apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

That's a very traditional detail.

My grandmother's house built in 1919 had cabinets like this, as did the first house my parent's bought (and built) in 1977.

Other than rentals which have usually gone cheap - It seems like a more recent thing where builders have replaced space efficiency with square footage and made no use of the space above the kitchen cabinets.

I'm looking for a ladder like this. Anyone?

Look for library ladders.

PS bepsf i have a crush on your posts.

niabonds - I posted one good source a while back - orders can be placed by contractors, designers or directly from homeowner: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/pillows-decorative-office-accessories/alaco-library-ladder-022575

My new 1914 apartment has super high ceilings and cabinets, but sadly, no ladder. I have to climb on the counter to put things in the top!

An ex-boyfriend of mine lived in a single family victorian built in 1898. The house featured secret stairways, servants quarters, and sky high ceilings. You could feel the history when walking inside. Such illustrious settings are not found in today's pre-fab homes.