Stephanie Montanari of www.focus-pocus.biz
Elegant galley medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Designed by Katherine Dashiell of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Annapolis, MD in collaboration with Lauer Construction, this coastal inspired beach style design features kitchen cabinets from 2 manufacturers. The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style in White with a engineered quartz countertop in the color Minuet by LG. The bar area features kitchen cabinets from Merillat Classic in the Portrait door style in Maple with a Cotton finish and a solid cherry wood butcher block countertop. Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

Designed by Katherine Dashiell of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Annapolis, MD in collaboration with Lauer Construction, this coastal inspired beach style design features kitchen cabinets from 2 manufacturers. The kitchen features Green Forest cabinets in the Park Place door style in White with a engineered quartz countertop in the color Minuet by LG. The bar area features kitchen cabinets from Merillat Classic in the Portrait door style in Maple with a Cotton finish and a solid cherry wood butcher block countertop. Photos courtesy of BTW Images LLC.

It is not uncommon for down2earth interior design to be tasked with the challenge of combining an existing kitchen and dining room into one open space that is great for communal cooking and entertaining. But what happens when that request is only the beginning? In this kitchen, our clients had big dreams for their space that went well beyond opening up the plan and included flow, organization, a timeless aesthetic, and partnering with local vendors. Although the family wanted all the modern conveniences afforded them by a total kitchen renovation, they also wanted it to look timeless and fit in with the aesthetic of their 100 year old home. So all design decisions were made with an eye towards timelessness, from the profile of the cabinet doors, to the handmade backsplash tiles, to the choice of soapstone for countertops, which is a beautiful material that is naturally heat resistant. The soapstone was strategically positioned so that the most stunning veins would be on display across the island top and on the wall behind the cooktop. Even the green color of the cabinet, and the subtle green-greys of the trim were specifically chosen for their softness so they will not look stark or trendy in this classic home. To address issues of flow, the clients really analyzed how they cook, entertain, and eat. We went well beyond the typical “kitchen triangle” to make sure all the hot spots of the kitchen were in the most functional locations within the space. Once we located the “big moves” we really dug down into the details. Some noteworthy ones include a whole wall of deep pantries with pull outs so all food storage is in one place, knives stored in a drawer right over the cutting boards, trash located right behind the sink, and pots, pans, cookie sheets located right by the oven, and a pullout for the Kitchenaid mixer. There are also pullouts that serve as dedicated storage next to the oven for oils, spices, and utensils, and a microwave located in the island which will facilitate aging in place if that becomes an objective in the future. A broom and cleaning supply storage closet at the top of the basement stairs coordinates with the kitchen cabinets so it will look nice if on view, or it can be hidden behind barn doors that tuck just a bit behind the oven. Storage for platters and a bar are located near the dining room so they will be on hand for entertaining. As a couple deeply invested in their local community, it was important to the homeowners to work with as many local vendors as possible. From flooring to woodwork to tile to countertops, choosing the right materials to make this project come together was a real collaborative effort. Their close community connections also inspired these empty nesters to stay in their home and update it to their needs, rather than relocating. The space can now accommodate their growing family that might consist of children’s spouses, grandkids, and furry friends alike.

Madison door, Manor Flat drawer front with Van Deusen Blue enamel.
Enclosed kitchen - large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

The island has deep drawers for pots and pans, as well as skinny door storage for cookie sheets and trays. The seating at the island is wrapped around the end, making it more open and conversational.

Stephanie Montanari of www.focus-pocus.biz
Example of a classic galley medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A contemporary traditional home remodel. A bright white kitchen with custom maple wood cabinetry, with a modified shaker raised panel style. Custom charging drawer, cutting boards and cookie sheets storage. Han Stone Calacatta Gold Quartz countertops, with a single bowl Blanco stainless steel sink and sink grid, Delta Essa Touch2o faucet, air switch for the disposal and stainless-steel appliances. Stainless steel pendant lights, strip outlets at the island and at the bottom of the upper cabinets, and LED strip lighting on a dimmer. Two, three-sided Valor gas fireplaces with Rockmount Stacked stone. Western Windows System 9’ pivot door in Bronze Anodized.

This elegant modern kitchen offers a large pantry with pull-outs, broom storage, a cookie sheet cabinet, and large drawers.
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern u-shaped vinyl floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, no island and white countertops

The corner microwave cabinet keeps it off the counter and at a comfortable height. The 'blind' corner base cabinet features two swing out shelves, making items back in the corner easy to access. The large tray drawer won't wiggle, and is sturdy enough to hold all your cookie sheets and pizza pans upright.

Next to the oven there is a small cupboard space that can be used to keep cookie sheets or muffin tins. We also built and installed gray solid surface countertops.

A contemporary traditional home remodel. A bright white kitchen with custom maple wood cabinetry, with a modified shaker raised panel style. Custom charging drawer, cutting boards and cookie sheets storage. Han Stone Calacatta Gold Quartz countertops, with a single bowl Blanco stainless steel sink and sink grid, Delta Essa Touch2o faucet, air switch for the disposal and stainless-steel appliances. Stainless steel pendant lights, strip outlets at the island and at the bottom of the upper cabinets, and LED strip lighting on a dimmer. Two, three-sided Valor gas fireplaces with Rockmount Stacked stone. Western Windows System 9’ pivot door in Bronze Anodized.

This house was 45 years old and the most recent kitchen update was past its due date. It was also time to update an adjacent family room, eating area and a nearby bar. The idea was to refresh the space with a transitional design that leaned classic – something that would be elegant and comfortable. Something that would welcome and enhance natural light. The objectives were: -Keep things simple – classic, comfortable and easy to keep clean -Cohesive design between the kitchen, family room, eating area and bar -Comfortable walkways, especially between the island and sofa -Get rid of the kitchen’s dated 3D vegetable tile and island top shaped like a painters pallet Design challenges: -Incorporate a structural beam so that it flows with the entire space -Proper ventilation for the hood -Update the floor finish to get rid of the ’90s red oak Design solutions: -After reviewing multiple design options we decided on keeping appliances in their existing locations -Made the cabinet on the back wall deeper than standard to fit and conceal the exhaust vent within the crown molding space and provide proper ventilation for the rangetop -Omitted the sink on the island because it was not being used -Squared off the island to provide more seating and functionality -Relocated the microwave from the wall to the island and fitted a warming drawer directly below -Added a tray partition over the oven so that cookie sheets and cutting boards are easily accessible and neatly stored -Omitted all the decorative fillers to make the kitchen feel current -Detailed yet simple tile backsplash design to add interest Refinished the already functional entertainment cabinetry to match new cabinets – good flow throughout area Even though the appliances all stayed in the same locations, the cabinet finish created a dramatic change. This is a very large kitchen and the client embraces minimalist design so we decided to omit quite a few wall cabinets.

Prep kitchen includes added fridge/freezer, prep area, pantry, double oven, warming drawer, and two raised dishwashers. Layout of open-ended galley-style prep kitchen allows multiple people to work together. White cabinets provide clean base. Accessible with pantry rollouts, pull out bins, cookie sheet slots, etc. State of the art workstation prep sink. Groceries come in through the mudroom door.