Search results for "Cooking" in Home Design Ideas
Crystal Kitchen + BathThe goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level.
Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout.
To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function.
Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking.
Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior.
The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel.
Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated.
The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.
Nar Design GroupTall ceilings and the modern rustic architecture of this home inspired this luminous kitchen. The clients who are community focused frequently host fundraisers and community meetings. They wanted a large kitchen that could accommodate monthly large gatherings of a dozen people or so, while feeling warm and inviting for daily cooking with just themselves. They love to cook and bake, so plenty of area to prep, cook, and clean with good workflow was important. The gorgeous Italian range and hood in a custom color combination of chrome and taupe offers 8 burners of gas cooking and two ovens below. The range and hood became the focal point of the kitchen. Because of this, we designed floor to ceiling cabinetry to wrap up and around which emphasized and celebrated the ceiling height. All the upper cabinets are on servo drive bi-fold lift mechanism to maintain the clean handless design for the uppers and allow the wall cabinets to remain open while they cook or clean and then close when they want the kitchen to look pristine. The cabinetry finishes are a mixture of a dark textured laminate and a micro shaker quartersawn white oak with continuous grain matching along their expanse. The mixture of wood grains and tones on the cabinetry, flooring and rustic ceiling beams is softened by the taupe range and light marble veined Silestone countertops, and perfect smooth white walls.
Nar Design GroupTall ceilings and the modern rustic architecture of this home inspired this luminous kitchen. The clients who are community focused frequently host fundraisers and community meetings. They wanted a large kitchen that could accommodate monthly large gatherings of a dozen people or so, while feeling warm and inviting for daily cooking with just themselves. They love to cook and bake, so plenty of area to prep, cook, and clean with good workflow was important. The gorgeous Italian range and hood in a custom color combination of chrome and taupe offers 8 burners of gas cooking and two ovens below. The range and hood became the focal point of the kitchen. Because of this, we designed floor to ceiling cabinetry to wrap up and around which emphasized and celebrated the ceiling height. All the upper cabinets are on servo drive bi-fold lift mechanism to maintain the clean handless design for the uppers and allow the wall cabinets to remain open while they cook or clean and then close when they want the kitchen to look pristine. The cabinetry finishes are a mixture of a dark textured laminate and a micro shaker quartersawn white oak with continuous grain matching along their expanse. The mixture of wood grains and tones on the cabinetry, flooring and rustic ceiling beams is softened by the taupe range and light marble veined Silestone countertops, and perfect smooth white walls.
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Bilotta Kitchen & HomeBilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.
Bilotta Kitchen & HomeBilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.
The Outdoor Kitchen Design StoreOutdoor Dining and entertaining continues to be fabulous in the Hamptons. This Euro Outdoor Kitchen by The Outdoor Kitchen Design Store in Southampton clearly depicts living beyond the walls of your home Fabulously. The Caliber Grill Rockwell model is clearly unique with its hood rolling back into the cabinetry. Farther to the right past the outdoor refrigerator and ice machine is the EVO grill which diversifies the cooking experience outdoors. The Evo offers a generous 30" cast iron surface allowing you to cook omelets, crepes, french toast, grilled sandwiches, fajitas, luncheon sandwiches, scampi, swordfish and chicken fillets. With this fully equipped outdoor kitchen you can cook anything outdoors that you would normally cook indoors. Time to get Outdoors and entertain Fabulously with friends and family. Elevate your outdoor living lifestyle with this contemporary Outdoor Kitchen.
Revival HouseDesigner Danielle Lardani's clients love to cook, so they desired a new kitchen that appealed to them stylistically, while also supporting their passion for cooking. They wanted to include features that would make cooking together both efficient and enjoyable. Danielle fulfilled their dreams by creating a stunning, contemporary design that seamlessly matched the style of the rest of their home. She selected a horizontal, textured laminate by Wynnbrooke Cabinetry for the base perimeter cabinets, with a contrasting prep zone featuring Décor Cabinets in a Behr custom color, Adirondack Blue.
