A 1927 colonial home in Shaker Heights, Ohio, received a breathtaking renovation that required extensive work, transforming it from a tucked away, utilitarian space, to an all-purpose gathering room, a role that most kitchens embrace in a home today. The scope of work changed over the course of the project, starting more minimalistically and then quickly becoming the main focus of the house's remodeling, resulting in a staircase being relocated and walls being torn down to create an inviting focal point to the home where family and friends could connect. The focus of the functionality was to allow for multiple prep areas with the inclusion of two islands and sinks, two eating areas (one for impromptu snacking and small meals of younger family members and friends on island no. two and a built-in bench seat for everyday meals in the immediate family). The kitchen was equipped with all Subzero and Wolf appliances, including a 48" range top with a 12" griddle, two double ovens, a 42" built-in side by side refrigerator and freezer, a microwave drawer on island no. one and a beverage center and icemaker in island no. two. The aesthetic feeling embraces the architectural feel of the home while adding a modern sensibility with the revamped layout and graphic elements that tie the color palette of whites, chocolate and charcoal. The cabinets were custom made and outfitted with beaded inset doors with a Shaker panel frame and finished in Benjamin Moore's OC-17 White Dove, a soft white that allowed for the kitchen to feel warm while still maintaining its brightness. Accents of walnut were added to create a sense of warmth, including a custom premium grade walnut countertop on island no. one from Brooks Custom and a TV cabinet with a doggie feeding station beneath. Bringing the cabinet line to the 8'6" ceiling height helps the room feel taller and bold light fixtures at the islands and eating area add detail to an otherwise simpler ceiling detail. The 1 1/4" countertops feature Calacatta Gold Marble with an ogee edge detail. Special touches on the interiors include secret storage panels, an appliance garage, breadbox, pull-out drawers behind the cabinet doors and all soft-close hinges and drawer glides. A kneading area was made as a part of island no. one for the homeowners' love of baking, complete with a stone top allowing for dough to stay cool. Baskets beneath store kitchen essentials that need air circulation. The room adjacent to the kitchen was converted to a hearth room (from a formal dining room) to extend the kitchen's living space and allow for a natural spillover for family and guests to spill into. Jason Miller, Pixelate

© magnus stark
Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped beige floor kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and brown countertops

Example of a large classic u-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash and two islands

The architect’s plans had a single island with large windows on both main walls. The one window overlooked the unattractive side of a neighbor’s house while the other was not large enough to see the beautiful large back yard. The kitchen entry location made the mudroom extremely small and left only a few design options for the kitchen layout. The almost 14’ high ceilings also gave lots of opportunities for a unique design, but care had to be taken to still make the space feel warm and cozy. After drawing four design options, one was chosen that relocated the entry from the mudroom, making the mudroom a lot more accessible. A prep island across from the range and an entertaining island were included. The entertaining island included a beverage refrigerator for guests to congregate around and to help them stay out of the kitchen work areas. The small island appeared to be floating on legs and incorporates a sink and single dishwasher drawer for easy clean up of pots and pans.

Photography by IBI Designs ( http://www.ibidesigns.com/)

Large kitchen with open floor plan. Double islands, custom cabinets, wood ceiling, hardwood floors. Beautiful All White Siding Country Home with Spacious Brick Floor Front Porch. Home Features Hardwood Flooring and Ceilings in Foyer and Kitchen. Rustic Family Room includes Stone Fireplace as well as a Vaulted Exposed Beam Ceiling. A Second Stone Fireplace Overlooks the Eating Area. The Kitchen Hosts Two Granite Counter Top Islands, Stainless Steel Appliances, Lots of Counter Tops Space and Natural Lighting. Large Master Bath. Outdoor Living Space includes a Covered Brick Patio with Brick Fireplace as well as a Swimming Pool with Water Slide and a in Ground Hot Tub.

RIKB Design Build, Warwick, Rhode Island, 2021 Regional CotY Award Winner Residential Addition $100,000 to $250,000
Example of a large classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and exposed beam enclosed kitchen design in Providence with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and white countertops

Architecture & Interior Design: David Heide Design Studio -- Photos: Susan Gilmore
Example of a huge arts and crafts u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances and two islands

Large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen photo in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, gray countertops and two islands

Huge farmhouse u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Austin with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, beige backsplash, paneled appliances, two islands, white countertops, marble countertops and terra-cotta backsplash

Furniture toe details throughout kitchen. Fridge/freezer Sub-Zero units. All switches and outlets are underneath upper cabinetry to keep a clean backsplash.

Example of a huge minimalist u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, terra-cotta backsplash, paneled appliances, two islands and white countertops

The kitchen pantry is a camouflaged, surprising feature and fun topic of discussion. Its entry is created using doors fabricated from the cabinets.
Large minimalist u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry photo in Atlanta with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and white countertops

View of Kitchen looking towards dining room and outdoor cafe: Island contemporary kitchen in Naples, Florida. Features custom cabinetry and finishes, double islands, Wolf/Sub-Zero appliances, super wide Pompeii stone 3 inch counter tops, and Adorne switches and outlets. 41 West Coastal Retreat Series reveals creative, fresh ideas, for a new look to define the casual beach lifestyle of Naples. More than a dozen custom variations and sizes are available to be built on your lot. From this spacious 3,000 square foot, 3 bedroom model, to larger 4 and 5 bedroom versions ranging from 3,500 - 10,000 square feet, including guest house options.

Pure One Photography
Example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped light wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Nashville with two islands, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a farmhouse sink

Inspiration for a large rustic u-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Portland with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, multicolored backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and gray countertops

Example of a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam open concept kitchen design in Chicago with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash, paneled appliances, two islands and multicolored countertops

Kitchen - traditional u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen idea in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, two islands, granite countertops and ceramic backsplash

An open plan kitchen with white shaker cabinets and natural wood island. The upper cabinets have glass doors and frame the window looking into the yard ensuring a light and open feel to the room. Marble subway tile and island counter contrasts with the taupe Neolith counter surface. Shiplap detail was repeated on the buffet and island. The buffet is utilized as a serving center for large events. Photo: Jean Bai / Konstrukt Photo