2013 NARI CAPITAL COTY, GRAND AWARD WINNER, RESIDENTIAL KTICHEN $80,001 -$120,000 This Old Town Alexandria home was ready for a major kitchen renovation. After 20 years of putting up with the dark, short cabinets and a dysfunctional traffic pattern and layout, the owners were ready to roll up their sleeves and throw this kitchen out the window. Design challenges include a peninsula that was too big for the space, appliance locations that were all over, a stackable washer and dryer in the middle of the kitchen and a lack of storage. The first step toward a remodeling solution was to move the washer and dryer to a new lower level laundry area. That created space for a new built-in refrigerator, microwave/oven cabinet, pantry and angular end cabinets. This move also created more room on the walls of kitchen for added cabinetry and countertops. The cook top was moved to one of the walls with a custom wood hood over it. Having removed the old bulkheads, there was space for taller cabinets and some glass front cabinetry (with inside lights) to display china. Large crown molding, along with big arched valances, legs and corbels made this brushed stoke custom cabinetry really stand out. A big knee wall and a middle post made the breakfast room too closed in and separated from adjacent family room. By installing a couple of structural beams, the space was opened up and dressed up with a large arch opening to replicate the front hall columns. Similarly, the front door separating the front hall to the kitchen was taken off, widened and then had the same panel arch treatment done. Now all the doorways in the home have a very classy, yet sophisticated detailed molding. A previously wasted corner area is now home to a custom hutch cabinet. The middle island, not only improved the traffic flow, but also dressed up this kitchen with its furniture look. The expansion of hardwood flooring, from the front hall into the kitchen and beyond, created a seamless transition to the entire first floor. Use of this highly custom brushed stroke glazed cabinetry in a soft vanilla tone complemented the uniqueness of a slab of granite. The light color tumbled marble backsplash made the glazing of this cabinetry stand out. The transformation of this kitchen was so incredible that no one believes the before photos.

Transitional kitchen remodel featuring three-tone cabinetry, paneled end panels, and a spacious quartz island. Highlights include a custom range hood, herringbone backsplash, built-in double ovens, and integrated refrigeration. A perfect balance of timeless design and modern function.

New Style Cabinets is a place where the artistry of woodworking meets modern ingenuity. In the showroom, this spirit is exemplified through the combination of materials such as wood, stone, and metal as well as artistic elements on display.The subtle angular motifs along the island’s back panel lend a gentle, jewel-like character to this design, while the handmade Moroccan clover ornaments in the back of the cabinetry add another level of sophistication and allow for all elements to come together into a wholly unique look.

Chipper Hatter Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary light wood floor kitchen remodel in San Diego

Enclosed kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, gray backsplash, glass sheet backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A daring combination of forms and finishes yielded an exciting contemporary/industrial hybrid. In a converted wedge-shaped factory building, this loft’s quirky shape was celebrated, not disguised. Contrasting flooring demarcates what is, in fact, a literal work triangle. The island’s unusual five-sided shape proudly reiterates the room’s footprint; the three waterfall ends accentuate its one-of-a-kind geometry. Four different materials were chosen to establish a playful dialogue between light, dark, and texture: caramel-stained rift cut oak on open cabinets; matte charcoal gray paint on tall and wall cabinets; brushed bronze oil-rubbed wire mesh inserts for bases; and panels in a laminate resembling knotty weathered wood. White quartz countertops provide a unifying feature. Open cabinets are singular for their asymmetrical placement and, in some spots, open-ended configuration within the tall units. The breathtaking dining table was fashioned from two free-form live edge planks, joined by a ribbon of clear epoxy resin, thus creating the illusion of a stream meandering through fallen trees. Black elements contribute an industrial edge: an open-framed metal wall shelf over the sink; iron table legs; a mix of dining chairs in mid-century wire mesh, molded plastic, and retro aluminum; and machinery castors on the low-slung coffee table. This project was designed by Bilotta Designer Daniel Popescu in collaboration with MeldNYC. Photography is by Nico Arellano.

