Victorian Classic
For this Victorian home in South Orange, NJ, Idea Space reconfigured a previously disjointed kitchen layout into a cohesive and functional space for a couple who loves to cook and entertain.
The renovation encompassed the kitchen, a relocated powder room, and an adjacent dining nook, resulting in a welcoming environment that supports everyday family life and social gatherings.
Featured in Design NJ
General Contractor The Zorel Group
Photography Anna Herbst Photography
The existing L-shaped kitchen wrapped awkwardly around the living room, compromising both flow and usability. To address this issue, we removed a former butler’s pantry and relocated the powder room and pantry closest to the short leg of the L, opening up the long leg to function as the central cooking zone. The result is a highly functional layout with clear flow between the fridge, sink, range, island, and kitchen table—making both meal prep and socializing feel seamless.
The updated kitchen features a coffered ceiling, soft gray cabinetry, and a sculptural walnut butcher block island. Custom cabinetry offers tailored storage while a suite of high-performance appliances supports the clients’ love of cooking.
The range wall’s earthy blue tile backsplash contrasts with the warmth of the wood island and the pale perimeter cabinetry. A trio of black metal hooks near the exterior door adds utility and connects visually to the black finishes found on the cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures.
A span of four windows above the sink overlooks an established magnolia tree in the yard, bringing seasonal color into the kitchen. A wood farm table beneath the refurbished skylight and a pair of sculptural Lambert et Fils light fixtures create a sunlit nook ideal for everyday meals.
The relocated powder room is now tucked discreetly out of the kitchen’s sightlines. A custom oak washstand and indigo watercolor ikat wallpaper make the most of the compact space, with tones that echo the kitchen’s backsplash tile.
“
Idea Space’s help in refining our aesthetic was critical to the outcome of the project.
As we moved from a simple "white kitchen" idea into a space with much richer colors, patterns and textures, we became more and more excited about the unique space we were creating.”
sally, owner
before photo
before photo
before photo
construction photo
construction photo
construction photo
scope provided
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