This 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.

Large elegant u-shaped travertine floor open concept kitchen photo in Miami with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Outdoor 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.

Outdoor 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.

The owners of a charming home in the hills west of Paso Robles recently decided to remodel their not-so-charming kitchen. Referred to San Luis Kitchen by several of their friends, the homeowners visited our showroom and soon decided we were the best people to design a kitchen fitting the style of their home. We were delighted to get to work on the project right away. When we arrived at the house, we found a small, cramped and out-dated kitchen. The ceiling was low, the cabinets old fashioned and painted a stark dead white, and the best view in the house was neglected in a seldom-used breakfast nook (sequestered behind the kitchen peninsula). This kitchen was also handicapped by white tile counters with dark grout, odd-sized and cluttered cabinets, and small ‘desk’ tacked on to the side of the oven cabinet. Due to a marked lack of counter space & inadequate storage the homeowner had resorted to keeping her small appliances on a little cart parked in the corner and the garbage was just sitting by the wall in full view of everything! On the plus side, the kitchen opened into a nice dining room and had beautiful saltillo tile floors. Mrs. Homeowner loves to entertain and often hosts dinner parties for her friends. She enjoys visiting with her guests in the kitchen while putting the finishing touches on the evening’s meal. Sadly, her small kitchen really limited her interactions with her guests – she often felt left out of the mix at her own parties! This savvy homeowner dreamed big – a new kitchen that would accommodate multiple workstations, have space for guests to gather but not be in the way, and maybe a prettier transition from the kitchen to the dining (wine service area or hutch?) – while managing the remodel budget by reusing some of her major appliances and keeping (patching as needed) her existing floors. Responding to the homeowner’s stated wish list and the opportunities presented by the home's setting and existing architecture, the designers at San Luis Kitchen decided to expand the kitchen into the breakfast nook using Wood-Mode cabinetry. This change allowed the work area to be reoriented to take advantage of the great view – we replaced the existing window and added another while moving the door to gain space. A second sink and set of refrigerator drawers (housing fresh fruits & veggies) were included for the convenience of this mainly vegetarian cook – her prep station. The clean-up area now boasts a farmhouse style single bowl sink – adding to the ‘cottage’ charm. We located a new gas cook-top between the two workstations for easy access from each. Also tucked in here is a pullout trash/recycle cabinet for convenience and additional drawers for storage. Running parallel to the work counter we added a long butcher-block island with easy-to-access open shelves for the avid cook and seating for friendly guests placed just right to take in the view. A counter-top garage is used to hide excess small appliances. Glass door cabinets and open shelves are now available to display the owners beautiful dishware. The microwave was placed inconspicuously on the end of the island facing the refrigerator – easy access for guests (and extraneous family members) to help themselves to drinks and snacks while staying out of the cook’s way. We also moved the pantry storage away from the dining room (putting it on the far wall and closer to the work triangle) and added a furniture-like hutch in its place allowing the more formal dining area to flow seamlessly into the up-beat work area of the kitchen. This space is now also home (opposite wall) to an under counter wine refrigerator, a liquor cabinet and pretty glass door wall cabinet for stemware storage – meeting Mr. Homeowner’s desire for a bar service area. And then the aesthetic: an old-world style country cottage theme. The homeowners wanted the kitchen to have a warm feel while still loving the look of white cabinetry. San Luis Kitchen melded country-casual knotty pine base cabinets with vintage hand-brushed creamy white wall cabinets to create the desired cottage look. We also added bead board and mullioned glass doors for charm, used an inset doorstyle on the cabinets for authenticity, and mixed stone and wood counters to create an eclectic nuance in the space. All in all, the happy homeowners now boast a charming county cottage kitchen with plenty of space for entertaining their guests while creating gourmet meals to feed them.

The 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.

The 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.

This 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.

Tall 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.

The 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.

This 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

The 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.

Kitchens are seductive when photographed and published, as colors are coordinated, fruit and flowers arranged, clutter removed, lighting just so. What is difficult to tell from glossy images is how well a kitchen really works. The East Bay Kitchen for a Cook is an excellent example of a kitchen that really works. It is a kitchen for an accomplished cook. It is also a kitchen that is independent yet connected to a formal dining room, a kitchen with an informal ‘cafe nook’, and a kitchen ideal for a couple as well as a crowd. It is a true working kitchen for all occasions. There are many things to take into account when designing a kitchen - surfaces, materials, storage, circulation, spatial relationships, natural light. These are all important considerations in designing a kitchen. What is equally important in designing a kitchen is how a person works in a kitchen, and generally, what their kitchen is all about. Is it a kitchen for one or more cooks? Is there a ‘mess factor’ that the client wants to hide? Does the kitchen function purely as a kitchen or as a social center, or both? What is the relationship of the kitchen to adjacent rooms, and if there is a separate dining room, how does the circulation work between the two? For a kitchen to really work well, each one of these items need to be addressed and resolved. There are no generalized correct answers to any of these questions, only a correct answer for each individual cook. The original Kitchen for a Cook was small, dark, and cramped, with no connection to the dining room, which was the main eating area. A discourse began between the architect and the client, centered on how the client works in her kitchen and the desired relationship between the kitchen and dining room, which would remain the primary eating area in the renovated kitchen. Other important considerations were how to incorporate an informal ‘café nook’ in the kitchen, and how to have an easy circulation between kitchen and dining area, for both people and food.

Tall 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.

Designer 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.

Outdoor 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.

Bertazzoni appliances are supremely functional – built by people who know all about cooking, for people who know how to cook. They come from Guastalla, which lies north east of Parma on the River Po in the region Emilia-Romagna, the heartland of Italian food and cooking. They are designed in Milan, capital of Italian flair and finesse, and engineered and built by the Bertazzoni family firm, which has been making high-quality ranges since the beginning of the last century. The design is driven by the skills and needs of the modern cook, with the imaginative details and good looks for which Italians are renowned. All Bertazzoni products are precision engineered to the highest specifications. This gives them exceptional reliability and durability – a Bertazzoni appliance represents an absolute commitment to quality. Italian know-how specially developed for North Americans – drawing on the experience of making cooking appliances for different people and countries all over the world.

Designer 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.

The first area we focused on was the new cooking station. Closing in the former peninsula seating wall, we were able to relocate the cooktop (formerly at the island), installing new updraft ventilation and balance the cooking area countertop on both sides. The left/right side of the cooking station received storage on both sides; one for items like baking sheets, flat pans and the other for cooking/prep products (from spices to can products). Larger cooking pans fit easily into the diagonal base cabinet on the far left, while the lazy susan revolving shelf to the right could store cannisters to stackable storage items. The added angled glass door cabinet to the far left added a beautiful touch to the main entrance. Above and below cabinet lighting illuminated the room and softened the overall ambiance of the space.