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Custom Cabinetry manufactured by Foxcraft Cabinets and designed by Jim Martin Design
When your home has been standing for nearly 200 years, every renovation becomes more than a design update. It becomes part of the story. For this 1800s farmhouse in the farmland of Manheim, PA, the story centered around one goal: creating a space where multiple generations could come together more easily.
The original kitchen and dining room were divided by a wall, limiting both flow and function. One of the homeowners' top priorities was to create a space where their grown children and grandchildren could comfortably gather.
To meet this need, Jim Martin Design removed the dividing wall and supported the ceiling with an exposed wood beam. This structural solution added both strength and character to the home. The new layout brought the kitchen and dining spaces together into one generous room—ideal for hosting family dinners, casual breakfasts, or simply sharing life around the island.
During demolition, the carpentry team uncovered another challenge: the existing floor joists were not sufficient to support the new open-concept plan. To ensure the remodel was not only beautiful but also built to last, structural improvements were made to bring the floor framing up to date and create a sturdy, long-lasting foundation for the new kitchen.
A working island, painted in Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain(2134-30), serves as the heart of the kitchen. It offers ample prep space along with convenient landing zones for the refrigerator and double ovens. Topped with durable Inverness Frost quartz countertops by Cambria, and surrounded by warm wood stools, this island is both practical and inviting. A second seating island, styled after rustic farmhouse tables, honors the home’s heritage and provides additional space for grandchildren to pull up a chair and feel at home.
The kitchen includes two sinks to support busy family gatherings: a large apron-front sink beneath a sunlit window and a smaller prepsink located in the island. This layout makes multitasking and entertaining easy and efficient.
The perimeter cabinetry, painted in Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172), gives the kitchen a soft, timeless feel. Inset cabinet construction with classic crown molding and refined furniture-style details adds a level of craftsmanship that feels right at home in a historic farmhouse. A thoughtful combination of glass-front and closed-door cabinets provides both display space for vintage serving pieces and practical storage for everyday use. The cabinetry selections reflect the homeowners’ appreciation for tradition, durability, and thoughtful design.
A dedicated beverage and coffee bar creates a convenient zone for casual entertaining. Located off to the side of the main kitchen workspace, this area includes open shelving and glass-front cabinetry, all backed with vertical nickel gap paneling for added texture and charm. Whether making a morning espresso or setting out drinks for guests, the bar area keeps traffic flowing smoothly while contributing to the overall character of the space.
To seamlessly connect old and new, wide plank wood flooring was added throughout the kitchen and dining area to match the home’s original floors. This careful choice preserves the character of the farmhouse while extending its warmth into the newly remodeled space.
With elegant lantern-style lighting, custom detailing, and alayout designed for connection, this remodel honors the home’s historic roots while making room for the next generation of family memories.
