Life is always a process. But in an older home the process is different-slower and more deliberate. We bought a 1929 house that had only one previous owner who had lived there to the age of 96. Needless to say, there was much to be done.

The kitchen itself was so overwhelming that it kept slipping to the bottom of our priority list. Ten years and lots of projects later, however, it had moved up. My many years of research had taught me that the look I wanted was that of an unfitted, old farmhouse kitchen.

The end result of the remodeling yielded a wonderful mix of three different cabinet colors: UltraCraft black and amber cherry combined with custom hutch style glazed green cabinets. Two different counter tops, soapstone, with a soapstone sink and maple butcher block, complete the "just added to it a piece at a time" look.

Our unflappable contractor, Kirk Tate, always listened very carefully and worked tirelessly. His wonderful skills and attention to detail brought together the final look we wanted.