Elegant single-wall medium tone wood floor and brown floor home bar photo in Portland Maine with green cabinets, an island, no sink, beaded inset cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and white countertops

Wet bar - traditional l-shaped dark wood floor wet bar idea in Detroit with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and limestone backsplash

photography by Rob Karosis
Example of a large classic l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen design in Portland Maine with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white walls

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

Example of a large minimalist u-shaped slate floor and black floor eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, an undermount sink, marble countertops and ceramic backsplash

Enclosed kitchen - contemporary l-shaped light wood floor enclosed kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Shannon Addison
Open concept kitchen - large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a mid-sized transitional single-wall brown floor and dark wood floor wet bar design with white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, glass-front cabinets and white backsplash

Example of a transitional single-wall light wood floor and beige floor wet bar design in Calgary with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, marble countertops, marble backsplash and white countertops

Example of a large transitional galley seated home bar design in Boston with solid surface countertops, open cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, gray backsplash and stone tile backsplash

Laurence Taylor
Inspiration for a transitional wine cellar remodel in Orlando with storage racks

Designer: Nancy Barbee, CMKBD
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall dark wood floor home bar remodel in Indianapolis with no sink, glass-front cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash and stone slab backsplash

Goals While their home provided them with enough square footage, the original layout caused for many rooms to be underutilized. The closed off kitchen and dining room were disconnected from the other common spaces of the home causing problems with circulation and limited sight-lines. A tucked-away powder room was also inaccessible from the entryway and main living spaces in the house. Our Design Solution We sought out to improve the functionality of this home by opening up walls, relocating rooms, and connecting the entryway to the mudroom. By moving the kitchen into the formerly over-sized family room, it was able to really become the heart of the home with access from all of the other rooms in the house. Meanwhile, the adjacent family room was made into a cozy, comfortable space with updated fireplace and new cathedral style ceiling with skylights. The powder room was relocated to be off of the entry, making it more accessible for guests. A transitional style with rustic accents was used throughout the remodel for a cohesive first floor design. White and black cabinets were complimented with brass hardware and custom wood features, including a hood top and accent wall over the fireplace. Between each room, walls were thickened and archway were put in place, providing the home with even more character.

The kitchen features display niches above the cabinetry and inside the base of one of two islands to accommodate the wife's collection of glass, pottery and artifacts from around tile world. Watercolors by Bobbie Hanson Riddle grace the far wall.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor home bar remodel in Toronto with shaker cabinets, granite countertops, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, gray backsplash, white cabinets and no sink

Wet bar - mid-sized transitional ceramic tile wet bar idea in Toronto with dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, gray backsplash and recessed-panel cabinets

Mid-sized trendy backyard concrete paver patio photo in Calgary

Large trendy underground carpeted basement photo with white walls and a ribbon fireplace