5 Fresh New Kitchens With Custom Details That Wow
These kitchens show how tailored touches like handcrafted islands and bold backsplashes bring function and personality
Custom details are what turn a kitchen from simply stylish into deeply personal. Whether it’s a handcrafted island that feels like furniture, a hidden cabinet that squeezes storage out of every inch or a bold stone backsplash that climbs to the ceiling, these tailored touches make a space feel unique, functional and perfectly suited to the people who use it. In these five kitchens, designers show how thoughtful details can elevate everyday cooking and gathering into something truly special.
2. Historic Charm With Smart Storage
Designer: Kacy Chetelat of KC A&I Design
Contractor: Jones Custom Builders
Location: Denver
Size: 238 square feet (22 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners love to entertain and wanted to have a kitchen that was more connected to the house,” says designer Kacy Chetelat, who uses Houzz Pro software. “The kitchen was originally enclosed on the opposite side of the house. We relocated and made it more connected to the living space.”
Tailored details. “For the cabinetry, we selected Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray, a soft, warm gray-beige color,” Chetelat says. “The countertops are Taj Mahal quartzite, complemented by gray backsplash tiles. We incorporated brass accents throughout the space, including mesh inserts in the upper cabinets. For the island, I chose a medium walnut stained wood. Stained wood is a durable option that holds up well to daily use, and this particular tone will lend an authentic feel to this historic home.”
Designer tip. “My best design tip is to use every inch,” Chetelat says. “Although the kitchen appears to be rectangular, one of the full-height cabinets is only 8 inches deep due to a shower in an adjacent room. Instead of leaving this as a dry-walled area, we designed a custom cabinet that serves as a mini pantry, perfect for storing cans and small boxed items. This clever use of space provides the clients with additional storage without compromising the kitchen’s aesthetic.”
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
Designer: Kacy Chetelat of KC A&I Design
Contractor: Jones Custom Builders
Location: Denver
Size: 238 square feet (22 square meters)
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners love to entertain and wanted to have a kitchen that was more connected to the house,” says designer Kacy Chetelat, who uses Houzz Pro software. “The kitchen was originally enclosed on the opposite side of the house. We relocated and made it more connected to the living space.”
Tailored details. “For the cabinetry, we selected Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray, a soft, warm gray-beige color,” Chetelat says. “The countertops are Taj Mahal quartzite, complemented by gray backsplash tiles. We incorporated brass accents throughout the space, including mesh inserts in the upper cabinets. For the island, I chose a medium walnut stained wood. Stained wood is a durable option that holds up well to daily use, and this particular tone will lend an authentic feel to this historic home.”
Designer tip. “My best design tip is to use every inch,” Chetelat says. “Although the kitchen appears to be rectangular, one of the full-height cabinets is only 8 inches deep due to a shower in an adjacent room. Instead of leaving this as a dry-walled area, we designed a custom cabinet that serves as a mini pantry, perfect for storing cans and small boxed items. This clever use of space provides the clients with additional storage without compromising the kitchen’s aesthetic.”
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
3. Playful Green and Handmade Touches
Designer: Cailey Damron of Corio Design House
Location: Pensacola, Florida
Size: 154 square feet (14 square meters); 11 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners originally thought of this space as more of an afterthought, but through the design process we encouraged them to treat it as an opportunity to introduce some playful color,” designer Cailey Damron says. “It ended up becoming a spot that really surprises and wows their guests.”
Tailored details. “Since this kitchen was designed with budget in mind, we went with prefab cabinetry,” Damron says. “Luckily, one of the semicustom options came in this gorgeous green, so the cabinets became our starting point. From there, we brought in a handmade touch with trapezoid zellige tile, which we love for its color variation and the way it catches the light. Finally, a smoked acacia wood island, also prefab, adds warmth and makes the space feel both cozy and functional.”
Other special features. Brass lighting. Linen blend Roman shades. Engineered wood flooring.
Designer tip. “Good design is all about finding balance, both in budget and in materiality,” Damron says. “In this kitchen, the handmade, imperfect quality of the zellige is paired with the clean, simple silhouette of the acacia island. Mixing higher-end pieces with more budget-friendly options is one of the best ways to create a polished, high-end look while still being mindful of cost.”
Island: Indira, Four Hands; backsplash: Riad Tile
9 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel
Designer: Cailey Damron of Corio Design House
Location: Pensacola, Florida
Size: 154 square feet (14 square meters); 11 by 14 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners originally thought of this space as more of an afterthought, but through the design process we encouraged them to treat it as an opportunity to introduce some playful color,” designer Cailey Damron says. “It ended up becoming a spot that really surprises and wows their guests.”
Tailored details. “Since this kitchen was designed with budget in mind, we went with prefab cabinetry,” Damron says. “Luckily, one of the semicustom options came in this gorgeous green, so the cabinets became our starting point. From there, we brought in a handmade touch with trapezoid zellige tile, which we love for its color variation and the way it catches the light. Finally, a smoked acacia wood island, also prefab, adds warmth and makes the space feel both cozy and functional.”
