchen
When architect Kevin Clark, a senior principal at Historical Concepts, began plotting the transformation of his own home’s kitchen, he treated it like a client. He wanted to create a sense of place, pulling inspiration from its 1930s English-cottage style to compose a historic-meets-modern kitchen.
For his family, who loves to regularly cook and eat meals together, an open kitchen concept didn’t work. “Open floor plans in a small house can feel like less space. Walls are important for storage and art,” he says of converting the former tight galley kitchen into three distinct spaces that include a tiled-wall scullery for pantry items and appliances and a richly hued butler’s pantry that doubles as a bar.
The kitchen is enveloped in a deep blue, inspired by a William Morris wallcovering found in the nearby family room, and boasts architectural features such as paneled cabinetry and a grid ceiling turned to a 45-degree angle and dotted with lights to balance the unsymmetrical kitchen. “I feel like when you’re surrounded by a rich color and intricate architectural details, it’s like being cocooned in a warm blanket,” says Clark. A wall of steel and glass also allows light to float in, softening the blue hue’s dramatics.
Clark gushes about special touches that tell a story, like the island countertop that was repurposed from a white oak tree in his backyard. Other standouts that recall the character of the English cottage include a custom marble farmhouse-style sink and a hefty French range, all of which mingle with touches of art like the marble backsplash that commands attention above the range. “It’s modern with all the functional bells and whistles, yet the aesthetics look as if it’s always been in the house,” he says. “As you come through the house, you have to discover the kitchen. When people see it, there’s an audible gasp. It’s a rewarding feeling to have folks wowed.”
ARCHITECT Kevin Clark, Historical Concepts CONTRACTOR Avalon Custom Homes CABINETRY AND ISLAND Eiland Woodworks CEILING LIGHTS Remains Lighting Company RANGE Lacanche KITCHEN HOOD Zephyr SCULLERY WALL TILE Waterworks KITCHEN CABINETRY AND WALL PAINT Benjamin Moore Wetherburn’s Blue BUTLER’S PANTRY CABINETry PAINT Benjamin Moore Townsend Harbor Brown MARBLE BACKSPLASH Cipollino CUSTOM MARBLE SINK Marmi