Photography by John Merkl
Inspiration for a contemporary light wood floor and beige floor kitchen remodel in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, purple cabinets and stainless steel appliances

These clients came to my office looking for an architect who could design their "empty nest" home that would be the focus of their soon to be extended family. A place where the kids and grand kids would want to hang out: with a pool, open family room/ kitchen, garden; but also one-story so there wouldn't be any unnecessary stairs to climb. They wanted the design to feel like "old Pasadena" with the coziness and attention to detail that the era embraced. My sensibilities led me to recall the wonderful classic mansions of San Marino, so I designed a manor house clad in trim Bluestone with a steep French slate roof and clean white entry, eave and dormer moldings that would blend organically with the future hardscape plan and thoughtfully landscaped grounds. The site was a deep, flat lot that had been half of the old Joan Crawford estate; the part that had an abandoned swimming pool and small cabana. I envisioned a pavilion filled with natural light set in a beautifully planted park with garden views from all sides. Having a one-story house allowed for tall and interesting shaped ceilings that carved into the sheer angles of the roof. The most private area of the house would be the central loggia with skylights ensconced in a deep woodwork lattice grid and would be reminiscent of the outdoor “Salas” found in early Californian homes. The family would soon gather there and enjoy warm afternoons and the wonderfully cool evening hours together. Working with interior designer Jeffrey Hitchcock, we designed an open family room/kitchen with high dark wood beamed ceilings, dormer windows for daylight, custom raised panel cabinetry, granite counters and a textured glass tile splash. Natural light and gentle breezes flow through the many French doors and windows located to accommodate not only the garden views, but the prevailing sun and wind as well. The graceful living room features a dramatic vaulted white painted wood ceiling and grand fireplace flanked by generous double hung French windows and elegant drapery. A deeply cased opening draws one into the wainscot paneled dining room that is highlighted by hand painted scenic wallpaper and a barrel vaulted ceiling. The walnut paneled library opens up to reveal the waterfall feature in the back garden. Equally picturesque and restful is the view from the rotunda in the master bedroom suite. Architect: Ward Jewell Architect, AIA Interior Design: Jeffrey Hitchcock Enterprises Contractor: Synergy General Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: LZ Design Group, Inc. Photography: Laura Hull

jeff herr photography
Small transitional l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, concrete countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Boxford, MA kitchen renovation designed by north of Boston kitchen design showroom Heartwood Kitchens. This kitchen includes white painted cabinetry with a glaze and dark wood island. Heartwood included a large, deep boxed out window on the window wall to brighten up the kitchen. This kitchen includes a large island with seating for 4, Wolf range, Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, large pantry cabinets and glass front china cabinet. Island/Tabletop items provided by Savoir Faire Home Andover, MA Oriental rugs from First Rugs in Acton, MA Photo credit: Eric Roth Photography.

Kitchen - kitchen idea in Minneapolis

Photo: Caela McKeever © 2015 Houzz
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Seattle

Make the challenge of kitchen storage a thing of the past with Wall Control's rustic and trendy metal pegboard panels. Any empty kitchen wall can be turned into valuable storage space with a Wall Control pegboard to free up those valuable cabinets and drawers. These panels are attractive, strong, and affordable making them a cramped kitchen's best friend. Thanks for the great customer photo Elizabeth! #WallControl #KitchenPegboard #KitchenOrganization #KitchenStorageIdeas #KitchenWallOrganizer #RusticKitchen

Example of a 1950s kitchen design in San Francisco

Mid-sized elegant dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Holland Photography
Transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Seattle with shaker cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

