For many people, kitchens for period houses pose a puzzle: How best to make the space resonate with the building’s historic era or architecture, but also fit modern lifestyles? The challenge gets tricky considering that, even if a homeowner wanted an authentic kitchen from the 1880s, 1910s or 1940s, in most houses any evidence of an earlier appearance is long gone. One solution to this conundrum often lies in the cabinetry. Since cabinets are prime components of today’s kitchens, yet have a rich history of details that can be readily mixed and matched, they are an ideal way to help key a kitchen to particular historic ambiance. Here are some ideas from the pros on how to do it...