This growing family of six was struggling with a dysfunctional kitchen design. The center island had been installed at an odd angle that limited accessibility and traffic flow. Additionally, storage space was limited by poor cabinet design. Finally, doorways in and out of the kitchen were narrow and poorly located, especially for children dashing in and out. Other design challenges included how to better use a 10’ x 12’ room for children’s jackets and toys and how to add a professional-quality gas range in a neighborhood were natural gas wasn’t available. The new design would address all of these issues. DESIGN SOLUTIONS The new kitchen design revolves around a more proportional island. Carefully placed in the center of the new space with seating for four, it includes a prep sink, a second dishwasher and a beverage center. The distressed ebony-stained island and hutch provides a brilliant contrast between the white color cabinetry. White Carrera marble countertops and backsplash top both island and perimeter cabinets. Tall, double stacked cabinetry lines two walls to maximize storage space. Across the room there was an unused wall that now contains a 36” tower fridge and freezer, both covered with matching panels, and a tall cabinet that contains a microwave, steam unit and warming drawer. A propane tank was buried in the back yard to provide gas to a new 60” professional range and cooktop. A custom-made wood mantel hood blends perfectly with the cabinet style. The old laundry room was reconfigured to have lots of locker space for all kids and added cabinetry for storage. A double entry door separated the new mudroom from the rest of the back hall. In the back hall the back windows were replaced with a set of French door and added decking to create a direct access to deck and backyard. The end result is an open floor plan, high-end appliances, great traffic flow and pleasing colors. The homeowner calls it the “kitchen of her dreams.”

A compact entryway in downtown Brooklyn was in need of some love (and storage!). A geometric wallpaper was added to one wall to bring in some zing, with wooden coat hooks of multiple sizes at adult and kid levels. A small console table allows for additional storage within the space, and a stool provides a place to sit and change shoes.

Eli Chamberlin
Small trendy galley ceramic tile eat-in kitchen photo in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Tamara Alvarez
Inspiration for a small tropical partial sun pool remodel in Miami with decking

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk vinyl floor and gray floor home office remodel in Jacksonville with gray walls and no fireplace

Photo by Pixy for SWEETEN
Enclosed kitchen - small contemporary l-shaped light wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in New York with white cabinets, yellow backsplash, white appliances, no island and flat-panel cabinets

Mid-sized contemporary gray three-story mixed siding flat roof idea in Vancouver

Nathalie Priem
Mid-sized 1950s master carpeted and gray floor bedroom photo in London with white walls

This expansive Manor Victorian had tremendous historic charm but hadn’t seen a kitchen renovation since the 1950s. The homeowners wanted to take advantage of their views of the backyard and raised the roof and pushed the kitchen into the back of the house, where expansive windows could allow southern light into the kitchen all day. A warm historic gray/beige was chosen for the cabinetry, which was contrasted with character oak cabinetry on the appliance wall and bar in a modern chevron detail. Kitchen Design: Sarah Robertson, Studio Dearborn Architect: Ned Stoll, Interior finishes Tami Wassong Interiors

We designed this kitchen using Plain & Fancy custom cabinetry with natural walnut and white pain finishes. The extra large island includes the sink and marble countertops. The matching marble backsplash features hidden spice shelves behind a mobile layer of solid marble. The cabinet style and molding details were selected to feel true to a traditional home in Greenwich, CT. In the adjacent living room, the built-in white cabinetry showcases matching walnut backs to tie in with the kitchen. The pantry encompasses space for a bar and small desk area. The light blue laundry room has a magnetized hanger for hang-drying clothes and a folding station. Downstairs, the bar kitchen is designed in blue Ultracraft cabinetry and creates a space for drinks and entertaining by the pool table. This was a full-house project that touched on all aspects of the ways the homeowners live in the space. Photos by Kyle Norton

Julie Mikos Photography
Kids' room - contemporary boy kids' room idea in San Francisco with gray walls

Simplicity and functionality merged perfectly in this bathroom. A single vanity, Duravit© toilet, and built-in storage make the most of limited space.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | L. Cramer Builders + Remodelers, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Open white shelving lines this narrow pantry, with wood shelves across the back wall. A built-in microwave and lower cabinets sit beneath the counter, while a geometric lantern hangs overhead.

Photo Credit: Rob Karosis
Example of a beach style l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, beige backsplash, an island, an undermount sink, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Designed & Built by Renewal Design-Build. RenewalDesignBuild.com Photography by: Jeff Herr Photography
Living room - 1960s formal and open concept living room idea in Atlanta with a standard fireplace

Shed - mid-sized farmhouse two-story and detached gray shed idea in Charlotte with a shingle roof

Example of a transitional beige floor home yoga studio design in Calgary with beige walls

Renovation by CRG Companies Photos by Robyn Pigott
Beach style gray tile claw-foot bathtub photo in Charleston with a vessel sink and green cabinets