Academy:
Back in Grandmother's Kitchen
A Lake Geneva kitchen takes one family back to its past
“This project was creating something to meld seamlessly into a new custom home we were building," Brenda Ripkey explains. Not only that, she and husband Kurt hoped to recreate one of Brenda’s beloved childhood settings.
"The whole idea started with my grandmother’s kitchen," she continues. "I grew up in a Victorian, and I remember the kitchen as comfortable though very utilitarian” Her hybrid vision was rich and complex: a casual yet traditional aesthetic, with a period look that didn’t disguise function. It would sport state-of-the-art technology, of course, but with timeless detailing and finishes.
The family’s personality and lifestyle came through in each design move. The big picture incorporated archetypal elements: a window-bay breakfast nook with banquettes, glass-front display cabinets, plus lots of storage and bookshelves. Up-to-the-minute innovation, on the other hand, came in the form of twin islands— a rarity even for today.
Though the Ripkeys were open to an alternative layout, they were resolute on their well-researched finish choices. The richly veined, deep green Costa Esmeralda granite resembles marble. It's set off by linen-white inset cabinetry reaching the ceiling, with two rows of doors above. An added bead gives dimension to the recessed panels.
"I love the design," Brenda sums up. "We were really specific, and Oak got what we wanted. The other companies we spoke to didn't seem to grasp our ideas."
Photos by Sara Payne
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