Bold Color Meets Historic Craftsmanship: A Custom Kitchen in a Downtown Savannah Home
Discover a bold custom kitchen in a historic downtown Savannah brownstone featuring purple cabinets, zebra wood hood, smart blind storage solutions, and hands-free kitchen and wet bar faucets by AWD of Savannah.
Historic homes in Savannah tell stories through every architectural detail — original brick walls, tall windows, hand-laid floors, and layouts shaped long before modern appliances existed. Renovating these spaces requires more than good design. It requires respect for history, precision craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving.
This custom cabinetry project, completed in a historic brownstone in downtown Savannah, is a perfect example of how bold design and traditional architecture can coexist beautifully. The homeowners wanted a kitchen and wet bar that felt expressive and modern without compromising the integrity of their historic home. The result is a space that blends rich purple cabinetry, innovative storage solutions, striking natural materials, and hands-free functionality — all custom-built to fit a challenging, character-filled layout.
At AWD of Savannah, projects like this are where our work truly shines.
Designing for a Historic Savannah Brownstone
Savannah brownstones come with undeniable charm — and very real constraints. Walls aren’t always square, corners aren’t always accessible, and every inch matters. This project required careful planning to maximize storage, improve workflow, and introduce contemporary conveniences while preserving the home’s original character.
Rather than forcing a standard kitchen layout into the space, we designed cabinetry that worked with the existing architecture. Every cabinet, panel, and built-in element was custom-fabricated to account for structural quirks, tight clearances, and sightlines that had to remain intact.
The goal wasn’t to modernize for the sake of modernity — it was to enhance the space thoughtfully and intentionally.
The Power of Purple: A Bold Custom Kitchen Choice
One of the most striking features of this renovation is the custom purple cabinetry. In a city known for its historic palettes and traditional finishes, this bold color choice creates an unforgettable focal point while still feeling refined and intentional.
Rather than overwhelming the space, the purple cabinets add depth and richness, especially when paired with neutral surrounding finishes and warm natural materials. The color shifts subtly with the light throughout the day — deep and dramatic in the evening, softer and more nuanced in natural daylight.
Custom cabinetry allows for this level of personalization. From the finish selection to the sheen and durability, every detail was chosen to ensure the color felt timeless rather than trendy — a critical consideration in a historic home.
Solving the Refrigerator Blind Storage Challenge
Older homes often lack the generous clearances found in modern kitchens, which can result in awkward dead space around large appliances. In this project, the area beside the refrigerator presented a classic challenge: a narrow, hard-to-access void that would typically go unused.
Instead of wasting valuable real estate, we designed custom blind storage cabinetry next to the refrigerator. This solution provides deep, functional storage while maintaining a clean exterior appearance. Pull-out and concealed access allow the homeowners to store less frequently used items without sacrificing accessibility.
This is one of the key advantages of custom cabinetry — we can turn problematic areas into functional assets without compromising aesthetics.
A Seamless Blind Corner Solution Under the Counters
Blind corners are notorious for wasted space, especially in kitchens where storage is at a premium. For this project, we incorporated a custom blind corner solution beneath the countertops that maximizes usability while maintaining visual continuity.
Rather than traditional corner cabinets that are difficult to reach, this system allows items to glide smoothly into view. The hardware is engineered for durability and ease of use, ensuring that every inch of storage works as hard as the rest of the kitchen.
The result is a space that feels effortless and intuitive — no crawling into cabinets, no forgotten items hidden in the back.
A Zebra Wood Hood as a Statement Piece
While the purple cabinetry commands attention, the custom zebra wood hood brings warmth, texture, and natural contrast to the space. Zebra wood’s distinctive grain pattern adds movement and visual interest, grounding the bold cabinetry with organic beauty.
This hood wasn’t designed as an afterthought — it was crafted as a sculptural centerpiece. The rich wood tones soften the overall palette while tying in other natural elements throughout the home.
Custom woodwork like this highlights AWD of Savannah’s ability to blend fine furniture craftsmanship with functional kitchen design. The hood is not only visually striking, but also precisely engineered to integrate seamlessly with the ventilation system helping to make this a bold custom kitchen.
Hands-Free Innovation: Foot-Pedal Faucets in the Kitchen and Wet Bar
One of the most forward-thinking features of this project is the inclusion of hands-free faucets with foot pedals — installed in both the main kitchen sink and the wet bar.
This feature offers several benefits:
- Improved hygiene by eliminating the need to touch handles with messy hands
- Enhanced convenience during cooking and entertaining
- A professional-kitchen feel without sacrificing residential comfort
The foot pedals were discreetly integrated into the cabinetry design, ensuring they function seamlessly without drawing attention away from the overall aesthetic. In a home that balances historic charm with modern living, this small detail makes a significant impact.
Including this functionality in the wet bar further enhances the home’s entertaining potential, making it easy to rinse glassware or prep drinks without interrupting the flow of a gathering.
Respecting History While Embracing Modern Living
Savannah homeowners often face a delicate balance: preserving the soul of a historic home while adapting it to modern lifestyles. This project demonstrates how custom cabinetry can bridge that gap.
Rather than masking the home’s age, the design enhances it. Bold color choices feel intentional rather than disruptive. Innovative storage solutions respect the home’s footprint. Natural wood elements echo the craftsmanship of the past.
Every decision was made with longevity in mind — ensuring the kitchen and wet bar will feel just as relevant years from now.
Why Custom Cabinetry Matters in Historic Homes
Projects like this underscore why custom cabinetry is especially important in historic Savannah properties. Standard cabinets rarely account for:
- Irregular walls and tight clearances
- Unique appliance placements
- Architectural preservation requirements
- Homeowner-specific functionality needs
At AWD of Savannah, we design and build cabinetry that responds directly to these challenges. Our process allows us to create solutions that are both beautiful and practical, tailored to each home’s unique story.
A Downtown Savannah Transformation Worth Celebrating
This purple cabinetry project stands as a testament to what’s possible when craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration come together. From blind storage solutions to a zebra wood statement hood and hands-free innovation, every detail was designed with intention.
For homeowners looking to renovate a historic property without compromising character — or personality — this project offers inspiration at every turn.
If you’re considering a custom kitchen, wet bar, or cabinetry project in Savannah, we’d love to help you explore what’s possible in your space.
