Banta House Kitchen renovation and restoration.

The design for this kitchen restores the character of the original 1908 N. M. Banta home. The home's architecture reflects the style of the Arts & Crafts Movement with stylistic elements from the Prairie, Craftsman, Tudor Revival and Classical Revival styles. Used as a house museum as well as a host facility for several social events, the Historical Society chose Kingsley + Ginnodo Architects to bring the kitchen back to the appropriate period while enhancing its functionality.

A discarded hutch which had been removed from the original kitchen to make way for a 1960's make-over was discovered in the basement, sorely neglected and waiting among the dust and cobwebs. Kirsten Kingsley, a preservation architect, immediately recognized its originality and value and it became the inspiration for the restoration of the kitchen. The original hutch was restored to its rightful place while a "sister" cabinet was designed to carefully echo the characteristics of the original. Though the new cabinet introduces modern features like full-extension drawers, adjustable interior shelving, and a pull-out work surface, its design integrates seamlessly with the historic kitchen. The brush applied paint-finish and replica hardware further enhance its simple beauty.

The kitchen also benefited from the research and recollection of the Society committee members including the selection of the antique New Process gas range, a baker's table, ice box, and blue linoleum flooring recalled from a former resident.

The restoration of this kitchen, with its "sister" cabinets, now serves the interpretation of the original house as well as its tea-party guests. The historic home is located on the grounds of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum in Arlington Heights, IL.