To increase the efficiency of the space, the layout of the kitchen was reconfigured to create a more functional work triangle between the range, the refrigerator, and the sink. The new layout allows the homeowners to prep, cook and serve food with ease. To further enhance the modern look of the kitchen and accommodate her clients’ wishes, she chose floating shelves and a full-height backsplash to give the space a more open feel.
Notable Design Details:
- Danielle designed the new layout to include ample counter space for food prep.
- She installed integrated lighting under the floating shelves and the upper cabinets in the prep-zone area to brighten these work spaces.
- Danielle included a custom dish drawer in her cabinetry design. This optimized storage and allowed dinnerware to be easily accessible.
- The knife block and utensil pull-out organizer keeps the clients’ cooking tools neat while also keeping them at arms reach.
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Columbus, OH
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Peabody Landscape Group
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The Outdoor Kitchen Design StoreOutdoor Dining and entertaining continues to be fabulous in the Hamptons. This Euro Outdoor Kitchen by The Outdoor Kitchen Design Store in Southampton clearly depicts living beyond the walls of your home Fabulously. The Caliber Grill Rockwell model is clearly unique with its hood rolling back into the cabinetry. Farther to the right past the outdoor refrigerator and ice machine is the EVO grill which diversifies the cooking experience outdoors. The Evo offers a generous 30" cast iron surface allowing you to cook omelets, crepes, french toast, grilled sandwiches, fajitas, luncheon sandwiches, scampi, swordfish and chicken fillets. With this fully equipped outdoor kitchen you can cook anything outdoors that you would normally cook indoors. Time to get Outdoors and entertain Fabulously with friends and family. Elevate your outdoor living lifestyle with this contemporary Outdoor Kitchen.
Kitchen Design ConceptsThis 1950's kitchen hindered our client's cooking and bi-weekly entertaining and was inconsistent with the home's mid-century architecture. Additional key goals were to improve function for cooking and entertaining 6 to 12 people on a regular basis. Originally with only two entry points to the kitchen (from the entry/foyer and from the dining room) the kitchen wasn’t very open to the remainder of the home, or the living room at all. The door to the carport was never used and created a conflict with seating in the breakfast area. The new plans created larger openings to both rooms, and a third entry point directly into the living room. The “peninsula” manages the sight line between the kitchen and a large, brick fireplace while still creating an “island” effect in the kitchen and allowing seating on both sides. The television was also a “must have” utilizing it to watch cooking shows while prepping food, for news while getting ready for the day, and for background when entertaining.
Meticulously designed cabinets provide ample storage and ergonomically friendly appliance placement. Cabinets were previously laid out into two L-shaped spaces. On the “top” was the cooking area with a narrow pantry (read: scarce storage) and a water heater in the corner. On the “bottom” was a single 36” refrigerator/freezer, and sink. A peninsula separated the kitchen and breakfast room, truncating the entire space. We have now a clearly defined cool storage space spanning 60” width (over 150% more storage) and have separated the ovens and cooking surface to spread out prep/clean zones. True pantry storage was added, and a massive “peninsula” keeps seating for up to 6 comfortably, while still expanding the kitchen and gaining storage. The newly designed, oversized peninsula provides plentiful space for prepping and entertaining. Walnut paneling wraps the room making the kitchen a stunning showpiece.
Brendan McHugh, Architect, Manasquan, NJVISION AND NEEDS:
Our client came to us with a vision for their dream house for their growing family with three young children. This was their second attempt at getting the right design. The first time around, after working with an out-of-state online architect, they could not achieve the level of quality they wanted. McHugh delivered a home with higher quality design.
MCHUGH SOLUTION:
The Shingle/Dutch Colonial Design was our client's dream home style. Their priorities were to have a home office for both parents. Ample living space for kids and friends, along with outdoor space and a pool. Double sink bathroom for the kids and a master bedroom with bath for the parents. Despite being close a flood zone, clients could have a fully finished basement with 9ft ceilings and a full attic. Because of the higher water table, the first floor was considerably above grade. To soften the ascent of the front walkway, we designed planters around the stairs, leading up to the porch.
