James McCarthy | Retail Photo Graphics
Example of a large classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

James McCarthy | Retail Photo Graphics
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Stuart Jones Photograph
Mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Raleigh with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

James McCarthy | Retail Photo Graphics
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Other with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

They say lively conversation is the spice of life. And we are talking kitchens – so if open floor plans are de rigueur, and guests gravitate to the kitchen, why is it so difficult to have a multi-person conversation while sitting? Eating islands (and peninsulas) are in vogue for good reason: we spend most of our time in the kitchen socializing while we prep and cook. The problem is that when seated in a row, one can usually only see the person to either side. The guest on either side of your immediate neighbor is left out. Changing that straight line to convex has several effects, not the least of which is livelier conversation. The shape adds to the circumference, providing more personal space for all seated, while not intruding too much (often not more than eight inches); a gentle curve permits all guests to see each other with a nod of the head. Curves tend to soften objects, so a convex island adds a feeling of sensuality. Photography ©2014 Adam Gibson

photo by Sue Steeneken
Small eclectic galley medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Santa Barbara with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, glass countertops, yellow backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Tampa with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, paneled appliances and marble backsplash

Open concept kitchen - contemporary medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Other with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink and a peninsula

Dove White shaker Grabill Cabinetry and soft 4”x8” stacked glass backsplash tiles create a sleek and rectilinear design. The White Galaxy granite countertop, with a radius seating area, marries the two tones, while breaking up the rigid hard lines of the design by creating a visually appealing cohesive room. Ceiling height cabinetry adds volume to the space. The stainless steel appliances contemporize this kitchen while details, like the crown molding, add a traditional touch to this overall transitionally timeless design.

This clean transitional craftsman kitchen features Columbia Cabinetry with Alder stained base and tall cabinets, and French White painted Maple upper cabinetry. The custom drywall hood, finished in French white paint like the upper cabinets, is an elegant focal point to this newly remodeled kitchen. Special features include: curved peninsula, custom built-in breakfast table, and a porcelain tile backsplash with a distressed wood grain texture to complement the new wide-plank hardwood flooring.

Inspiration for a country l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in Denver with a drop-in sink, glass-front cabinets, beige cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Boston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, a peninsula, a farmhouse sink, stone tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

This kitchen received a major "face lift" by painting the existing dark cabinets this light gray and adding some new additions as well. The built in desk area became a beverage center with sub-zero refrigerator built in and glass upper cabinets added. The double ovens were replaced with a steam and convection oven and the slide in range and upper cabinets were replaced with a stainless hood and pull out bottom drawers. Pull out trash cabinet and pan cabinet were added as well as a custom built television frame to mount the tv above the refrigerator and also hide away items not used as often, Calcutta gold quartz replaced the old black granite and subway tile replaced the slate back splash. Glass pendants were added over the peninsula and the counter-top was all lowered to counter level. A new paneled curved bar back was added to the peninsula.

A lovely curved peninsula extends the workspace and offers room for a welcoming buffet.
Inspiration for a large transitional medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in DC Metro with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, gray countertops and stone slab backsplash

Example of a classic brick exterior home design in Cleveland

In the kitchen, crisp white cabinetry by Benchmark Wood Studio joins subway tile and granite countertops for a timeless touch. The island, which matches the alder beams on the ceiling, comfortably seats up to five people in the light and airy space. Photography by Chuck Heiney

Conceptually the Clark Street remodel began with an idea of creating a new entry. The existing home foyer was non-existent and cramped with the back of the stair abutting the front door. By defining an exterior point of entry and creating a radius interior stair, the home instantly opens up and becomes more inviting. From there, further connections to the exterior were made through large sliding doors and a redesigned exterior deck. Taking advantage of the cool coastal climate, this connection to the exterior is natural and seamless Photos by Zack Benson

Tana Photography
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Boise with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Michael Walz
Example of a small trendy galley medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula