A “Modern Traditional” Seattle Kitchen

Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold is the Executive Editor of Cubby, and one of Apartment Therapy Media’s first full-time editors from way back when. She was The Kitchn's founding Design and Lifestyle Editor as well as Managing Editor of Re-Nest, Apartment Therapy’s late '00s green living site. She now thinks a lot about design, kids, and designy kids' things. She lives with her two daughters and their father in St. Paul, MN.
published Jun 10, 2013
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(Image credit: Andie Powers)

In December of 2011 at about 3am, an electrical fire started in the top floor of Michele and Ryan’s beloved Seattle home. Thankfully no one was hurt, but the entire top floor of their home was destroyed, and the first floor badly damaged. Not ones to give in to misfortune, however, Michele and Ryan marched on, renovating and rewiring their entire home, which included new DIY exposed shelving in the kitchen!

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

The couple’s “modern traditional” style — which they call a “fresh, updated approach to a traditional Ralph Lauren-style, using a mix of vintage furniture and decor from every era” — is a perfect fit for their old home. We love the cozy blend in their kitchen, from the vintage pottery to the farmhouse sink and the dark green base cabinets. (Those are painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Essex Green” in high gloss, if you’re wondering.)

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)
(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

If you’re renovating an old home, particularly the kitchen, take a cue from Michele and Ryan, who offer this advice:

When renovating an old home, start with minor, inexpensive cosmetic changes to keep you loving your house and feeling like you are moving forward. Then save up to do any hidden upgrades (electric, roof, heat/ac, plumbing, structural work) before indulging in a large kitchen or bathroom renovation. The little improvements will tide you over and the seemingly thankless hidden upgrades will add value to your home and keep you and your family safe. 

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

See the Full Tour → Michele and Ryan’s New Beginning | Apartment Therapy

(Images: Andie Powers)

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