Borrelli Design+CabinetryThis kitchen remodel has been 27 years in the making and was ready for an all-around update. During our first few meetings, our client had envisioned what drawers would house which items and really wanted the kitchen to accommodate more people whether for a simple meal or for multiple cooks during a celebratory gathering. The original kitchen did not have enough storage and the island did not allow for much seating space. Our client dreamed of a kitchen where she could cook and entertain her family and friends at the same time.
An existing wall enclosing the kitchen was removed and another wall was extended to room for a wall of cabinetry while also allowing the space for a bigger island. Upon entering the kitchen, a base cabinet with beveled glass doors showcases the beautiful china that our client has collected throughout the years. The new kitchen is packed with appliances that allow our client to make the best usage of them. A 48” American Range Lenged Series rangetop and a 48” stainless steel hood by Windster form the heart of the kitchen. A stainless steel backsplash allows easy maintenance for our client who uses the kitchen so often. The new wall now starts with a desk/office area, a 30” American Range Legacy Series double wall oven, a 36” French door refrigerator, ice maker, wine refrigerator and beverage center. A mixer stand is located in the base cabinet of the island to save countertop space and a drawer bank allows for baking utensils. A prep sink is part of the island with a single trash to make cooking, prepping and cleaning an ease for multiple cooks. A microwave drawer is also available on the island. Easy access and once again keeping the countertop work space open and free. Storage is available at the seating area for seasonal items.
The kitchen finishes were completely switched out as well. The new cabinetry consists of a Cherry species in the Nantucket door style by Crystal Cabinets. Cabinets were finished in a Cinnamon stain with black glazing in a distressed look with cracking and wearing. The surrounding cabinets have a leathered granite and a marble countertop for the island. The three-part crown was inspired by an armoire that has been with the family for a long period of time. Crystal knobs and cup style pulls provide the finishing touches to this beautiful and functional kitchen. Ever since the kitchen has been completed, our client has spent so much time in the kitchen, cooking at home has overridden the want to go out and eat.
Preview First
Borrelli Design+CabinetryThis kitchen remodel has been 27 years in the making and was ready for an all-around update. During our first few meetings, our client had envisioned what drawers would house which items and really wanted the kitchen to accommodate more people whether for a simple meal or for multiple cooks during a celebratory gathering. The original kitchen did not have enough storage and the island did not allow for much seating space. Our client dreamed of a kitchen where she could cook and entertain her family and friends at the same time.
An existing wall enclosing the kitchen was removed and another wall was extended to room for a wall of cabinetry while also allowing the space for a bigger island. Upon entering the kitchen, a base cabinet with beveled glass doors showcases the beautiful china that our client has collected throughout the years. The new kitchen is packed with appliances that allow our client to make the best usage of them. A 48” American Range Lenged Series rangetop and a 48” stainless steel hood by Windster form the heart of the kitchen. A stainless steel backsplash allows easy maintenance for our client who uses the kitchen so often. The new wall now starts with a desk/office area, a 30” American Range Legacy Series double wall oven, a 36” French door refrigerator, ice maker, wine refrigerator and beverage center. A mixer stand is located in the base cabinet of the island to save countertop space and a drawer bank allows for baking utensils. A prep sink is part of the island with a single trash to make cooking, prepping and cleaning an ease for multiple cooks. A microwave drawer is also available on the island. Easy access and once again keeping the countertop work space open and free. Storage is available at the seating area for seasonal items.
The kitchen finishes were completely switched out as well. The new cabinetry consists of a Cherry species in the Nantucket door style by Crystal Cabinets. Cabinets were finished in a Cinnamon stain with black glazing in a distressed look with cracking and wearing. The surrounding cabinets have a leathered granite and a marble countertop for the island. The three-part crown was inspired by an armoire that has been with the family for a long period of time. Crystal knobs and cup style pulls provide the finishing touches to this beautiful and functional kitchen. Ever since the kitchen has been completed, our client has spent so much time in the kitchen, cooking at home has overridden the want to go out and eat.
Preview First
Revival HouseDesigner Danielle Lardani's clients love to cook, so they desired a new kitchen that appealed to them stylistically, while also supporting their passion for cooking. They wanted to include features that would make cooking together both efficient and enjoyable. Danielle fulfilled their dreams by creating a stunning, contemporary design that seamlessly matched the style of the rest of their home. She selected a horizontal, textured laminate by Wynnbrooke Cabinetry for the base perimeter cabinets, with a contrasting prep zone featuring Décor Cabinets in a Behr custom color, Adirondack Blue.