Other special features. Brass lighting. Linen blend Roman shades. Engineered wood flooring.
Designer tip. “Good design is all about finding balance, both in budget and in materiality,” Damron says. “In this kitchen, the handmade, imperfect quality of the zellige is paired with the clean, simple silhouette of the acacia island. Mixing higher-end pieces with more budget-friendly options is one of the best ways to create a polished, high-end look while still being mindful of cost.”
Island: Indira, Four Hands; backsplash: Riad Tile
9 Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel
4. Old-World Craft Meets Texas Hill Country Warmth
Builder: Younger Homes
Designer: Ashley Moore at Home
Location: Lago Vista, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned a timeless, tailored kitchen with a sense of warmth, texture and craftsmanship that would serve as the heart of the home,” Younger Homes owner Danielle Younger says. “Having traveled and lived in many places throughout the world, they wanted this kitchen to evoke an old-world feel so that their collection of antiques and treasures gathered during their travels would seamlessly integrate into their new home. They also wanted an open, airy space that would feel equally appropriate for family cooking and large gatherings. Functionally, they needed generous prep space, integrated storage and a layout that allows multiple people to cook or entertain without crowding.”
Tailored details. “The backsplash wall is veneer Ocean Blue fieldstone laid in an irregular pattern that climbs from the countertops all the way up the vaulted ceiling and wraps the custom plaster range hood, giving the kitchen an old-world texture and grounding the space,” Younger says. “The countertops are Dekton, with subtle gray veining and an off-white base that provides an elegant, classic contrast to the rustic stone and warm wood. The island top is carefully pieced together to give the appearance of a seamless single slab.
“Rift-cut white oak cabinetry has inset doors and drawers on the island. Perimeter cabinetry, walls and trim are all painted Sherwin-Williams Snowbound to contrast perfectly with the wood tones and let the stone wall take center stage. These tailored details balance rugged Hill Country materials with refined European styling. Brass hardware and lighting add a tailored, jewel-like accent.”
Other special features. Custom plaster range hood with an elegant curve. Globe pendant lights with brass bands for a sculptural statement. White oak flooring. “This home was built with high-quality finishes to protect the owners’ health and the surrounding environment, achieving EPA Indoor AirPlus certification — assuring optimal indoor air quality — as well as Energy Star certification — ensuring the home uses less energy and is built to a high standard for both efficiency and health,” Younger says.
Designer tip. “Mix contrasting textures — stone, plaster, wood, marble and brass — to create depth and interest while keeping the palette neutral,” Younger says. “We also recommend running the stone backsplash full height for a dramatic yet cohesive look; it eliminates upper visual breaks and highlights a vaulted ceiling beautifully.”
Pendant lights: Broomley, Corbett Lighting
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
Builder: Younger Homes
Designer: Ashley Moore at Home
Location: Lago Vista, Texas
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowners envisioned a timeless, tailored kitchen with a sense of warmth, texture and craftsmanship that would serve as the heart of the home,” Younger Homes owner Danielle Younger says. “Having traveled and lived in many places throughout the world, they wanted this kitchen to evoke an old-world feel so that their collection of antiques and treasures gathered during their travels would seamlessly integrate into their new home. They also wanted an open, airy space that would feel equally appropriate for family cooking and large gatherings. Functionally, they needed generous prep space, integrated storage and a layout that allows multiple people to cook or entertain without crowding.”
Tailored details. “The backsplash wall is veneer Ocean Blue fieldstone laid in an irregular pattern that climbs from the countertops all the way up the vaulted ceiling and wraps the custom plaster range hood, giving the kitchen an old-world texture and grounding the space,” Younger says. “The countertops are Dekton, with subtle gray veining and an off-white base that provides an elegant, classic contrast to the rustic stone and warm wood. The island top is carefully pieced together to give the appearance of a seamless single slab.
“Rift-cut white oak cabinetry has inset doors and drawers on the island. Perimeter cabinetry, walls and trim are all painted Sherwin-Williams Snowbound to contrast perfectly with the wood tones and let the stone wall take center stage. These tailored details balance rugged Hill Country materials with refined European styling. Brass hardware and lighting add a tailored, jewel-like accent.”
Other special features. Custom plaster range hood with an elegant curve. Globe pendant lights with brass bands for a sculptural statement. White oak flooring. “This home was built with high-quality finishes to protect the owners’ health and the surrounding environment, achieving EPA Indoor AirPlus certification — assuring optimal indoor air quality — as well as Energy Star certification — ensuring the home uses less energy and is built to a high standard for both efficiency and health,” Younger says.
Designer tip. “Mix contrasting textures — stone, plaster, wood, marble and brass — to create depth and interest while keeping the palette neutral,” Younger says. “We also recommend running the stone backsplash full height for a dramatic yet cohesive look; it eliminates upper visual breaks and highlights a vaulted ceiling beautifully.”
