Inspiration for a large transitional master ceramic tile, black and white tile, gray tile, multicolored tile and white tile marble floor freestanding bathtub remodel in Sacramento with furniture-like cabinets, dark wood cabinets, an undermount sink, granite countertops and gray walls

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

General Contractor: Cambridge Home Company Cabinetry: The Cabinet Gallery Utah
Example of a classic light wood floor kitchen design in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

This remodel took an extremely dark & dated kitchen and transformed it into a bright and airy happy place for our client. The existing conditions created a dark, hall-like kitchen that greatly lacked in function and did little to optimize storage. Realizing the potential of this truly massive space, we created a design that utilizes every inch of the kitchen and creates functional cooking and prep space as well as pantry storage and work nooks. Our first order of business was to demo out the blocky corner that separated the kitchen from the living room. This involved removing an existing fireplace, re-structuring a wall, and having an entirely new furnace installed in the basement to eliminate a duct running right through the corner we hoped to eliminate. After opening up the space, we focused on highlighting and brightening the room. New NuCore flooring was installed to give the kitchen a fresh look while offering optimal function and cleanability. Two-toned cabinets in a honey maple and painted silk were used to create a warm and comfortable balance throughout the space. New quartz countertops in MSI's canvas were installed, and butcher block was installed on the two desk areas to offer a warm visual relief and casual work surface. The color palette for the kitchen is reminiscent of a cozy apothecary; we utilized fresh greens with Sherwin Williams paint on the walls and Treviso Gray Sage glazed subway tiles on the backsplash. Over the sink, we designed a playful highlight with counter-to-ceiling mini brick mosaic in a dark crackle green. We introduced additional lighting throughout including new recessed lights, over-sink light, and under-cabinet lights. New appliances were introduced to the space as well, and we complimented the stainless steel of these fixtures to the transitional nickel hardware on the cabinets. This space now feels open and inviting, and is visible from the second you enter the front door! We are so proud of this result and so happy that our clients can enjoy this gorgeous kitchen for years to come.

Live sawn wide plank solid White Oak flooring paired with Cherry cabinetry. Floors were custom sawn by Hull Forest Products from New England-grown White Oak. This cut of flooring contains a natural mix of quarter sawn, rift sawn, and plain sawn grain and reflects what the inside of a tree really looks like. Plank widths from 9-16 inches, plank lengths from 4-10+ feet. 4-6 week lead time for all orders. Nationwide shipping. 1-800-928-9602. www.hullforest.com Photo by Max Sychev.

AFTER PHOTO- Glass counter top with LED lighting turned on. The radiant Aquamarine glass upper counter on the island is from Glass by Pental. We added LED lighting beneath the glass counter which can be switched on whenever the client want a splash of color for when company comes or add more light into the room. The other slab counters are Esmeralda Rose granite on the perimeter of kitchen, as well as the lower island counter next to the cook top.

Open concept kitchen - large mid-century modern u-shaped porcelain tile and brown floor open concept kitchen idea with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

AFTER PHOTO- Glass counter top with LED lighting turned on. The radiant Aquamarine glass upper counter on the island is from Glass by Pental. We added LED lighting beneath the glass counter which can be switched on whenever the client want a splash of color for when company comes or add more light into the room. The other slab counters are Esmeralda Rose granite on the perimeter of kitchen, as well as the lower island counter next to the cook top.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

Although it may sound like just a geographic location, "Rive Gauche" or "Left Bank" generally refers to the Paris of an earlier era - the 1920s and 1930s. The Paris of artists, writers and philosophers, including Erik Satie, Henry Miller, Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, Arthur Rimbaud, Edith Wharton, Henri Matisse, Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and dozens of other members of the great artistic community. The phrase implies a sense of Bohemianism, counterculture, and creativity. During this era, Paris was the heart of intellectual and artistic life, where movements were born in nightly Salons over wine, live jazz and conversation. We celebrate the CREATIVITY of this period in time. Photo by Kate Benjamin Photography

This Kitchen took full advantage of the properties lake views. Andersen Casement and Gliding windows flood the Kitchen with natural light. White recessed panel cabinet doors and drawers are complimented by brushed chrome hardware. White beaded inset cabinets keep the center hall colonial true to its heritage.Custom Inset cabinets by Adelphi Kitchens in Robesonia, PA. Dark granite counter-top and marble backsplash compliment the homes simple yet elegant style. Lightly stained oak hardwood floors bring warmth to the space. A planning desk with book shelves and apothecary drawers serve dual purpose as a home office and homework station. The original masonry fireplace was incorporated into the design with a custom wood fireplace mantle by Adelphi Kitchens. A Butler’s Pantry with a built-in wine cooler and bottle racks keep the space organized. Glass cabinet doors add decorative interest and provide a place to display glassware. Photography by, Peter Krupeya.