To increase the efficiency of the space, the layout of the kitchen was reconfigured to create a more functional work triangle between the range, the refrigerator, and the sink. The new layout allows the homeowners to prep, cook and serve food with ease. To further enhance the modern look of the kitchen and accommodate her clients’ wishes, she chose floating shelves and a full-height backsplash to give the space a more open feel.
Notable Design Details:
- Danielle designed the new layout to include ample counter space for food prep.
- She installed integrated lighting under the floating shelves and the upper cabinets in the prep-zone area to brighten these work spaces.
- Danielle included a custom dish drawer in her cabinetry design. This optimized storage and allowed dinnerware to be easily accessible.
- The knife block and utensil pull-out organizer keeps the clients’ cooking tools neat while also keeping them at arms reach.
Sponsored
Fredericksburg, OH
High Point Cabinets
Columbus' Experienced Custom Cabinet Builder | 4x Best of Houzz Winner
Crystal Kitchen + BathThe goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level.
Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout.
To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function.
Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking.
Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior.
The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel.
Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated.
The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.
McCabe By Design LLCMid-sized trendy l-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor open concept kitchen photo in Seattle with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops
The Outdoor Kitchen Design StoreOutdoor Dining and entertaining continues to be fabulous in the Hamptons. This Euro Outdoor Kitchen by The Outdoor Kitchen Design Store in Southampton clearly depicts living beyond the walls of your home Fabulously. The Caliber Grill Rockwell model is clearly unique with its hood rolling back into the cabinetry. Farther to the right past the outdoor refrigerator and ice machine is the EVO grill which diversifies the cooking experience outdoors. The Evo offers a generous 30" cast iron surface allowing you to cook omelets, crepes, french toast, grilled sandwiches, fajitas, luncheon sandwiches, scampi, swordfish and chicken fillets. With this fully equipped outdoor kitchen you can cook anything outdoors that you would normally cook indoors. Time to get Outdoors and entertain Fabulously with friends and family. Elevate your outdoor living lifestyle with this contemporary Outdoor Kitchen.
TOC design & construction inc. A Well-Designed Kitchen Can Save You Time
Anyone who cooks regularly will tell you that a well-organized cooking area can make your job much easier and quicker. When planning a kitchen, you will need to take into account things like:
The storage options
Where your appliances will go
The amount of countertop space you have available
Where your bins will be located
Where to place your sink
What gadgets you want installed
A well-planned kitchen can help streamline the cooking process. At the end of the day, when it comes to cooking, efficiency is key. No-one wants to unnecessarily waste their spare time cooking when they could be spending this time relaxing or enjoying themselves.
Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations
Dream KitchensA kitchen traditional for today. This beautiful, bright kitchen is nestled within a colonial style home located in Manchester, NH. Created to blend the traditional style of the home with the contemporary entertaining style of the home’s newest owners, transforming the kitchen into a functional cooking and entertaining space did not come without a few challenges.
The dated kitchen lacked counter, storage and pantry space. As with many older homes, there were sloping floors, chimney chases, and a lack of wall space. Rising to the challenge, I created three unique designs, each one designed to manage these challenges while offering the homeowners their choice of WOW factors.
Indeed, the final design includes plenty of necessary counter space, amazing deep drawer storage, and wonderful pantry space. To make cooking easier and far more efficient, I accessorized with complements of oil pullouts, tray dividers, dual waste pull outs, and utensil dividers. The layout is also perfect for two cooking at the same time, and the additional counter seating makes this island the hot spot for all gatherings. To keep the “HOT” out of the hotspot however, guests remain comfortable with the pop up down draft installed alongside the 6 burner range efficiently drawing in that heat. Additionally, the raised bar behind the range top not only covers the down draft when in its raised position, but shields guests from any cooking splatter.
AND, it’s the perfect bar height for leaning on or standing around those trays of yummy appetizers set upon it during a party!
