Kitchens for CASA is CASA's only annual fundraiser. Kitchens for CASA is a self-guided tour of six designer kitchens in several of Madison County's most exceptional homes.
The kitchens featured on the tour this year are:
1. Parker and Virginia Griffith--519 Randolph Street
The original kitchen in this 1824 Steele house was on the bottom floor, as were most kitchens of the day. The unusual feature for 1824 was that it was attached to the house instead of in a separate building. This house was built by George Steele for himself and his family to live in, so maybe he felt free to design something newfangled. The huge fireplace is still in working order.
The years have passed and changes have been made to the original structure to accommodate the families who have lived in and loved this house. The kitchen was moved upstairs. In 2001, the Griffiths remodeled to reflect today's world of family cooks and kitchens joined to living spaces. The design worked around the existing fireplace. They also wanted a window in order to see the backyard, and in the process found that one whole wall was crumbling. That is how the wide open spaces were born! They got their view and their family space with help of a steel beam. Now it is the gathering place for family and friends, or is cozy enough for just the two of them.
The cabinets were inspired by the look of Biedermier furniture. The cabinet maker did a great job of accommodating form and function. Granite from the countertops add beauty, durability, and low maintenance. The heart pine on the floors is from an old depot and have been refinished. The decor is based on the owner's "stuff": art work designed by friends, inherited items, and items they have collected over the years. The curtains are silk, and if anything was, they were the inspiration for the overall look. The architect and interior designer were instrumental in bringing all these diverse elements together to make the whole.
2. Mark and Lisa Harbarger--610 Clinton Avenue
Originally constructed by Charles Robinson for the George W. Savas family for the grand total of $4,220, this Arts and Crafts bungalow remained a single family dwelling for over 70 years. At that time, it was converted into four individual apartments. It remained apartments until 2002 when bought by Mark and Lisa Harbarger. With the help of the architect (and neighbor) and the interior designer, it was returned to its original purpose: a home, not a house, meant to be lived in, laughed in, and loved in.
Remaining true to its time, the home was renovated to try to maintain its Arts and Crafts style. You will notice very little fuss, everything is straight lines, no crown molding, and the focus is on functionality. Oak detailing was added down the main living area with this small area given to Mark to finish as he wished. Serving as the cocktail service area, he chose to salvage heart pine from the attic and cellar for the walls and a hand-tooled copper countertop and sink.
The main focus of the kitchen is the custom-built island constructed of quarter-sawn oak with a honed marble top. the painted cabinets with vintage hardware welcome an era of neighborhood houses. The use of white subway tile emphasizes the simplicity in design. The large farm sink with its unique underneath cabinet design draws the eye. The banquet eating area easily accommodates the occasional neighborhood visitor to join in the family meals, which are such an integral part of an era that the Harbargers try to salvage.
More Kitchens on Next Page
