Stretch-out comfort is the keynote of this big, hospitable kitchen, as seen in 1968.
Authentic French countryside furnishings, gleaming copper pots, and exposed stained beams checkerboarding the emerald green ceiling all contributed to this space’s friendly feeling.
In remodeling this warm and inviting rustic retro kitchen, the owners extended the existing brick fireplace wall to make room for the wall ovens. The bricks were then whitewashed to give them a used look.
A giant 3 x 9-foot island was the main workspace, while food and dish storage lined the walls behind. Cooktop and grill, island mounted, helped speed hot foods directly to the nearby table just beyond the ovens.
For daily use, handsome copper utensils and braided strings of vegetables hung from meat hooks within arm’s reach.
Wrought-iron trestle legs under the walnut-slab table repeated the scrollwork supporting the French baker’s rack.
Wood tones, copper, and emerald green warmed the black-and-white color scheme. The floor, which looked and felt like antique French tiles, was really easy-care linoleum.
Near the table, a houndstooth-checked wing chair was in constant demand. The toile de jouy fabric on walls, chairs and window shades was in black and white instead of the usual red or blue colors.
