Victorian Rescue in Saratoga Springs

The fully renovated kitchen with custom cabinets, marble counters and classic brass pulls, faucets & switchplates

@c.1900_Victorian

In Fall 2016, soon to be newlyweds Kira and Adam purchased this Saratoga Springs Victorian in "as-is" condition. Built circa 1900, there were only four owners in its entire history – the last family had been there for 50 years! Despite their busy professional lives, the new owners became fearless “weekend warriors”, dedicating themselves to rescuing this once gracious home.

Kira and Adam on the porch pre-restoration of the exterior

Kira and Adam believe historic preservation is vital to their community and are restoring every detail in a historically accurate manner. To date, they have tackled the original steam heating system and radiators, heart pine floors, wood windows, doors and more. They leaned on their local preservation foundation for guidance throughout the process and four years later, Adam is now President of Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.

The small and dated kitchen was one of the first rooms taken down to the studs (as attested by a wedding photo in the gutted room!). The transformation to a bright and cheerful space was achieved with new French doors, white-painted custom cabinets, and traditional subway tile. Classical revival pulls in our custom antique-by-hand finish are a warm and elegant accent that perfectly complements the home’s Victorian style.

Another period touch in the kitchen is the oversized crystal wardrobe knobs used on the double pantry doors. Their octagonal shape and large scale recall the glass doorknobs that were popular when the home was built. Over the island a pair of vintage-inspired Emery pendants brighten the workspace over the sink. Their dark bronze metal shades are fitted with prismatic glass diffusers that optimize and scatter the light.

True sticklers for detail, the Favros added push button light switches to many rooms. The mother-of-pearl buttons and “snap” action are a wonderfully authentic touch. The ornate Pisano pattern switch plates are a circa 1900 design well-suited to the age and style of the house. The rich antique finish is set off by the gleaming white subway tile in the kitchen and blends seamlessly with the vintage fox hunting wallpaper in the powder room.

The master bathroom was yet another space created from scratch. Formerly a windowless closet, their spacious bath is a light-filled retreat clad in marble. The centerpiece is a white clawfoot tub with a classic nickel faucet (including a telephone style shower handset). The built-in vanity is accented with octagonal crystal cabinet knobs, which together with the wedding cake chandelier, give the room a touch of vintage glamour. With the main interior spaces and systems complete, the Favros have embarked on a restoration of the home's exterior. Keep an eye on their Instagram account to follow their progress and find more inspiring ideas, indoors and out!