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.”

This homeowner has long since moved away from his family farm but still visits often and thought it was time to fix up this little house that had been neglected for years. He brought home ideas and objects he was drawn to from travels around the world and allowed a team of us to help bring them together in this old family home that housed many generations through the years. What it grew into is not your typical 150 year old NC farm house but the essence is still there and shines through in the original wood and beams in the ceiling and on some of the walls, old flooring, re-purposed objects from the farm and the collection of cherished finds from his travels. Photos by Tad Davis Photography

The 800 square-foot guest cottage is located on the footprint of a slightly smaller original cottage that was built three generations ago. With a failing structural system, the existing cottage had a very low sloping roof, did not provide for a lot of natural light and was not energy efficient. Utilizing high performing windows, doors and insulation, a total transformation of the structure occurred. A combination of clapboard and shingle siding, with standout touches of modern elegance, welcomes guests to their cozy retreat. The cottage consists of the main living area, a small galley style kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom and sleeping loft above. The loft construction was a timber frame system utilizing recycled timbers from the Balsams Resort in northern New Hampshire. The stones for the front steps and hearth of the fireplace came from the existing cottage’s granite chimney. Stylistically, the design is a mix of both a “Cottage” style of architecture with some clean and simple “Tech” style features, such as the air-craft cable and metal railing system. The color red was used as a highlight feature, accentuated on the shed dormer window exterior frames, the vintage looking range, the sliding doors and other interior elements. Photographer: John Hession

This mid-century modern home renovation in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles features the Bertazzoni Professional Series 30-inch orange range. This California kitchen's design palette was inspired by the homeowner's recent trip to Italy where they fell in love with the sea in Riomaggiore and features colorful, bold and modern touches. - Designer: Kelly Martin Interiors // Photographer: Meghan Beierle-O'Brien

John Bessler for Traditional Home
Example of a mid-sized country dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Huggy Bear Quaker style door in Cherry with Nutmeg stain. Island is Cherry with Slate stain. Backsplash is split-face travertine. Custom paneled hood. Cambria Cardiff Cream countertops. Wolf gas range.

Photography: Nat Rea
Kitchen - coastal u-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Providence with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and an island

Photo by Patrick Ketchum
Example of a 1950s kitchen design in Other

Jim Scmid
Transitional dark wood floor kitchen photo in Charlotte with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This open urban kitchen invites with pops of yellow and an eat in dining table. A highly functional, contemporary beauty featuring wide plank white oak grey stained floors, white lacquer refrigerator and washing machine, brushed aluminum lower cabinets and walnut upper cabinets. Pure white Caesarstone countertops, Blanco kitchen faucet and sink, Bertazzoni range, Bosch dishwasher, architectural lighting trough with LED lights, and Emtech brushed chrome door hardware complete the high-end look.

paul bardagjy
Dark wood floor kitchen photo in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Kimberly Gavin Photography
Inspiration for a rustic medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Denver with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

 All gas range.  Available in 48" and 60" width sizes.  Features new 25,000 BTU PrimaNova™ burners plus 22,000 BTU UltraNova™, 18,000 SuperNova™, 15,000 BTU Nova™ and 130° degree simmer burners.  Cast iron interchangeable griddle charbroiler system allows for dual zone cooking with up to 40,000 BTUs of heat on four unique surfaces.  New PowR Oven™ provides 40% faster preheating and 30% increase in oven efficiency.  Accommodates full-size commercial 18" x 26" baking sheet.  Convection fan system for most complete exchange of air possible.  1850˚ infrared broiler.  Full motion grates.  5 position rack slide.  Available in 750+ color and finish combinations.  More streamlined and functional design including smoother front edges, easier to clean rangetop burner system, and larger glass oven door.  24" depth for compatibility with standard kitchen cabinetry.  Removable, dishwasher-friendly stainless steel drip trays.  48" small oven dimensions: 13¼"W x 20"D x 15"H.

This breathtaking kitchen was designed for entertaining. The large kitchen island is teak and features a Brittanicca Cambria countertop with a flawless waterfall edge. The 48" gas wolf range is practically a work of art framed by a modern stainless steel range hood and by the quartz panels that meld seamlessly with the wood paneling through out the great room. The modern white cabinets are punctuated with the use of built-in custom gold hardware. The vaulted ceilings create an airy and bright space which is complimented by the use of glass pendants above the bar. The gray porcelain tile flooring used through out the home flows outside to the lanai and entry to punctuate the indoor outdoor design.

Photography: Lepere Studio
Trendy l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Santa Barbara with flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, no island, an undermount sink, solid surface countertops, white backsplash and colored appliances

Jeff Borts
Eat-in kitchen - traditional l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in St Louis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and soapstone countertops

Peter Rymwid This beautiful kitchen is the heart of this new construction home. Black accents in the range and custom pantry provide a dramatic touch.Seeded glass cabinet doors repeat the texture of the lantern light fixtures over the island which can seat 4

Eat-in kitchen - coastal eat-in kitchen idea in Miami with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients and their three teenage kids had outgrown the footprint of their existing home and felt they needed some space to spread out. They came in with a couple of sets of drawings from different architects that were not quite what they were looking for, so we set out to really listen and try to provide a design that would meet their objectives given what the space could offer. We started by agreeing that a bump out was the best way to go and then decided on the size and the floor plan locations of the mudroom, powder room and butler pantry which were all part of the project. We also planned for an eat-in banquette that is neatly tucked into the corner and surrounded by windows providing a lovely spot for daily meals. The kitchen itself is L-shaped with the refrigerator and range along one wall, and the new sink along the exterior wall with a large window overlooking the backyard. A large island, with seating for five, houses a prep sink and microwave. A new opening space between the kitchen and dining room includes a butler pantry/bar in one section and a large kitchen pantry in the other. Through the door to the left of the main sink is access to the new mudroom and powder room and existing attached garage. White inset cabinets, quartzite countertops, subway tile and nickel accents provide a traditional feel. The gray island is a needed contrast to the dark wood flooring. Last but not least, professional appliances provide the tools of the trade needed to make this one hardworking kitchen. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com