Designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn helped a neighbor and friend to update a “builder grade” kitchen into a personal, family space that feels luxurious and inviting. The homeowner wanted to solve a number of storage and flow problems in the kitchen, including a wasted area dedicated to a desk, too-little pantry storage, and her wish for a kitchen bar. The all white builder kitchen lacked character, and the client wanted to inject color, texture and personality into the kitchen while keeping it classic.

This Historical Home was built in the Columbia Country Club in 1925 and was ready for a new, modern kitchen which kept the traditional feel of the home. A previous sunroom addition created a dining room, but the original kitchen layout kept the two rooms divided. The kitchen was a small and cramped c-shape with a narrow door leading into the dining area. The kitchen and dining room were completely opened up, creating a long, galley style, open layout which maximized the space and created a very good flow. Dimensions In Wood worked in conjuction with the client’s architect and contractor to complete this renovation. Custom cabinets were built to use every square inch of the floorplan, with the cabinets extending all the way to the ceiling for the most storage possible. Our woodworkers even created a step stool, staining it to match the kitchen for reaching these high cabinets. The family already had a kitchen table and chairs they were happy with, so we refurbished them to match the kitchen’s new stain and paint color. Crown molding top the cabinet boxes and extends across the ceiling where they create a coffered ceiling, highlighting the beautiful light fixtures centered on a wood medallion. Columns were custom built to provide separation between the different sections of the kitchen, while also providing structural support. Our master craftsmen kept the original 1925 glass cabinet doors, fitted them with modern hardware, repainted and incorporated them into new cabinet boxes. TASK LED Lighting was added to this china cabinet, highlighting the family’s decorative dishes. Appliance Garage On one side of the kitchen we built an appliance garage with doors that slide back into the cabinet, integrated power outlets and door activated lighting. Beside this is a small Galley Workstation for beverage and bar service which has the Galley Bar Kit perfect for sliced limes and more. Baking Cabinet with Pocket Doors On the opposite side, a baking cabinet was built to house a mixer and all the supplies needed for creating confections. Automatic LED lights, triggered by opening the door, create a perfect baker’s workstation. Both pocket doors slide back inside the cabinet for maximum workspace, then close to hide everything, leaving a clean, minimal kitchen devoid of clutter. Super deep, custom drawers feature custom dividers beneath the baking cabinet. Then beneath the appliance garage another deep drawer has custom crafted produce boxes per the customer’s request. Central to the kitchen is a walnut accent island with a granite countertop and a Stainless Steel Galley Workstation and an overhang for seating. Matching bar stools slide out of the way, under the overhang, when not in use. A color matched outlet cover hides power for the island whenever appliances are needed during preparation. The Galley Workstation has several useful attachments like a cutting board, drying rack, colander holder, and more. Integrated into the stone countertops are a drinking water spigot, a soap dispenser, garbage disposal button and the pull out, sprayer integrated faucet. Directly across from the conveniently positioned stainless steel sink is a Bertazzoni Italia stove with 5 burner cooktop. A custom mosaic tile backsplash makes a beautiful focal point. Then, on opposite sides of the stove, columns conceal Rev-a-Shelf pull out towers which are great for storing small items, spices, and more. All outlets on the stone covered walls also sport dual USB outlets for charging mobile devices. Stainless Steel Whirlpool appliances throughout keep a consistent and clean look. The oven has a matching microwave above it which also works as a convection oven. Dual Whirlpool dishwashers can handle all the family’s dirty dishes. The flooring has black, marble tile inlays surrounded by ceramic tile, which are period correct for the age of this home, while still being modern, durable and easy to clean. Finally, just off the kitchen we also remodeled their bar and snack alcove. A small liquor cabinet, with a refrigerator and wine fridge sits opposite a snack bar and wine glass cabinets. Crown molding, granite countertops and cabinets were all customized to match this space with the rest of the stunning kitchen. Dimensions In Wood is more than 40 years of custom cabinets. We always have been, but we want YOU to know just how much more there is to our Dimensions. The Dimensions we cover are endless: custom cabinets, quality water, appliances, countertops, wooden beams, Marvin windows, and more. We can handle every aspect of your kitchen, bathroom or home remodel.

Photo: Dustin Halleck
Open concept kitchen - contemporary galley slate floor and green floor open concept kitchen idea in Chicago with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

Inspiration for a small modern light wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Seattle with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

To spotlight the owners’ worldly decor, this remodel quietly complements the furniture and art textures, colors, and patterns abundant in this beautiful home. The original master bath had a 1980s style in dire need of change. By stealing an adjacent bedroom for the new master closet, the bath transformed into an artistic and spacious space. The jet-black herringbone-patterned floor adds visual interest to highlight the freestanding soaking tub. Schoolhouse-style shell white sconces flank the matching his and her vanities. The new generous master shower features polished nickel dual shower heads and hand shower and is wrapped in Bedrosian Porcelain Manifica Series in Luxe White with satin finish. The kitchen started as dated and isolated. To add flow and more natural light, the wall between the bar and the kitchen was removed, along with exterior windows, which allowed for a complete redesign. The result is a streamlined, open, and light-filled kitchen that flows into the adjacent family room and bar areas – perfect for quiet family nights or entertaining with friends. Crystal Cabinets in white matte sheen with satin brass pulls, and the white matte ceramic backsplash provides a sleek and neutral palette. The newly-designed island features Calacutta Royal Leather Finish quartz and Kohler sink and fixtures. The island cabinets are finished in black sheen to anchor this seating and prep area, featuring round brass pendant fixtures. One end of the island provides the perfect prep and cut area with maple finish butcher block to match the stove hood accents. French White Oak flooring warms the entire area. The Miele 48” Dual Fuel Range with Griddle offers the perfect features for simple or gourmet meal preparation. A new dining nook makes for picture-perfect seating for night or day dining. Welcome to artful living in Worldly Heritage style. Photographer: Andrew - OpenHouse VC

