NORTHWOODS HIDEAWAY KITCHEN

Tucked away in northern Wisconsin, this Northwoods Hideaway Kitchen is quite literally hidden from view. At the homeowner’s request, the space was designed to function fully as a kitchen while evoking the charm and character of an old-world library. The challenge was to capture all the essentials—appliances, sink, storage—while allowing the room to transform seamlessly into a warm, book-filled retreat when not in use.

Creativity and ingenuity are on full display. Pocket doors and paneled appliances allow for a cohesive, discreet appearance. Even the sink and faucet vanish behind two pocket doors, blending into a base that mirrors the drawer stacks on either side. Closed up, you’d never guess a working sink hides within.

The island holds its own share of surprises. Pocket doors conceal stools that tuck neatly away, while the pièce de résistance is a cooktop hidden beneath a custom-fit walnut cover. The reduced-height base and cover align perfectly with the ogee-edged countertop, creating a flawless expanse of wood when the cooktop is not in use. High-end appliances provide a chef-worthy cooking experience yet remain carefully concealed.

Rich materials deepen the library-like atmosphere: cathedral-style mullions with frosted glass, deep green cabinetry, antique oil-rubbed brass hardware, and walnut countertops that extend overhead to a walnut-clad ceiling. The result is a warm, cocooning space reminiscent of storied libraries from generations past.

Lighting was critical in this interior kitchen with no natural light. To balance practicality with ambiance, the designer layered multiple sources—pendant lights over the island, recessed cans, museum-style light bars, and integrated shelf lighting—achieving illumination that is bright enough for cooking yet soft enough to preserve the library glow.

And of course, no library would be complete without a rolling ladder. Crafted from walnut with oil-rubbed brass fittings, the ladder anchors the design and draws attention to the corner bookshelves, ready to display not only books but family heirlooms and personal treasures.

This is no ordinary kitchen—it’s a magical hideaway. Wrapped in rich, natural tones and timeless finishes, it feels both nostalgic and deeply personal. A true one-of-a-kind, this Hideaway Kitchen reflects exactly what the homeowner envisioned: a space that nurtures, surprises, and delights at every turn.

Hideaway Kitchen