Although it may sound like just a geographic location, "Rive Gauche" or "Left Bank" generally refers to the Paris of an earlier era - the 1920s and 1930s. The Paris of artists, writers and philosophers, including Erik Satie, Henry Miller, Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, Arthur Rimbaud, Edith Wharton, Henri Matisse, Jean-Paul Sartre, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and dozens of other members of the great artistic community. The phrase implies a sense of Bohemianism, counterculture, and creativity. During this era, Paris was the heart of intellectual and artistic life, where movements were born in nightly Salons over wine, live jazz and conversation. We celebrate the CREATIVITY of this period in time. Photo by Kate Benjamin Photography

This Kitchen took full advantage of the properties lake views. Andersen Casement and Gliding windows flood the Kitchen with natural light. White recessed panel cabinet doors and drawers are complimented by brushed chrome hardware. White beaded inset cabinets keep the center hall colonial true to its heritage.Custom Inset cabinets by Adelphi Kitchens in Robesonia, PA. Dark granite counter-top and marble backsplash compliment the homes simple yet elegant style. Lightly stained oak hardwood floors bring warmth to the space. A planning desk with book shelves and apothecary drawers serve dual purpose as a home office and homework station. The original masonry fireplace was incorporated into the design with a custom wood fireplace mantle by Adelphi Kitchens. A Butler’s Pantry with a built-in wine cooler and bottle racks keep the space organized. Glass cabinet doors add decorative interest and provide a place to display glassware. Photography by, Peter Krupeya.

Open concept kitchen - large mid-century modern u-shaped porcelain tile and brown floor open concept kitchen idea with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

This Montana inspired kitchen was designed to reflect the homeowners' love of the great outdoors. Earthy wood tones and majestic granite complement the western decor of their home. Cherry cabinets have a western style door and rugged oil rubbed bronze handles. Two structural changes were made. First, a tray ceiling was created to increase the height of the kitchen. Next, the kitchen was opened up completely to the family room by removing a doorway and partial wall. The end of the peninsula curves around to invite everyone into the family room. The apothecary drawers (left of the dishwasher) add a rustic western charm. But the highlight of this kitchen is the custom built large pantry. A granite work surface within the pantry complete with electrical outlets allows the homeowner to use small appliances right where they located and stored. Upper shelves allow the homeowners to easily see their large and small pantry items along with generously sized spice racks on each door. Plenty of drawers and a second food pantry provide the needed storage for this active family.

A walnut-backed breakfast bar is conveniently placed adjacent to the refrigerator. Tuck-away doors conceal the area when not in use.
Inspiration for a large transitional porcelain tile and beige floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This Kitchen took full advantage of the properties lake views. Andersen Casement and Gliding windows flood the Kitchen with natural light. White recessed panel cabinet doors and drawers are complimented by brushed chrome hardware. White beaded inset cabinets keep the center hall colonial true to its heritage.Custom Inset cabinets by Adelphi Kitchens in Robesonia, PA. Dark granite counter-top and marble backsplash compliment the homes simple yet elegant style. Lightly stained oak hardwood floors bring warmth to the space. A planning desk with book shelves and apothecary drawers serve dual purpose as a home office and homework station. The original masonry fireplace was incorporated into the design with a custom wood fireplace mantle by Adelphi Kitchens. A Butler’s Pantry with a built-in wine cooler and bottle racks keep the space organized. Glass cabinet doors add decorative interest and provide a place to display glassware. Photography by, Peter Krupeya.

Master bathroom of the Arthur Rutenberg Homes Asheville 1267 model home built by Greenville, SC home builders, American Eagle Builders.
Large elegant master beige tile and porcelain tile travertine floor and brown floor drop-in bathtub photo with dark wood cabinets, an undermount sink, marble countertops, shaker cabinets, beige walls and a hinged shower door

This traditional farmhouse kitchen renovation is truly one of a kind. The Connecticut home is surrounded by beautiful gardens, well curated antiques and a lovely greenhouse where the owners do most of their planting. The kitchen and living area sits off the greenhouse, so we wanted many elements of this renovation to mirror the bespoke character of the home. All cabinetry is custom Durasupreme, with a gorgeous “Linen White” painted maple upper and perimeter, and contrasting island in Durasupreme’s curated “Cyberspace”. The island features a walnut butcher block extension with an apothecary custom drawer base. The island and cabinetry are anchored by a stunning 2” mitered Olympian Danby marble countertop, that carries up as the backsplash seamlessly. Other features include all Wolf and Subzero appliances, matching built-in cabinetry and open shelving anchored around the fireplace in the living area, custom wainscoting and decorative paneling, and 100% English Brass hardware and finishes.