Embracing an authentic Craftsman-styled kitchen was one of the primary objectives for these New Jersey clients. They envisioned bending traditional hand-craftsmanship and modern amenities into a chef inspired kitchen. The woodwork in adjacent rooms help to facilitate a vision for this space to create a free-flowing open concept for family and friends to enjoy. This kitchen takes inspiration from nature and its color palette is dominated by neutral and earth tones. Traditionally characterized with strong deep colors, the simplistic cherry cabinetry allows for straight, clean lines throughout the space. A green subway tile backsplash and granite countertops help to tie in additional earth tones and allow for the natural wood to be prominently displayed. The rugged character of the perimeter is seamlessly tied into the center island. Featuring chef inspired appliances, the island incorporates a cherry butchers block to provide additional prep space and seating for family and friends. The free-standing stainless-steel hood helps to transform this Craftsman-style kitchen into a 21st century treasure.

Grand, traditional style, formal kitchen with 10 ft ceilings and custom cherry cabinetry. Viking downdraft hood in island, sub zero fridge, dark chocolate granite with full height back splash

The kitchen in this custom home designed by H2D Architecture + Design blends refined detailing with everyday functionality. A large central island anchors the space, offering generous room for meal preparation, casual dining, and gathering. White stainless appliances provide a sleek, contemporary touch, complemented by a built-in, panel-ready refrigerator that maintains the kitchen’s seamless aesthetic. The hood, wrapped in matching cabinetry material, creates a cohesive focal point while subtle detailing in the pendants above the island adds warmth and visual interest. Expansive windows overlook the private wooded yard, filling the kitchen with natural light and connecting the heart of the home to its serene surroundings. + Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design + Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design www.h2darchitects.com + Built by: Rainier Custom Homes + Photography: Anastasiya Homes

Here is an example of DEANE Inc’s custom cabinetry in this fresh and beautiful bar layout. Perfect for entertaining, this new look provides easy access with both opened and closed shelving as well as a wine cooler and sink perfect for having guests.

Fin and Pike love their new dog dish cabinet drawer. It's a more convenient height for the two larger dogs. It took many photos to finally catch them both looking at the camera. Custom distressed rustic cherry cabinetry and honed granite counter tops. Photo by: Tom Martineau (Martineau Design)

Marlon Duenas
Open concept kitchen - large traditional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in San Francisco with raised-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz countertops, an island, a farmhouse sink, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Example of a large classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

The side of the island has convenient storage for cookbooks and other essentials. The strand woven bamboo flooring looks modern, but tones with the oak flooring in the rest of the house. Photos by- Michele Lee Willson

Example of a large transitional l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen design in Denver with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Other with raised-panel cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a single-bowl sink, dark wood cabinets, stone tile backsplash and an island

Open concept kitchen - large transitional l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Denver with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Cherry cabinetry in Burnished Cabernet creates an elegant and inviting place to bake cookies or enjoy a cup of tea in this traditional kitchen.
Example of a mid-sized classic l-shaped eat-in kitchen design in Detroit with medium tone wood cabinets and an island

Eat-in kitchen - large traditional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen idea in Denver with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an island, an undermount sink, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, black backsplash, stone slab backsplash and black countertops

This was your basic builder spec kitchen, totally white and boring. With new dark cherry cabinets, modern hardware, stainless steel appliances, under cabinet lighting, a stone backsplash, and granite countertops, this kitchen has completely morphed into a dream kitchen.

Cabinetry finished in Golden Lager and Midnight blends beautifully with accessories, old and new.
Mid-sized elegant u-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in Detroit with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash and an island

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Other

This built-in buffet off of the dining area features a mix of stained, cherry cabinetry and painted, gray cabinetry by Crystal Cabinets. Hardware is Subtle Surge by Berenson. Flooring is Mannington Adura Max, Aspen, Lodge. Wall color is Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.

2011 NARI CAPITAL COTY GRAND AWARD WINNER A single family home in Oakton, VA built in late 80’ was occupied by family of four for 10 years. The owner wishes to expand the living space, finish the basement, add a sunroom/breakfast area addition, eliminate the deck and put in a screen porch. Also convert the laundry room to office/mudroom area. It took months of planning to get into the final design. We have implemented a plan that had a two story back addition (both basement level and first level). This required removing the cinder block wall of basement to add the seamless addition, and removing the entire first level back wall of kitchen to open up kitchen into sunroom. The major challenge was to re-route all duct work going to second level, add ducts for basement and first level to existing system. Then add a second HVAC system in attic for entire second level. Then change all load structure for tow story addition to side wall and new walls to have entire width opened up. The basement has gained a new bar area, a total new bathroom with shower and large vanities and all amenities, media area with gas fireplace and mantel surrounded with matching cherry bookcases and granite tops, recess lights, surround sound system, wood floor and steps, new sewer ejection system due to their difficult septic tank. The new French doors lead into back bricked patio The first floor gained this new 16’x20’ cathedral ceiling sunroom/breakfast addition surrounded with large arched windows and French slider leading into new screen porch. The kitchen lay-out gained three more feet in width. Also by removing partition wall between kitchen and existing family room. The first floor now has total open floor plan. The fireplace in existing family room was converted to gas and got marble surround and new mantel. All bulkhead and part of partition walls contained massive plumbing and electrical that needed to be relocated in order to implement the new kitchen layout. This design has much more appliances and a beautiful large furniture style island that is the focal point of this kitchen done in espresso color cherry cabinetry and contrasting light color exotic stove top lighted by two crystal chandeliers. The wrap around of cherry cabinetry in the kitchen with expended cabinetry into butler area and bookcases and bench in sunroom has given this couple lots to fill in. The entire first floor and leading stairs to second floor and part of the second floor was all covered with new 5” wide exotic Santos Mahogany wood floors and new railings. The powder room has been reconfigured to allow larger hallway and with new furniture style vanity this powder room even small than before but has better layout and space. The old Laundry room and has been converted to a 10’x15’ area of multipurpose space. On the left wall there are locker style cabinetry and bench. One the left wall built in and desk area with tones of storage space. The washer and dryer are install into a closet, away from site. A set of French doors were installed into the new back deck and screen porch. The large porcelain floors made the space look even larger and more utilitarian. Use of cherry cabinetry on deck and bookcase with recess lighting scaled up look of the space. The new kitchen, family room and sun room with the rich cherry cabinetry and darker granite top, tumbled marble backsplash and wide board mahogany floors, upper scale stainless steel appliances and furniture style distressed look darker wood Island and light granite have made this project a breathtaking one. The added side screen porch done with Trex decking and cathedral ceiling covered in beaded panel and corner gas fireplace all around covered with Ledgestone has given this family a place to retire in for all those autumn afternoons and much more. The major overhaul of this home from replacement of all existing doors and windows, flooring, crown molding and trim, stairs, entire first floor reface, new siding , new roofing, new electrical, new HVAC, entire new basement, bathroom, mud room, screen porch and lots more makes these owner proud to stay in this home for years to come.