The homeowners invited us in to their home with hopes of updating it's aesthetics, fixing some functional nightmares, and creating an open but still intimate space for small gatherings. Our changes included; removing a large wet bar area, partially removing the wall between the living and kitchen, and opening the formal dining to the kitchen by removing a cased opening between the two rooms. By making these changes, along with many cabinet and appliance location adjustments, a cordially inviting space was achieved. Now the home matches the owner's charm and hospitable spirit.

Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and black countertops

This project began with the goal of updating both style and function to allow for improved ease of use for a wheelchair. The previous space was overstuffed with an island that didn't really fit, an over-sized fridge in a location that complicated a primary doorway, and a 42" tall high bar that was inaccessible from a wheelchair. Our clients desired a space that would improve wheelchair use for both cooking or just being in the room, yet did not look like an ADA space. It became a story of less is more, and subtle, thoughtful changes from a standard design. After working through options, we designed an open floorplan that provided a galley kitchen function with a full 5 ft walkway by use of a peninsula open to the family den. This peninsula is highlighted by a drop down, table-height countertop wrapping the end and long backside that is now accessible to all members of the family by providing a perfect height for a flexible workstation in a wheelchair or comfortable entertaining on the backside. We then dropped the height for cooking at the new induction cooktop and created knee space below. Further, we specified an apron front sink that brings the sink closer in reach than a traditional undermount sink that would have countertop rimming in front. An articulating faucet with no limitations on reach provides full range of access in the sink. The ovens and microwave were also situated at a height comfortable for use from a wheelchair. Where a refrigerator used to block the doorway, a pull out is now located giving easy access to dry goods for cooks at all heights. Every element within the space was considered for the impact to our homes occupants - wheelchair or not, even the doorswing on the microwave. Now our client has a kitchen that every member of the family can use and be a part of. Simple design, with a well-thought out plan, makes a difference in the lives of another family. Photos by David Cobb Photography

Inspiration for a large transitional galley porcelain tile and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, multicolored backsplash, porcelain backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops

Teak veneer with white lacquered half-deep wall cabinets. Backsplash tile is actually 3-dimensional
Mid-sized 1950s galley porcelain tile and beige floor enclosed kitchen photo in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, porcelain backsplash, paneled appliances, no island and white countertops

Inspiration for a small transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized modern galley porcelain tile and gray floor eat-in kitchen idea in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, multicolored backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Dustin Halleck
Mid-sized transitional galley travertine floor and gray floor eat-in kitchen photo in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Francine Fleischer Photography
Small elegant galley porcelain tile and blue floor enclosed kitchen photo in New York with white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island, an integrated sink and flat-panel cabinets

Example of a mid-sized transitional galley laminate floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen design in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and black countertops

Blake Stevens, NoCo House Buyers & Aronn Williamson, Longs Peak Media
Inspiration for a transitional galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Denver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

A new portal surrounded by floor to ceiling cabinets opens to the formal dining room and provides easy access and flow from the kitchen. Eric Rorer Photography

Family making kombucha at the large walnut and marble island.
Example of a large cottage galley travertine floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in Tampa with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Grand architecturally detailed stone family home. Each interior uniquely customized. Architect: Mike Sharrett of Sharrett Design Interior Designer: Laura Ramsey Engler of Ramsey Engler, Ltd.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client was referred to us from a past client. They are a busy 2-career household with young children and enjoy entertaining friends and family in their home. They have a beautiful open concept home but unfortunately the kitchen was not fitting for the rest of the home. They were not quite sure what to do with the space. We talked about trying to refresh it or do more of a minor remodel, but in the end they decided a full gut would get them to where they wanted to be. One problem was there was no place for guests to hang out other than the large and awkward banquette area. The brick wall and tiled hood area were feeling a bit dated and tired. The space was just not functional for their lifestyle. There was no prep space near the cooktop and no landing area for items coming out of the ovens or refrigerator, plus a big dead zone in the center of the room. Banquettes, like the one they previously had in the space, are great for small spaces, but when they get really large like this one, it makes getting in and out of the seating area awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, there was room for a large table, so we eliminated the awkward built in. We started by removing the faux brick wall between the kitchen and back entry. We relocated the entry to the garage over a couple feet in order to get every last inch out of the new kitchen. We also made the decision to close up the primary window that faced the pretty ho hum brick wall of the neighbor’s house. There was plenty of light coming in from the seating area, so we just didn’t feel the window was adding much to the room. Construction went smoothy. There was a bit of rework with electrical, flooring and HVAC, but in the end, we think it was well worth it. The clients really wanted a sleek contemporary look, and we originally had planned for a full height slab backsplash, but due to it’s size, it was a budget buster. Instead, we got creative and settled on large format porcelain tiles that have a similar feel but were a fraction of the cost. We made sure the wall was plumb and level so that the fit and finish would mimic that of slab material. The final space was quite a change. A large prep sink sits directly across from the new pro-style range with plenty additional prep space on the large island. The refrigerator and ovens now have miles of landing space, and a nice tight work triangle makes cooking a breeze. Since we wanted a more contemporary feel, not many wall cabinets were included. Instead, we outfitted some of the drawers for dish storage with a peg system. Two large pantries flanking the refrigerator hold baking supplies and small appliances. Large drawers by the cooktop hold pots and pans, and an appliance garage tucked away to the left of the range hides away miscellaneous items. The large island also houses a microwave drawer and tons of storage, most of which is drawers offering maximum convenience. The island now seats 5-6 people comfortably along with the new table in the seating area which can seat up to 8. Entertaining will be a breeze in this space. With such a clean backdrop, we knew we would need some drama with the lighting, so we chose two sets of staggered pendants, which we adjusted for the right visual balance above the island. We also included a small coffee station to the right of the main kitchen, which helps keep the coffee clutter out of the kitchen proper. Two tones of complimentary gray are featured in this kitchen. The perimeter is a light gray that reads almost white. The island is a gray stain that adds some depth and interest with the visible wood texture. The countertops are clean white quartz, and the hardware, barstools and light fixtures add warm brass tones. I see lots of cooking and entertaining with family and friends in the near future in this bright and airy new space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

©Teague Hunziker
Inspiration for a small 1960s galley porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, tile countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Renee Alexander
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley brown floor and dark wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a huge classic galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Jacksonville with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, limestone countertops, an undermount sink and porcelain backsplash

Ryan Edwards
Mid-sized arts and crafts galley dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Raleigh with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island