Our clients wanted to replace an existing suburban home with a modern house at the same Lexington address where they had lived for years. The structure the clients envisioned would complement their lives and integrate the interior of the home with the natural environment of their generous property. The sleek, angular home is still a respectful neighbor, especially in the evening, when warm light emanates from the expansive transparencies used to open the house to its surroundings. The home re-envisions the suburban neighborhood in which it stands, balancing relationship to the neighborhood with an updated aesthetic. The floor plan is arranged in a “T” shape which includes a two-story wing consisting of individual studies and bedrooms and a single-story common area. The two-story section is arranged with great fluidity between interior and exterior spaces and features generous exterior balconies. A staircase beautifully encased in glass stands as the linchpin between the two areas. The spacious, single-story common area extends from the stairwell and includes a living room and kitchen. A recessed wooden ceiling defines the living room area within the open plan space. Separating common from private spaces has served our clients well. As luck would have it, construction on the house was just finishing up as we entered the Covid lockdown of 2020. Since the studies in the two-story wing were physically and acoustically separate, zoom calls for work could carry on uninterrupted while life happened in the kitchen and living room spaces. The expansive panes of glass, outdoor balconies, and a broad deck along the living room provided our clients with a structured sense of continuity in their lives without compromising their commitment to aesthetically smart and beautiful design.

Serving as the heart of the home, this sleek and sexy kitchen features semi-custom modern slim shaker style cabinetry in Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray. This color, rich in dark brown, black and blue undertones pairs exquisitely with the varied colors and veins within the stunning porcelain counter tops and counter to ceiling back splash. Diminutive flush-mount fixtures in wrapped brass positioned across the ceiling elevates this space even more as opposed to traditional recessed can lighting. Photo: Zeke Ruelas

The kitchen in this Mid Century Modern home is a true showstopper. The designer expanded the original kitchen footprint and doubled the kitchen in size. The walnut dividing wall and walnut cabinets are hallmarks of the original mid century design, while a mix of deep blue cabinets provide a more modern punch. The triangle shape is repeated throughout the kitchen in the backs of the counter stools, the ends of the waterfall island, the light fixtures, the clerestory windows, and the walnut dividing wall.

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Example of a transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Other with gray cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances, white countertops, an island and recessed-panel cabinets

Our clients wanted to replace an existing suburban home with a modern house at the same Lexington address where they had lived for years. The structure the clients envisioned would complement their lives and integrate the interior of the home with the natural environment of their generous property. The sleek, angular home is still a respectful neighbor, especially in the evening, when warm light emanates from the expansive transparencies used to open the house to its surroundings. The home re-envisions the suburban neighborhood in which it stands, balancing relationship to the neighborhood with an updated aesthetic. The floor plan is arranged in a “T” shape which includes a two-story wing consisting of individual studies and bedrooms and a single-story common area. The two-story section is arranged with great fluidity between interior and exterior spaces and features generous exterior balconies. A staircase beautifully encased in glass stands as the linchpin between the two areas. The spacious, single-story common area extends from the stairwell and includes a living room and kitchen. A recessed wooden ceiling defines the living room area within the open plan space. Separating common from private spaces has served our clients well. As luck would have it, construction on the house was just finishing up as we entered the Covid lockdown of 2020. Since the studies in the two-story wing were physically and acoustically separate, zoom calls for work could carry on uninterrupted while life happened in the kitchen and living room spaces. The expansive panes of glass, outdoor balconies, and a broad deck along the living room provided our clients with a structured sense of continuity in their lives without compromising their commitment to aesthetically smart and beautiful design.

A Modern Farmhouse Kitchen with ebonized oak cabinets, stainless steel appliances, silestone counters and natural white oak floors.
Mid-sized trendy l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Chad Jackson Photography
Example of a classic l-shaped kitchen design in Kansas City with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen idea in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, light wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Denver with an island

