The existing U-shaped kitchen was tucked away in a small corner while the dining table was swimming in a room much too large for its size. The client’s needs and the architecture of the home made it apparent that the perfect design solution for the home was to swap the spaces. The homeowners entertain frequently and wanted the new layout to accommodate a lot of counter seating, a bar/buffet for serving hors d’oeuvres, an island with prep sink, and all new appliances. They had a strong preference that the hood be a focal point and wanted to go beyond a typical white color scheme even though they wanted white cabinets. While moving the kitchen to the dining space gave us a generous amount of real estate to work with, two of the exterior walls are occupied with full-height glass creating a challenge how best to fulfill their wish list. We used one available wall for the needed tall appliances, taking advantage of its height to create the hood as a focal point. We opted for both a peninsula and island instead of one large island in order to maximize the seating requirements and create a barrier when entertaining so guests do not flow directly into the work area of the kitchen. This also made it possible to add a second sink as requested. Lastly, the peninsula sets up a well-defined path to the new dining room without feeling like you are walking through the kitchen. We used the remaining fourth wall for the bar/buffet. Black cabinetry adds strong contrast in several areas of the new kitchen. Wire mesh wall cabinet doors at the bar and gold accents on the hardware, light fixtures, faucets and furniture add further drama to the concept. The focal point is definitely the black hood, looking both dramatic and cohesive at the same time.

Kitchen - traditional u-shaped kitchen idea in Atlanta with stainless steel appliances, a single-bowl sink, gray cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and beaded inset cabinets

Andrew McKinney LED strip lighting is applied to the sides of cabinet behind the faceframe. This lights the entire cabinet and makes the cabinet glow.

Remodel by J.S. Brown & Co., Design by Monica Lewis, CMKBD, MCR, UDCP. Photo Credit: Todd Yarrington.
Mid-sized elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in Columbus with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an undermount sink, granite countertops and an island

Inspiration for a transitional light wood floor kitchen remodel in Houston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Casey Fry
Example of a farmhouse open concept kitchen design in Austin with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances and gray backsplash

This beautiful kitchen features cabinets from the Wm Ohs Hampton Classics line. Rob Klein Conceptual Kitchens Indianapolis, IN
Example of a classic open concept kitchen design in Denver with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, paneled appliances and marble backsplash

In the design stages many details were incorporated in this classic kitchen to give it dimension since the surround cabinets, counters and backsplash were white. Polished nickel plumbing, hardware and custom grilles on feature cabinets along with the island pendants add shine, while finer details such as inset doors, furniture kicks on non-working areas and lofty crown details add a layering effect in the millwork. Surround counters as well as 3" x 6" backsplash tile are Calacutta Gold stone, while island counter surface is walnut. Conveniences include a 60" Wolf range, a 36" Subzero refrigerator and freezer and two farmhouse sinks by Kallista. The kitchen also boasts two dishwashers (one in the island and one to the right of the sink cabinet under the window) and a coffee bar area with a built-in Miele. Photo by Pete Maric.

The key to this project was to create a kitchen fitting of a residence with strong Industrial aesthetics. The PB Kitchen Design team managed to preserve the warmth and organic feel of the home’s architecture. The sturdy materials used to enrich the integrity of the design, never take away from the fact that this space is meant for hospitality. Functionally, the kitchen works equally well for quick family meals or large gatherings. But take a closer look at the use of texture and height. The vaulted ceiling and exposed trusses bring an additional element of awe to this already stunning kitchen. Project specs: Cabinets by Quality Custom Cabinetry. 48" Wolf range. Sub Zero integrated refrigerator in stainless steel. Project Accolades: First Place honors in the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s 2014 Design Competition

Foley Fiore Architecture
Example of a classic kitchen design in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, a farmhouse sink, wood countertops, beige cabinets and brown countertops

This Westlake site posed several challenges that included managing a sloping lot and capturing the views of downtown Austin in specific locations on the lot, while staying within the height restrictions. The service and garages split in two, buffering the less private areas of the lot creating an inner courtyard. The ancillary rooms are organized around this court leading up to the entertaining areas. The main living areas serve as a transition to a private natural vegetative bluff on the North side. Breezeways and terraces connect the various outdoor living spaces feeding off the great room and dining, balancing natural light and summer breezes to the interior spaces. The private areas are located on the upper level, organized in an inverted “u”, maximizing the best views on the lot. The residence represents a programmatic collaboration of the clients’ needs and subdivision restrictions while engaging the unique features of the lot. Built by Butterfield Custom Homes Photography by Adam Steiner

Example of a classic kitchen design in New York with a farmhouse sink, wood countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

With its cedar shake roof and siding, complemented by Swannanoa stone, this lakeside home conveys the Nantucket style beautifully. The overall home design promises views to be enjoyed inside as well as out with a lovely screened porch with a Chippendale railing. Throughout the home are unique and striking features. Antique doors frame the opening into the living room from the entry. The living room is anchored by an antique mirror integrated into the overmantle of the fireplace. The kitchen is designed for functionality with a 48” Subzero refrigerator and Wolf range. Add in the marble countertops and industrial pendants over the large island and you have a stunning area. Antique lighting and a 19th century armoire are paired with painted paneling to give an edge to the much-loved Nantucket style in the master. Marble tile and heated floors give way to an amazing stainless steel freestanding tub in the master bath. Rachael Boling Photography

Residential Design by Heydt Designs, Interior Design by Benjamin Dhong Interiors, Construction by Kearney & O'Banion, Photography by David Duncan Livingston

The kitchen of a new Mediterranean/Transitional style home in Atlanta. Features include custom wood cabinetry (Sherwin Williams Elder White) to the ceiling with soft close feature, quartz countertops (Quartzite Calacatta), stone backsplash (3x6 Valentino White Tile), under cabinet lighting, stainless steel farm sink, and DCS stainless steel appliances including 48" gas range, double drawer dishwasher and double door refrigerator. The huge island overlooks the family room and houses the Sharp Microwave Drawer. The wall color is Popular Gray Flat (SW 6071). Designed by Price Residential Design; Built by Epic Development; Interior Design by Mike Horton; Photo by Brian Gassel

Linda Oyama Bryan, photographer Raised panel, white cabinet kitchen with oversize island, hand hewn ceiling beams, apron front farmhouse sink and calcutta gold countertops. Dark, distressed hardwood floors. Two pendant lights.

Open shelving at the end of this large island helps lighten the visual weight of the piece, as well as providing easy access to cookbooks and other commonly used kitchen pieces. Learn more about the Normandy Remodeling Designer, Stephanie Bryant, who created this kitchen: http://www.normandyremodeling.com/stephaniebryant/

Example of a large trendy l-shaped porcelain tile and white floor eat-in kitchen design in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Alyssa Kirsten
Open concept kitchen - small contemporary u-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island