A look at Caroline Brackett’s kitchen in her renovated home from 1870s

Renovating an 1870s historic home can be intimidating to even the most seasoned designer. Add the need for additional square footage and modern plumbing, and the task of blending old with new can quickly turn overwhelming.

Famed local designer Caroline Brackett took it all in stride. It was important to her that the kitchen feel like it had always been a part of the original build.

The result?

A well thought-out, sunlit kitchen with a stunning mountain view. The plan is so well-executed that even the most trained eyes have a hard time differentiating between original and new.

For Caroline, it’s important to create spaces that are both useful and meaningful for her clients, and her own home is no exception. The industrial-grade appliances aid in feeding a constant stream of children and friends, hungry from active days on the farm.

Decorations made from seven acres of sunflowers planted by her late partner Jodah Mullinax offer a charming, happy feel. Although this home has already seen more than a century and a half of the Upstate’s most interesting existence, this skillful blending of new and old will add many more years to its history of joy.

Top 3 design tips to achieve this look

1. We chose to use industrial-grade appliances (fridge, freezer, stove). These have a unique and different look to them, are durable, and readily available!

2. Don’t be afraid to paint your cabinets a color. I will always love a white kitchen, but I found this deep, earthy green and never looked back!

3. Go with living finishes and don’t be scared of wear and patina. The antique table, non-lacquered brass, heart pine floors, cast iron, and stone countertops give character and are perfectly imperfect.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: A look at Caroline Brackett’s kitchen in her renovated home from 1870s