Hey there! I came across an article about an architect named Everett Schram, and I thought I’d break it down for you because it’s such an awesome example of maximizing kitchen space.
Schram lives in a 1928 Colonial Revival home in Baltimore with his wife and daughter, and they were working with just 169 square feet of kitchen space. But he didn’t let that stop him! By rearranging the layout, Schram managed to add 50% more countertop space and 60% more cabinets—without moving a single wall. The kitchen now feels twice as big!
Before the renovation (Pictures courtesy of Everett Scharm)
Because the family had lived in the house before renovating, they knew exactly what they wanted out of their new kitchen. They cook plant-based meals every night, so having plenty of counter space and storage was key. Schram’s goal was to keep the historical charm of their home while making the space more modern and functional.
One of the first things Schram did was move the refrigerator to open up more room for prepping food. Then, he designed a wall of floor-to-ceiling cabinets to store all those small appliances that usually end up cluttering the counters. This custom cabinetry was the most expensive part of the project, but it was worth it because it maximized every inch of space.
When it came to the design, Schram wasn’t afraid to take risks. He went with a bold dark color for the cabinets—Black Blue by Farrow & Ball. He wanted to show that dark colors can still work in small spaces. And his favorite feature? The custom-made Zellige Subway tiles. His wife wanted subway tiles to match the 1920s vibe of their home, but Schram wanted something different. So they compromised with a custom design that satisfied them both.
The old kitchen had been renovated back in 2006 with dark cherry wood cabinets and brown granite countertops. Schram had made temporary changes, like painting the cabinets, but they were ready for a full update. The old sink was in an awkward corner under a window, so Schram moved it and surrounded it with a beautiful light fixture. Now, the view from the sink is much better, showing off the garden instead of just a tree trunk.
One of the smartest things Schram did was have the stove custom-enameled to match the cabinets. This helped keep the space looking cohesive and larger because the appliance didn’t break up the design.
Pictures by ADAM MACCHIA
For storage, the kitchen is filled with pullout cabinets and drawers, which make organizing everything from pots and pans to cleaning supplies so much easier. He even worked with a professional organizer to get everything in place. Another smart move was removing a swinging door to fit in a 10-inch deep pantry—perfect for keeping things organized without losing anything at the back.
Pictures by ADAM MACCHIA
Schram’s renovation really shows how much you can do with a small space when you focus on smart design and creative solutions!
By Bella Montilla (based on an article by Tina Chadha - House Beautiful)
Pictures courtesy of Everett Scharm and ADAM MACCHIA
