Energy Efficiency Model Home Contemporary Kitchen

6. Greenish black. A greenish-black stain on wood that has strong linear graining is a bold choice and works well with the bright aqua island in this contemporary kitchen.

The kitchen is set off from the rest of the house. One of the clients wanted a space where she could cook and prep food privately, without being interrupted by guests. The island and countertops are barely visible from the kitchen entry, too, so the mess can be easily hidden. Forest Stewardship Council–certified bamboo cabinets have a dark gray zero-VOC stain. The custom green cement island adds color and a whimsical touch. A four-panel bifold glass door on the right opens to a shaded exterior dining area. Kitchen cabinetry: Jerry Short Custom Cabinetry; island: custom green concrete blend; countertops: concrete; hood: Ventahood; faucet: Danze; espresso maker, oven, range: Miele

5. Try angles. The custom green cement island in this contemporary home has a unique shape that catches the eye while maintaining a slim footprint. Too many details would clutter a look like this, so keep it simple with a gooseneck spout and minimalist hardware.

3. Create drama with a single pastel accent. An unexpected burst of bright color in an otherwise neutral or monochromatic space never fails to make a dramatic statement … and the same goes when you add a single pop of a pastel shade to a similar scheme, even though pale tones are generally less bold and vibrant.This contemporary cooking zone shows this idea in action. Here the soft sea-green-tinged concrete island commands all the attention, thanks to its striking sorbet color, which pops against the room’s moody palette and instantly brightens up the space. Its angular design makes the freestanding piece a standout too.Tip: Not quite ready to commit to using a pastel hue on a permanent fixture in your kitchen or another area in your home? Rather than choosing a pastel color for the island, another permanent structure (such as cabinetry) or a big-ticket item (such as furniture), introduce a single splash of color in the form of smaller or removable items or design features, such as a pendant light, artwork, a rug, curtains or a painted feature wall, that will be easy to replace or alter once your love affair with your pastel of choice is over.

Not sure how exactly it's energy efficientbut I'm sure it is somehow.

contrast between stone and bright blue

How they saved space with angled island