The large Robie House kitchen was the center of the servants’ domain. The Robies employed three live-in domestic helpers: the children’s nurse and two housemaids, one of whom, Hilda, also worked as the cook.

The kitchen—or “work space,” to use the name Wright preferred—did not make Hilda’s task any easier. It was large, with a sizable work island installed near the southwest corner, but while the increased space allowed Hilda to work on more courses at once, it also increased the amount of time she had to spend collecting ingredients and utensils. In arranging the kitchen, Wright had his client’s needs foremost in mind. He flouted textbook rules for placing the sink close to the pantry and far from the stove, positioning the noisy sink and stove near one another against the north wall, as far as possible from the dining room so that the bustle of the kitchen would not disturb the family during meals. Given the number of courses Hilda had to prepare, these conveniences very likely significantly increased her workload.

As we restore the kitchen, we are fortunate to have the original built-in cabinets on the west wall. The existing cabinetry and hardware are being conserved. Additionally, twenty linear feet of missing cabinets and hardware are being custom fabricated and installed. Wood trim and glazed tiles are being restored to their original appearance. After plaster repairs, the walls were painted in historically accurate colors. The floor was repaired where damaged and its original finish was hand stripped in preparation for refinishing. A climate management system is in the process of being installed in the kitchen area, thereby providing climate management throughout the building. We are still seeking an historically accurate kitchen sink and will be fabricating the adjacent cabinetry as soon as the sink is found. Windows in the kitchen and in servant’s wing are out for conservation and will be returning shortly.