The final transformation of space into the perfect entertaining spot is the bar. The kitchen is open to the dining room so placing a small bar between the two spaces creates an easy bridge for guests to grab a drink without crossing the entire kitchen to the fridge. Lighting from the bar’s mullion wall cabinet softly cascades into the kitchen/seating area, illuminating the homeowner’s fine crystal wine and champagne glasses as it reflects the warmth and style of the new kitchen. Next to the bar is the creative addition of an oversized but streamlined chalk board where the signature drink of the night can be whimsically showcased restaurant style. Or, if they choose, guests may leave a note…
White painted cabinets wrap around the perimeter of the kitchen while grey glazed cabinets ground the island. A traditional raised panel door and drawer style suit the home perfectly.
Both are topped with polished black pearl granite countertops. The stainless steel double ovens, refrigerator, and dishwasher coordinate beautifully with the grey glazed island and rustic iron cabinet hardware. Large windows on two walls open to scenic views and let in lots of natural light. Smokey glass pendants and recessed lighting strategically light work stations while artfully illuminating the entire kitchen. Day and night, this now organized, streamlined kitchen embraces the home with a sense of light and warmth; an inviting space perfect for cooking or enjoying time with friends and family.
Photography by Scott Sherman
Bilotta Kitchen & HomeBilotta senior designer, Paula Greer, teamed up with architect, Robin Zahn to design this large gourmet kitchen for a family that does a lot of entertaining and cooking. While the wife was the decision maker for the overall aesthetics, the functionality of the space was driven by the husband, the aspiring chef. He had specific requests on how he wanted his “work area” set up. The team designed a cooking area featuring a 48” range across from a prep sink surrounded by 10 feet of work space. All the cooking essentials are at arm’s length – spice pull-out; interior knife block; baskets for root vegetables; cooking utensil drawers; and even a stainless-steel shelf above the range to keep plates warm before serving. Further down, away from the “chef”, is the “clean-up” area with a larger sink and the dishwasher. The microwave and the refrigerators/freezers are also at this opposite end, keeping the rest of the family out of his space when he’s cooking. This was his #1 request. The wet bar, just off of the kitchen, also houses a beverage unit and the coffee maker which keeps people out of the way during prep time. The kitchen was part of a larger addition which allowed them to incorporate the high ceiling, opening up the space to make room for the 6 feet worth of refrigeration and the large 10-foot island that works simultaneously for prep and eating. The Artistic Tile mosaic backsplash, where possible, starts at the countertop and continues all the way up to the molding at the ceiling emphasizing the height of the space, and the size of the room, even more.
Kitchen Design ConceptsThis 1950's kitchen hindered our client's cooking and bi-weekly entertaining and was inconsistent with the home's mid-century architecture. Additional key goals were to improve function for cooking and entertaining 6 to 12 people on a regular basis. Originally with only two entry points to the kitchen (from the entry/foyer and from the dining room) the kitchen wasn’t very open to the remainder of the home, or the living room at all. The door to the carport was never used and created a conflict with seating in the breakfast area. The new plans created larger openings to both rooms, and a third entry point directly into the living room. The “peninsula” manages the sight line between the kitchen and a large, brick fireplace while still creating an “island” effect in the kitchen and allowing seating on both sides. The television was also a “must have” utilizing it to watch cooking shows while prepping food, for news while getting ready for the day, and for background when entertaining.
Meticulously designed cabinets provide ample storage and ergonomically friendly appliance placement. Cabinets were previously laid out into two L-shaped spaces. On the “top” was the cooking area with a narrow pantry (read: scarce storage) and a water heater in the corner. On the “bottom” was a single 36” refrigerator/freezer, and sink. A peninsula separated the kitchen and breakfast room, truncating the entire space. We have now a clearly defined cool storage space spanning 60” width (over 150% more storage) and have separated the ovens and cooking surface to spread out prep/clean zones. True pantry storage was added, and a massive “peninsula” keeps seating for up to 6 comfortably, while still expanding the kitchen and gaining storage. The newly designed, oversized peninsula provides plentiful space for prepping and entertaining. Walnut paneling wraps the room making the kitchen a stunning showpiece.
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