Inspiration:
Beyond the Farmhouse: How Integrated Appliances Blend Historic Architecture with Modern Luxury
Article Sponsored by Sarah Keenleyside
The House We Couldn't Walk Away From
I was planning this kitchen before our offer was even accepted. The moment my husband and I stepped onto the property, we knew it was the one. You felt like you were out in the country but really just steps to the town of Picton in our beloved Prince Edward County. The house needed everything—original systems, decades of deferred updates, and I knew I’d have to tear off the back roof for a whole new second floor to get us enough bedrooms for our family of 4. Most people would see too much work—we saw home.
A Kitchen Full of Constraints
The kitchen was the one space that worried me. Small, with four doorways, two windows, a wood-burning stove, and no option to expand it, as all walls were original brick. I have to admit, though, these kinds of obstacles tend to inspire more creative designs. The first step was removing the stove and opening the kitchen into the old mudroom. That gave me space for a curved banquette breakfast nook. It unlocked the layout, letting me devote two walls to cabinetry and appliances, and gave me enough space for an island with seating.
Before
After
Respecting History, Not Recreating It
Although this is an 1860s farmhouse, I wasn’t going for a farmhouse aesthetic. I love mixing traditional Victorian architecture with mid-century modern. My jumping-off point with the design was gorgeous, inky-blue soapstone and deep monochromatic cabinetry. To warm it up, I chose terracotta-toned quarry tile in a simple grid and a porcelain stone-look countertop that continues up the backsplash and shelf. It’s a kitchen that respects the home’s history without being tied to it.
Designed to Disappear
In a small space, visual calm is key. I started my appliance search with JennAir because as a designer, I know that they are more architecturally minded and design forward when it comes to their appliances. Whether that is the ability to integrate an appliance seamlessly into cabinetry or showcasing an appliance that has additional attention to detail in a style that suits my own personal aesthetic. The JennAir® 36” Fully Integrated Built-In Bottom-Freezer Refrigerator is integrated beautifully behind cabinetry, making the room feel more expansive. I love its obsidian interior—the dark color looks like I had it color-matched to my cabinetry! Dark but well-lit, allowing you to see everything. Bonus: no forgotten leftovers quietly dying in the back.
The JennAir® RISE™ 24” Under Counter Microwave Oven with Drawer Design seamlessly is built into the millwork. Positioned below counter height, it’s remarkably ergonomic and quickly became one of my favorite features for quick re-heats with two little boys in the house.
Choosing the Focal Point
While some appliances disappear, I wanted one to stand out. The JennAir® 30" RISE™ Dual-Fuel Professional-Style Range is the focal point of the kitchen, and I treated that elevation to support it. I love the chef’s-style industrial nature of the appliance but how it’s refined with the mixed metal knurled brass knobs and thoughtful lighting features. Above, I created a custom curved hood surround with a hood vent insert and flanked it with stone sconces on either side. It anchors the entire room.
The Beauty Is in the Details
The island is designed to feel like a furniture piece—custom walnut millwork, soapstone counter with a more traditional edge profile, a dark integrated sink, and a brass faucet. What you don’t see is the JennAir® Fully Integrated Dishwasher with 3rd Level Rack with Wash, which is among the quietest on the market, and the additional storage on the back side of the island. Lighting was equally intentional. I believe kitchens should be lived in, not just worked in. The best way to achieve this is with dimmable sconces, downlights, and pendants—it’s a space you can spend time in, regardless of time of day or vibe.
A Kitchen Designed for Our Family
What I loved most about this project wasn’t a specific material. It was the freedom. This being my family’s forever home, I was able to design it without worrying about resale or if it would appeal to anyone else. The space is very me and exactly right for our family. It’s the beating heart of our home, where we start and end every day.
Now, will a single fridge work for us when we have two teenage boys in the house?
Ask me again in ten years.
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