Eastlake Galley
The 1886 house is a Victorian Revival jewel box, all in just 1700 square feet.
For 25 years the San Francisco couple had lived together in the then 825-square-foot Victorian cottage. Eventually they decided to make over the unused daylight basement for a primary bedroom, adding on to accommodate an en-suite bathroom. The suite is in Aesthetic Movement Eastlake style, with rooms finished in custom-milled, tongue-and-groove paneling. Rooms throughout are filled with 19th-century furniture, museum-quality antique lighting, and collections of Victoriana.
It’s no surprise that the next project—redoing the 145-square-foot galley kitchen—would follow suit. It had been modernized with an overbearing row of white laminate cabinets; white vinyl tiles covered the walls and vinyl hid the original fir floor.
Architect Steve Rynerson understood his clients’ vision: He would need to design a jewel box that celebrated the Aesthetic period. No granite countertops, no stainless-steel appliances, no food-prep stations set within miles of countertop.
The room was torn down to the studs. Eastlake paneling was designed for walls and ceiling. Trim pieces were made and fitted on site. Cabinets, made of the same cherry as the paneling, stretch to the ceiling, as they often did in Victorian butler’s pantries. A tall rolling ladder on a rail provides access to uppermost cabinets.
Dazzling Details
Colorful windows throw a rainbow of red, blue, purple, and gold into the room. A Sub-Zero refrigerator is camouflaged beneath cherry panels.
1. A Closet PantryAn adjoining closet was returned to its original configuration, becoming a walk-in pantry for extra storage. Foodstuffs mingle with collections of silver and hobnail glass; an antique two-light gasolier hangs overhead. |
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2. Tall, Not WideA galley kitchen has appliances and work zones all on one wall. This efficient kitchen lives large due to the high ceiling, wealth of detail, and storage cabinets (accessible by rolling ladder) that go to the ceiling. |
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3. Pressed GlassA partially glazed Queen Anne-style door brings light into a room. This one incorporates antique Addison glass, manufactured in Fostoria, Ohio, during the late Victorian era. Vintage pressed Addison glass still may be found on eBay. |
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Be Inspired…
Brass FaucetThe Whitehaus Queenhaus High-Arc Single Handle Kitchen Faucet is solid brass, a sleek update of traditional porcelain-lever, gooseneck styling—and it’s ADA compliant. Side spray is included. Height is 14 3/4″ overall, with a 9″ reach. In polished chrome, it’s $420. Through online retailers. |
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Custom PullsBrackets, braces, corbels, and more—both stock and custom—come from TimberBuild. Shown are brackets for an island overhang as well as both brackets and corbels at the range hood. |
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Rolling LadderPutnam Rolling Ladder, established in 1905, continues to be the premier supplier of rolling ladders, traditional to minimalist. Shown is the Classic #1, the original design now available in 11 wood species with eight hardware finish options. Priced by wood species and size. |
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GlasswareThe Fortessa Jupiter hobnail glasses from replicate an American glassware design from the turn of the 20th century. The beaded glasses are available in sets of six, highball (19 oz.) or double old-fashioned (15 oz.), at $60 or $48 per set respectively. In 11 colors. |
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— Written by Brian D. Coleman. Photos by William Wright, except where noted.
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