Photo credit: Scott McDonald @ Hedrich Blessing 7RR-Ecohome: The design objective was to build a house for a couple recently married who both had kids from previous marriages. How to bridge two families together? The design looks forward in terms of how people live today. The home is an experiment in transparency and solid form; removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. The house floor plan is derived by pushing and pulling the house’s form to maximize the backyard and minimize the public front yard while welcoming the sun in key rooms by rotating the house 45-degrees to true north. The angular form of the house is a result of the family’s program, the zoning rules, the lot’s attributes, and the sun’s path. We wanted to construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. We could tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with a nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the siding is installed and the exposed interior beams are placed in the double height space. We engineered the house to be smart which not only looks modern but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades, blinds, HVAC, communication, audio, video, or security. We developed a planning module based on a 6-foot square room size and a 6-foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The house is 6,200 SF of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 9,200 SF. A large formal foyer celebrates the entry and opens up to the living, dining, kitchen and family rooms all focused on the rear garden. The east side of the second floor is the Master wing and a center bridge connects it to the kid’s wing on the west. Second floor terraces and sunscreens provide views and shade in this suburban setting. The playful mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hard-scapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot. Many green attributes were designed into the home; Ipe wood sunscreens and window shades block out unwanted solar gain in summer, but allow winter sun in. Patio door and operable windows provide ample opportunity for natural ventilation throughout the open floor plan. Minimal windows on east and west sides to reduce heat loss in winter and unwanted gains in summer. Open floor plan and large window expanse reduces lighting demands and maximizes available daylight. Skylights provide natural light to the basement rooms. Durable, low-maintenance exterior materials include stone, ipe wood siding and decking, and concrete roof pavers. Design is based on a 2' planning grid to minimize construction waste. Basement foundation walls and slab are highly insulated. FSC-certified walnut wood flooring was used. Light colored concrete roof pavers to reduce cooling loads by as much as 15%. 2x6 framing allows for more insulation and energy savings. Super efficient windows have low-E argon gas filled units, and thermally insulated aluminum frames. Permeable brick and stone pavers reduce the site’s storm-water runoff. Countertops use recycled composite materials. Energy-Star rated furnaces and smart thermostats are located throughout the house to minimize duct runs and avoid energy loss. Energy-Star rated boiler that heats up both radiant floors and domestic hot water. Low-flow toilets and plumbing fixtures are used to conserve water usage. No VOC finish options and direct venting fireplaces maintain a high interior air quality. Smart home system controls lighting, HVAC, and shades to better manage energy use. Plumbing runs through interior walls reducing possibilities of heat loss and freezing problems. A large food pantry was placed next to kitchen to reduce trips to the grocery store. Home office reduces need for automobile transit and associated CO2 footprint. Plan allows for aging in place, with guest suite than can become the master suite, with no need to move as family members mature.

Contemporary kitchen remodel in Chicago Lincoln Park has clean lines with angular waterfall countertop on the island, flat panel/slab cabinetry with mixed wood finishes. Stained cabinets have push latch drawers and white painted cabinetry has sleek modern hardware. Custom Range hood has stainless steel accents. Norman Sizemore-photographer

Our latest project in Harlem involves the transformation of the lower two floors of a four-story brownstone into a vibrant and playful duplex apartment. The design balances functionality with whimsy, creating a bright, welcoming home full of character and personality. The main floor is designed as an open-concept living and kitchen area that maximizes both light and space. The living room is anchored by a striking custom-built floor-to-ceiling unit, which serves as a multifunctional centerpiece, combining a TV entertainment center, a bar, and display shelving. This elegant feature also subtly divides the living area from the staircase leading to the lower level. The kitchen, a focal point of the home, features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that makes full use of the high ceilings, blending grey tones with walnut finishes. A playful multicolored triangular-tiled backsplash adds an element of fun, while large glass sliding doors lead to a newly constructed deck overlooking the backyard. Above the kitchen sink, a generously sized window allows natural light to flood in, transforming what was once a dimly lit space into a bright and inviting area. At the front of the main floor, a small music studio offers flexibility and creativity. This space can be enclosed with floor-to-ceiling aluminum and glass sliding partitions, maintaining the open flow of the layout while offering privacy when needed. A bold powder room further enhances the personality of the space. It features a custom black wall-mounted concrete sink with an angular design that wraps around the toilet. The sink is set against a fullheight mirrored wall, which reflects the dynamic black-and-white graffiti wallpaper, making the compact space both striking and memorable. The lower level is dedicated to the private quarters, designed with comfort and luxury in mind. The primary bedroom suite is a true sanctuary, boasting a spacious ensuite bath with a luxurious open wet-room concept. At its heart is a freestanding white soaking tub, complemented by dark blue hexagonal tiles that cover the floor and extend up the wall behind the double vanities, creating a dramatic and cohesive effect. The toilet is tucked away in a separate room painted in a matching deep blue, adding to the suite’s serene and cohesive ambiance. This level also includes a second bedroom and a guest bath, each reflecting the playful design theme of the home. The guest bathroom is particularly delightful, with sunny white and yellow hexagonal tiles on the walls and a matching yellow tile floor, creating a cheerful and uplifting space. Every detail of this Harlem duplex reflects the client’s vision for a home that feels modern yet full of personality. From the playful material choices to the thoughtful use of light and space, the design celebrates the character of the historic brownstone while embracing contemporary living.