Get your tickets now! Advance 2024 Rockridge Kitchen Tour Tickets are available thru Sunday, October 6 for $50 (plus service charge). Day-of Tour tickets will be for sale at Market Hall for $55 (plus service charge). Tour information at: RockridgeKitchenTour.com
Once upon a time, most kitchens in Rockridge probably had Wedgewood stoves and birdcage refrigerators. In the oldest houses, the original stove was most likely wood-burning and, without refrigeration available, perishable food was stored in a “cooler,” which consisted of a screened cabinet open to the outdoors on the north side of the house.
These days, kitchen remodels are more likely tackling 1980s or ’90s-era remodels by replacing dated oak cabinets, linoleum floors, grout-heavy tile countertops, and inefficient layouts. Contemporary remodels often seek to enhance flow, increase natural light, and create seating in what has become the most popular gathering place in many homes. Other common goals include energy efficiency and sustainability.
And, of course, “granny units” have evolved tremendously. The eight kitchens and two ADUs on the 2024 Rockridge Kitchen Tour are very diverse — ranging from an extremely functional classic Craftsman remodel to a wildly whimsical reimagining of an entire kitchen and dining area.
Other kitchens include a sleek European pallet; two with the unusual decision not to have an island; one that lovingly preserved and drew inspiration from an original 1906 pantry; and one kitchen on its third remodel by the same owners. Another home has a remodeled kitchen inside and a bonus outdoor kitchen complete with a fully outfitted bar in a converted workshop.
The ADUs offer very different visions of how to get as much as possible out of small spaces while maintaining spaciousness and charm.
Not sure you’ll remember the many amazing ideas after taking the tour? Don’t worry, Kitchen Tour guests will receive a copy of the comprehensive Tour Brochure describing each kitchen and listing resources for those contemplating a remodel of their kitchen. Docents with extensive knowledge of the remodels will also be on hand to answer questions about each owner’s goals and challenges. No matter what you have in mind for your own kitchen, you’ll find design and construction professionals who can make it happen for you.
Urgent Call for Docents
Lastly, the RCPC Kitchen Tour committee still needs MANY more volunteer docents for the Sunday, October 13th Kitchen Tour. As a docent, you get to tour several of the houses during orientation ahead of the event, and, on event day, you’ll get free entry to the other houses on the tour when you’re not on your scheduled shift. It’s a great way to meet new friends and help your community at the same time. To volunteer, please email kitchentour@rockridge.org.
Thank you, because the Kitchen Tour can’t happen without docents.
