Creative Kitchens Annual Pots And Plans Tour Features Innovative Remodels As Well As New Designs
The Pots and Plans benefit tour features eight kitchens chosen to represent a variety of styles and includes a mix of new and remodeled older homes in town and country settings, according to Linda Milsow, chair of this year’s tour.
The bi-annual kitchen tour raises money for the Spokane County Medical Society Auxiliary, an organization of physicians’ spouses focusing on providing community health education and awareness programs. Some of the programs funded in the past include bicycle safety, nutrition awareness, the initiation of a Northwest Health and Science Museum and AIDS education. The group also works with District 81 to provide health information to students and educators.
A 1933 remodeling job in a home at 411 E. 14th created a larger and more functional kitchen. The expansion utilized the former kitchen as well as the library and butler’s pantry. A professional gas range, thermal convection oven, microwave oven and trash compactor add efficient modern touches, while oak floors, mahogany wainscoting and leaded glass help retain the original charm. This kitchen also features period ceiling moldings, custom wallpaper and stained glass windows.
Recent remodeling at 730 E. Highland Blvd. also expanded the kitchen, opening the room to other added rooms and providing a view of the back yard. Green granite countertops, a gray and black tile backsplash and black sink offer a striking balance to the new maple cabinets and the maple floors salvaged from the Stevens Elementary School. The stove hood was custom built from the owners’ design.
Design changes at 706 E. Plateau Road added a new kitchen while making the original 1940 kitchen into a pantry and dining room. Practical alterations include increased work and storage space and a recycling center. Ceramic tile flooring, soapstone countertops, maple cabinets, a tin bar top and metal stove hood aesthetically combine textures.
Remodeling the vintage 1913 house at 911 E. 20th increased the comfort and convenience while retaining the home’s traditional style. Wood veneer and new hardware gave the existing cabinets a makeover. An antique Caucasian walnut table, reproduction brass light fixtures and antique etchings add to the look of historic elegance, as do the recently added crown moldings on the ceiling and new parquet flooring accented by Oriental rugs.
Repeated floral designs, a green and white color scheme and a sunroom overlooking the garden fountain bring the outdoors into the bright kitchen at 5821 S. Dearborn, while celebrating the owners’ Filipino heritage. A second full kitchen just through the garage provides further cooking facilities for the ambitious cooks in the family.
The kitchen at 6620 S. Custer provides a busy family a friendly place to spend time together. Natural light and easy care enhance the family-oriented kitchen with walkthrough pantry and attached hobby room. Efficiency features include an extra-large electronically controlled oven, a quick-heating gas cook top and unique pop-up cook top vent. The eating area and great room feature tables handmade by the owner.
The kitchen at 5714 E. Jamieson features radiant and convection ovens, a built-in barbecue and a cooktop recessed into a brick alcove. An adjacent pantry and the large center island provide plenty of storage space. Brick walls, tile counters, antique French Monks table and a collection of beer steins and other travel memorabilia enhance the home’s European ambience.
Location of all of the main rooms on one floor offer low maintenance and flexibility when it comes to future mobility concerns. At the single-level retirement home at 11212 S. Freya Road, the kitchen decor includes African baskets, Nepalese rugs and other artifacts gathered during the owners’ travels. A four-foot-high wall between kitchen and family-sized dining area allows easy serving, the chance to chat with guests while cooking and shields kitchen clutter from view. Oak cabinets include a customized, built-in china cabinet.
Some of the homeowners on the tour requested that their names not be used; to respect their privacy, no names were included.
Graphic: Map of Kitchen show locations
MEMO: Advance tickets for the Pots and Plans tour, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, cost $10 and are available at Kitchens by Contardo, 104 S. Freya; Spokane Tile and Design, 1325 W. First; Cannon Street Grill, 144 S. Cannon; the Medical Society Office 1101 W. College and by calling 455-9075. Tickets will also be available at the door of any of the homes Sunday for $15. No restroom facilities will be available on the tour. The tour does not welcome children under 12 or those adults wearing spike heels. Notebooks to record information are permitted, but cameras are not allowed.