THE SETUP Once these empty nest homeowners decided to stay put, they knew a new kitchen was in order. Passionate about cooking, entertaining, and hosting holiday gatherings, they found their existing kitchen inadequate. The space, with its traditional style and outdated layout, was far from ideal. They longed for an elegant, timeless kitchen that was not only show-stopping but also functional, seamlessly catering to both their daily routines and special occasions with friends and family. Another key factor was its future appeal to potential buyers, as they’re ready to enjoy their new kitchen while also considering downsizing in the future. Design Objectives: Create a more streamlined, open space Eliminate traditional elements Improve flow for entertaining and everyday use Omit dated posts and soffits Include storage for small appliances to keep counters clutter-free Address mail organization and phone charging concerns THE REMODEL Design Challenges: Compensate for lost storage from omitted wall cabinets Revise floorplan to feature a single, spacious island Enhance island seating proximity for a more engaging atmosphere Address awkward space above existing built-ins Improve natural light blocked by wall cabinet near the window Create a highly functional space tailored for entertaining Design Solutions: Tall cabinetry and pull-outs maximize storage efficiency A generous single island promotes seamless flow and ample prep space Strategic island seating arrangement fosters easy conversation New built-ins fill arched openings, ensuring a custom, clutter-free look Replace wall cabinet with lighted open shelves for an airy feel Galley Dresser and Workstation offer impeccable organization and versatility, creating the perfect setup for entertaining with everything easily accessible. THE RENEWED SPACE The new kitchen exceeded every expectation, thrilling the clients with its revitalized, expansive design and thoughtful functionality. The transformation brought to life an open space adorned with marble accents, a state-of-the-art steam oven, and the seamless integration of the Galley Dresser, crafting a kitchen not just to be used, but to be cherished. This is more than a culinary space; it’s a new heart of their home, ready to host countless memories and culinary adventures.

The stainless steel double oven and range hood compliment the white cabinetry and metal hardware. Warm tones in the stonewood granite backsplash and island countertop add interest and depth. Dark hardwood floors ground the space. The island features an integrated cutting board and trash bins creating a functional workspace. Ilir Rizaj

Elegant l-shaped eat-in kitchen photo in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Pinemar, Inc.- Philadelphia General Contractor & Home Builder. Photos © Paul S. Bartholomew Photography
Example of a mid-sized classic l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Side Street Suite is a contemporary 640-square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that sits perched among trees in Minneapolis. The homeowner is an empty nester who no longer desired to inhabit a 2,700 square feet home. A unique solution was to build a one-bedroom ADU in the backyard of his rental duplex. The ADU feels much larger than would seem possible thanks to strategically placed glass on all exterior walls and roof. The home is expanded with unique views which in turn create a dynamic experience of the path of sunlight over the course of the day. The kitchen is compact yet well-appointed, offering most of the amenities of a larger home, albeit in more compact form. The bedroom is flanked by a walk-in closet and a full bathroom containing a combination washer/dryer. Playful, bold colors enliven the interiors: blue stair treads and wood handrail and blue quartz countertop. Exterior materials of composite wood siding and cement board panels were chosen for low-maintenance and durability. Bikers passing by the property often give the owner a thumbs-up, indicative of neighborhood enthusiasm and support for “building small.”

Marcie Fry
Example of an ornate kitchen design in Orlando with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and shaker cabinets

Photography: Tiffany Ringwald Builder: Ekren Construction
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Empty nesters take on a new life and new home in Northwest DC. Downsizing has its monumental challenges, and that was definitely the case with this project. The clients wanted a very narrow, partially below-ground, and slightly sterile space to feel like home. Ralph Lauren was our inspiration - both the clients and I love rich plaids, warm textures and touches of leather mixed with interesting metals. Because the rowhouse is so narrow, we added an entire wall of navy blue built-ins to the living space to create the illusion of more depth while adding much-needed storage. We wanted this home to convey the feeling of a favorite cashmere sweater, worn jeans and Gucci loafers.

Elmwood Cabinetry in Dove White, Reclaimed Wood Shelves, Repose Gray paint from Sherwin Williams, Lattice Quartz Countertop, Rangetop, Drop Zone, Pantry Cabinet, Wood Hood