Colonial kitchens were simple, utilitarian rooms. A massive brick fireplace, the hearth, was where meals were prepared in iron pots with wooden utensils. The workspace was also straightforward—usually just a freestanding wooden table. Dish storage was typically a plain hutch painted in a muted red, green, or blue. Vegetables were stored in a larder or root cellar located off the main kitchen. While most of us would cringe at the thought of hauling water and stoking a fire as early American cooks had to do, we still may want to capture the essence of these old spaces if we have an old or reproduction colonial. 

Hallmarks: Introduce Shaker inspired cabinetry with a coat of milk paint, a large soapstone sink, and reclaimed pine or salvaged brick flooring. A freestanding worktable offers the look of authenticity. Another trick is to hide your appliances behind panels. To really turn back the clock, introduce a fireplace and brick oven.