What is a Period Kitchen? 

Period homes have distinct styles and architectures that depict a particular era.

Typically, period properties include Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian buildings. These homes had small kitchens and vast pantries, generally in the use of the cooking staff.  It means you can't use your vintage kitchens as a central hub during your daily home activities. 

Due to our busy lifestyle, we need a beautiful kitchen that can accommodate high-tech tools. Thus, we need to create a mix of modern facilities and vintage architecture to maintain the historical integrity of period homes.

What are The Best Countertop Materials to Integrate into a Period Kitchen? 

Preserve the old-age look of vintage homes while meeting modern cooking needs by taking a look at the following countertop materials:

Soapstone 

Popularly found in historic homes, soapstone was early colonial settlers' preferred option. This was because of its superior thermal properties, natural acidic resistance, and timeless look. Most original 13 colonies include fireplaces and box sinks lined with soapstone. 

Today, soapstone is resurfacing, thanks to its aesthetic look and remarkable natural qualities and features. By choosing this material, you can maintain the historic integrity of your kitchen while improving its capabilities.

Its acid-resistant properties help you combat tough stains left by vinegar, wine, and lemon. Plus, the material evenly distributes heat, making it the ideal option for use in fireplace surrounds. 

Granite 

Typically found in luxury homes from the 1920s and 1970s, granite is an attractive and eye-catching countertop option.

Choosing granite for your countertop adds value to your home, doesn't depreciate, and boasts a unique look. Its natural microbial properties help fight bacterial contamination. In addition, this durable and sustainable stone is heat and pressure-resistant.

Plus, granite is easy to clean and maintain since all you need is a mild detergent and a clean cloth to remove spills and stains. 

Wood 

Give your kitchen a rustic appeal by installing wooden countertops. Add some warmth to your kitchen by incorporating a wood countertop or cabinetry. 

From plywood right down to hardwood, these luxury countertops complement the design and aesthetics of your kitchen and overall home. Most people choose wooden countertops for two main reasons:

1. For its looks, i.e., it accentuates the beauty of your home 

2. For its warmth, i.e., these countertops always feel warm 

In addition, its eco-friendly features and water resistance makes it a practical option. Plus, this easy-to-clean and maintain material can last a lifetime if you take good care of it.

Copper

Copper countertops and cabinets offer a rustic and timeless look to your kitchen. This metallic finish brings texture and glamour to your kitchen while boosting functionality.

Its naturally antimicrobial properties help create an inhospitable environment for viruses and bacteria. The material naturally eliminates microbes to reduce food-borne illnesses and droplet transmitted diseases.

This easy-to-maintain countertop option eliminates the need for extensive cleaning tools and sprays. All you need is a gentle detergent or a mixture of soap and water alongside a soft cloth to clean stains, spills, and spots. 

Another bonus of choosing copper is that it's eco-friendly, ensures durability, and lasts long.

Slate 

Slate is another popular material present in olden houses and has made a sudden comeback in architecture. This material is often used in historical buildings for renovation and restoration work.   

Slate provides incredible thermal stability, resistance to fire, and is wrap resistant. In addition, it also offers shock resistance. 

On the whole, slates are a popular choice due to their appeal, durability, and easy-to-clean features.

Additional Characters to Accentuate the Beauty of Period Cabinets

Renovating a kitchen helps enhance your property value with a national average ROI of 72.2%. However, this requires appropriate planning and making smart architectural decisions. 

Here are a couple of treatments that can boost the beauty of your kitchen while increasing its value:

Distressed Finish 

Offer your cabinets a unique and attention-grabbing look by considering a distressed finish. Professional painters will coat a layer of milk paint or stain over your cabinetry. 

After this, they leave antique character marks by scratching, rubbing, or abrading your cabinetry.

Waxing

Typically applied by hand, waxing allows surface treatments to continue to develop a patina. This way, your cabinet and countertops mimic the look of refined antique and vintage décor.

Regional Woods 

Look for wood that matches your existing woodwork, such as Maple, pine, or walnut. It ensures your new cabinetry automatically blends in.

Pattern Glass

The market allows you to choose from various pattern glasses, from the etched and frosted glass right down to chicken wire glass. 

This way, you can easily find one that matches the specific architectural style of your house.

Restoration Glass

Restoration glass is available in an array of variations, such as crown bullion and light restoration. Add mouth-blown glass to your cabinetry to give it a unique look.

Visible Hardware

Look for true-to-period hardware such as cast-brass latch, rat-tail iron hinge, and hand-formed wood knobs. It helps add character and style to your cabinets.

The Bottom Line 

Remodel your kitchen with beautiful period countertops and cabinets that reflect the era of your home. This timeless kitchen furniture boasts characteristic architectural styles and decorative details.

Our Ohio-based company offers customized period furniture and countertops to match your kitchen décor needs. We create hand-crafted and hand-finished kitchen furniture manufactured from robust and durable hardware. 

Venture onto Period Design Company's website and check out our period-inspired furniture. Take a sneak peek at our cabinetry solutions that enhance your kitchen's functionality while maintaining its old-age look.