Pendant lights: Broomley, Corbett Lighting
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
5. Classic Shaker With a Modern Twist
Designers: Ben Block of Block Brothers, in collaboration with Heidi Lachapelle Interiors
Location: Freeport, Maine
Size: 288 square feet (27 square meters); 16 by 18 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner was inspired by traditional inset Shaker cabinetry and design sensibilities, with a bit of a modern touch,” custom cabinetmaker Ben Block says. “The homeowner wanted the kitchen to feel integrated with the original house, using simple, timeless materials like soapstone and walnut, paired with a muted, neutral palette. It was important to them that the kitchen felt like it was always there. Functionality was key — ample storage, a large pantry with spice organization and smart millwork to accommodate the realities of busy family life, while still incorporating playful, beautiful touches.”
Tailored details. The cabinets and nickel-gap paneling are painted Oxford Stone by Farrow & Ball. The pantry interior and bar cabinet are Suede Brown by Benjamin Moore. The island countertop is walnut, custom-made by Block Brothers. “The island itself was designed to be a piece of furniture, consistent with traditional English design, while still allowing for ample storage for the demands of family life,” Block says. “For our wood countertops, our team selects every board by hand and finishes them with a hand-rubbed oil and wax, which allow us to highlight the wood’s natural properties.” The countertop and backsplash are soapstone.
“Uh-oh” moment. “The challenge was creating an island that looked like furniture while keeping it functional for daily life,” Block says. “From a design perspective, we had the challenge of trying to seat the whole family while also creating ample usable storage and preventing it from feeling like too much of a monstrosity taking up the room. Carrying the nickel-gap detail from the wall paneling helped it feel like a natural fit in the space.”
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Designers: Ben Block of Block Brothers, in collaboration with Heidi Lachapelle Interiors
Location: Freeport, Maine
Size: 288 square feet (27 square meters); 16 by 18 feet
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner was inspired by traditional inset Shaker cabinetry and design sensibilities, with a bit of a modern touch,” custom cabinetmaker Ben Block says. “The homeowner wanted the kitchen to feel integrated with the original house, using simple, timeless materials like soapstone and walnut, paired with a muted, neutral palette. It was important to them that the kitchen felt like it was always there. Functionality was key — ample storage, a large pantry with spice organization and smart millwork to accommodate the realities of busy family life, while still incorporating playful, beautiful touches.”
Tailored details. The cabinets and nickel-gap paneling are painted Oxford Stone by Farrow & Ball. The pantry interior and bar cabinet are Suede Brown by Benjamin Moore. The island countertop is walnut, custom-made by Block Brothers. “The island itself was designed to be a piece of furniture, consistent with traditional English design, while still allowing for ample storage for the demands of family life,” Block says. “For our wood countertops, our team selects every board by hand and finishes them with a hand-rubbed oil and wax, which allow us to highlight the wood’s natural properties.” The countertop and backsplash are soapstone.
“Uh-oh” moment. “The challenge was creating an island that looked like furniture while keeping it functional for daily life,” Block says. “From a design perspective, we had the challenge of trying to seat the whole family while also creating ample usable storage and preventing it from feeling like too much of a monstrosity taking up the room. Carrying the nickel-gap detail from the wall paneling helped it feel like a natural fit in the space.”
More on Houzz
Read more stories
Browse photos for ideas
Find a home professional
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VA & MD Architectural Design-Build Firm | 6x Best of Houzz Winner
Designer: Kamber Mason Design
Location: Fairfax, California
Homeowners’ request. “The homeowner wanted to open up her small and closed-off kitchen to the adjacent rooms, making the kitchen larger and more inviting to work and entertain in,” designer Kamber Mason says. “We celebrated the visual warmth of texture while balancing high and low, masculine and feminine elements to create a home that feels layered, inviting and deeply personal.”
Tailored details. “The countertops and backsplash are Calacatta Royale porcelain in a silk finish by Neolith,” Mason says. “The large central kitchen island houses a stainless steel undermount sink, with the Kohler Edalyn bridge faucet with side sprayer in vibrant polished nickel by Studio McGee. Other features of the island include a double trash pullout, loads of functional storage with rollout shelving and added cabinetry hidden under the bar seating area. The island is made of rift white oak with a truffle stain. The new hardwood floors are also white oak but in a lighter and more contemporary finish, adding to that blended and layered overall theme. The vaulted ceiling treatment is tongue-and-groove wood painted Benjamin Moore’s Simply White with exposed Douglas fir beams stained black. The most notable of the wood finishes is the reclaimed beam applied as a mantel over the range and its other cut half applied as the new fireplace mantel in the adjacent living room, tying the two spaces together visually and materially.”
Other special features. “The range hood consists of a Vent-a-Hood liner and blower housed inside a large and custom-designed and -built surround finished in a hand-applied textured plaster,” Mason says. “The overall scale and texture are meant to mirror the scale and stone texture of the living room fireplace across the open-concept spaces, and it all is meant to connect at the most basic level with the natural mountainous environment outside the many windows. The hood surround stands out as the focal point in the kitchen. but its contrasting counterpart is the more sleek, stylish and refined dining room glass china cabinet with its reflective glass and higher sheen cabinet finish in black.”
Project photos: David Duncan Livingston
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