This Old House – September 2019

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The White Kitchen

In 1982, when TOH tackled the kitchen in the 1950s

Woburn House, LEFT, one concern was its small size. The

budget wasn’t big either, and the reno relied on off-white

laminate cabinets and white appliances. Blue tile, used for

both the backsplash and wood-trimmed counters, was a

budget-friendly way to make the white scheme snap. Way

ahead of today’s desire to recycle, the crew saved the brown

fridge, using a technique similar to automotive painting to

give it a fresh look that allows it to blend in.

The 2016 North Shore kitchen, ABOVE, showcases

snowy cabinets made less predictable with a blue island for

contrast. In the mix and here to stay: black stone counters

along the perimeter, marble on the island, white subway-tile

walls, black window sashes, and light-channeling open

shelves in place of upper cabinetry. More luxe touches

include random-width hickory floorboards, statement

lighting, and a supersize range hood—reflecting not only

changing tastes but bigger kitchen budgets (and spaces)

THEN | WOBURN (1982) and higher aspirations.

NOW | NORTH SHORE FARMHOUSE (2016)

26 THISOLDHOUSE.COM SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 40 YEARS

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then + now | kitchen