Example of a beach style u-shaped dark wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling open concept kitchen design in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, multicolored backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

Residing in Philadelphia, it only seemed natural for a blue and white color scheme. The combination of Satin White and Colonial Blue creates instant drama in this refaced kitchen. Cambria countertop in Weybourne, include a waterfall side on the peninsula that elevate the design. An elegant backslash in a taupe ceramic adds a subtle backdrop. Photography: Christian Giannelli www.christiangiannelli.com/

Compost Drawer. The Jack + Mare designed and built this custom kitchen and dining remodel for a family in Portland's Sellwood Westmoreland Neighborhood. The wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed to create an inviting and flowing space with custom details in all directions. The custom maple dining table was locally milled and crafted from a tree that had previously fallen in Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood; and the built-in L-shaped maple banquette provides unique comfortable seating with drawer storage beneath. The integrated kitchen and dining room has become the social hub of the house – the table can comfortably sit up to 10 people! Being that the kitchen is visible from the dining room, the refrigerator and dishwasher are hidden behind cabinet door fronts that seamlessly tie-in with the surrounding cabinetry creating a warm and inviting space. The end result is a highly functional kitchen for the chef and a comfortable and practical space for family and friends. Details: custom cabinets (designed by The J+M) with shaker door fronts, a baker's pantry, built-in banquette with integrated storage, custom local silver maple table, solid oak flooring to match original 1925 flooring, white ceramic tile backsplash, new lighting plan featuring a Cedar + Moss pendant, all L.E.D. can lights, Carrara marble countertops, new larger windows to bring in more natural light and new trim. The combined kitchen and dining room is 281 Square feet. Photos by: Jason Quigley Photography

Cooking for Two Location: Plymouth, MN, United States When this couple’s last child graduated from college they began the process of looking for a new home. After a lengthy search they decided to stay with the neighborhood they loved, saving money by remodeling rather than starting over. The top priorities on their wish list were adding character to their 1990’s era home with a classic white kitchen and a larger island while keeping within the existing footprint. With the intention of honing their cooking skills, they were also considering better appliances and two ovens. Challenges and Solutions Design a larger island with seating for at least two. The existing island was small and the area behind the seating was less than recommended clearances. To solve this challenge, the seating area of the island was extended out into the open area of the kitchen. This created a larger island with seating for three, extra storage and a bookshelf across from the range. The original kitchen had a range with microwave above, so adding another oven was a challenge with limited wall space. Because the adjoining dining room is used infrequently, the homeowner was open to placing the second oven and microwave in the walkway. This made room for the small buffet between the built in refrigerator and ovens, creating one of her favorite areas. The client requested a white painted kitchen but wanted to make sure it had warmth and character. To achieve this the following elements were chosen: 1) Cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Capitol White, a luminous and warm shade of white. 2) The Range hood was painted with warm metallic shades to reflect the bronze of the Ashley Norton hardware. 3) Black Aqua Grantique granite was chosen for countertops because it looks like soapstone and adds contrast. 4) Walker Zanger Café tile in Latte was chosen for it’s handmade look with uneven edges. 5) The to-the-counter-cabinet with glass door shows off serving dishes and lends sophisticated charm. The result is a welcoming classic kitchen, where this couple enjoys cooking more often and sharpening their skills with gourmet appliances. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg Photography

This kitchen was designed by Sarah Robertsonof Studio Dearborn for the House Beautiful Whole Home Concept House 2020 in Denver, Colorado. Photos Adam Macchia. For more information, you may visit our website at www.studiodearborn.com or email us at info@studiodearborn.com.

Diamond Reflections cabinets in the Jamestown door style with the slab drawer front option. Cherry stained in Light. Cabinet design and photo by Daniel Clardy AKBD

Eat-in kitchen - large transitional l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

a traditional kitchen of white,grey, and bronze Bernard Andre Photography Duxbury Architects
Inspiration for a transitional l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo by: Chad Holder
Kitchen - mid-sized 1950s u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen idea in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, an island, medium tone wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances

2019 Addition/Remodel by Steven Allen Designs, LLC - Featuring Clean Subtle lines + 42" Front Door + 48" Italian Tiles + Quartz Countertops + Custom Shaker Cabinets + Oak Slat Wall and Trim Accents + Design Fixtures + Artistic Tiles + Wild Wallpaper + Top of Line Appliances

Having a room with a vaulted ceiling greatly opens up the space. ___Aperture Vision Photography___
Eat-in kitchen - large rustic galley ceramic tile eat-in kitchen idea in Other with raised-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, a single-bowl sink and ceramic backsplash

Minimalist l-shaped light wood floor, yellow floor and vaulted ceiling kitchen photo in Raleigh with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

You would think this Alpine stained kitchen would be cold, just like the Alps but it's warm and inviting. The Cambria countertops in Montgomery are luxurious and create an element of luxuxry. The backsplash ads an additional layer of texture that mimicks all the colors in the maple cabinets and countertop. That's what a backsplash should do, pull the whole design together. The room is light, yet warm and inviting. The additional of the small crown modling trim is a subtle accent that frames the room, just like the kick plate. Cabinet refacing can be done in wood or maintenance free laminate. It's all about your personal style. This design along with the quality materials will stand the test of time. Cabinet refacing, saving up to 50% the cost of refacing, allowed for these additional details that really make this design elegant and transitional. David Glasofer

A neutral kitchen done right. The light and bright kitchen decor expands this space and offers a large amount of natural lighting. The different textures in tile flooring, marble counter tops, back splash, and dining table keep it visually interesting, even in the same color.