Arched valances above the window and on the island bookshelf, along with the curved custom metal hood above the stainless steel range, contrast nicely with the overall linear design of the space. The leaded glass cabinet doors not only create a spot to display the homeowner’s favorite glassware, but visually it helps prevent the white cabinets from being overbearing. By installing recessed can lights uniformly throughout the space instead of decorative pendants above the island, the kitchen appears more open and spacious.

Contractor: Windover Construction, LLC Photographer: Shelly Harrison Photography
Large elegant galley light wood floor kitchen photo in Boston with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, beige backsplash, paneled appliances, shaker cabinets, granite countertops, ceramic backsplash and an island

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

This navy-blue transitional kitchen completely opens the space to include a cozy breakfast nook. With highlights of open walnut shelves, these recessed-paneled navy cabinets really pop off the white granite. Complete with stainless steel appliances and range hood, this kitchen rounds out a fresh take on a traditional space with a bold splash of color.

Center island with rich, blue Greenfield cabinetry and wood countertop.
Open concept kitchen - traditional medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Minneapolis with wood countertops, an island, brown countertops, a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash and colored appliances

Dean J. Birinyi Photography
Eat-in kitchen - traditional u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Francisco with white cabinets, shaker cabinets, a farmhouse sink, white backsplash and paneled appliances

The wall between the original kitchen and dining room was removed, the ceiling raised, and beams added to match the dining room. All new cabinets, counter tops, floor, appliances, and lighting added. Interior Designer: Deborah Campbell Photographer: Jim Bartsch

Matthew Niemann Photography
Example of a transitional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen design in Austin with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, white countertops, quartz countertops, white cabinets and stone tile backsplash

Photo Credit: Neil Landino, Counter Top: Connecticut Stone Calacatta Gold Honed Marble, Kitchen Sink: 39" Wide Risinger Double Bowl Fireclay, Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Arctic Gray 1577, Trim Color: Benjamin Moore White Dove, Kitchen Faucet: Perrin and Rowe Bridge Kitchen Faucet VIDEO BLOG, EPISODE 2 – FINDING THE PERFECT STONE Watch this happy client’s testimonial on how Connecticut Stone transformed her existing kitchen into a bright, beautiful and functional space.Featuring Calacatta Gold Marble and Carrara Marble. Video Link: https://youtu.be/hwbWNMFrAV0

Large, expansive kitchen with subtle textures and creamy colors is the epitome of elegance. The Calacatta Vagli marble countertops have exquisite patterning and a classic horizontal light and dark grey veining.

Kate Falconer Photography
Example of a large eclectic terra-cotta tile eat-in kitchen design in San Francisco with an integrated sink, gray cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and shaker cabinets

we wanted to preserve the mid-century modern feel (talk about a real flashback!), and boy, do we love the results! This kitchen is another perfect example of a project where we did the “lipstick and make-up” – another term for replacing the more cosmetic features such as countertops, backsplash, and the door and drawer fronts. Even doing so, the resulting kitchen leaves us with a breath of fresh air! To learn more about this space, continue reading below: Cabinetry To start, we removed the soffit in the kitchen making the space look taller. Next, we did not rip out the cabinetry boxes, because we were inspired by the finish and look of what existed. Maintaining the finish of the cabinets helped preserve the retro feel and is a good example of repurposing what you already have! As a result, we replaced the door and drawer fronts with a new slab style in a matching medium stain. In addition to the cabinetry fronts, we installed floating shelves – a perfect spot to display! Countertops For countertops we wanted something light and bright, and also something that would look good with the other finishes. As a result, we kept it simple with a light and bright surface from Caesarstone in the color “Blizzard” Backsplash Now for a little fun and a pop of color, the tile. The tile we selected is fresh, exciting, and also ties everything together giving that mid-century modern feel. In a brick-lay installation, we have a Glazzio Crystile Series, in a 4×12 size, with a finish of Soft Mint. Fixtures and Fittings Completing the space, we finished the cabinetry with U-Turn knob’s on the doors, and U-turn pulls on the drawers. Then from Blanco, we have a Quatrus stainless steel sink and a Culina mini faucet in satin nickel.

Taj Mahal Quartzite Kitchen Countertops & Full Height Backsplash by Atlanta Kitchen Photos by Galina Coada and Barbara Brown
Inspiration for a timeless medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Atlanta with quartzite countertops, stone slab backsplash, an island, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Custom Concrete Countertops by Hard Topix. Perimeter is a light grind finish and the Island is a darker natural/textured finish.
Urban l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen photo in Grand Rapids with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, concrete countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Wood light boxes and countertops stand against dark mosaic wall tile in the powder room. The blackened steel of the stair rails and risers is offset by wood treads and balconies.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients and their three teenage kids had outgrown the footprint of their existing home and felt they needed some space to spread out. They came in with a couple of sets of drawings from different architects that were not quite what they were looking for, so we set out to really listen and try to provide a design that would meet their objectives given what the space could offer. We started by agreeing that a bump out was the best way to go and then decided on the size and the floor plan locations of the mudroom, powder room and butler pantry which were all part of the project. We also planned for an eat-in banquette that is neatly tucked into the corner and surrounded by windows providing a lovely spot for daily meals. The kitchen itself is L-shaped with the refrigerator and range along one wall, and the new sink along the exterior wall with a large window overlooking the backyard. A large island, with seating for five, houses a prep sink and microwave. A new opening space between the kitchen and dining room includes a butler pantry/bar in one section and a large kitchen pantry in the other. Through the door to the left of the main sink is access to the new mudroom and powder room and existing attached garage. White inset cabinets, quartzite countertops, subway tile and nickel accents provide a traditional feel. The gray island is a needed contrast to the dark wood flooring. Last but not least, professional appliances provide the tools of the trade needed to make this one hardworking kitchen. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Transitional kitchen in West Hartford, CT featuring Havana quartz countertops with a bright, clean finish. Fabrication and installation by Pioneer Stone Works, including the main perimeter runs and island surface with an undermount sink cutout. Soft green island cabinetry, warm brass accents, and classic tile backsplash complete the look.

Emily Redfield
Large transitional master glass tile and beige tile ceramic tile freestanding bathtub photo in Denver with a vessel sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops and white walls

Down-to-studs remodel and second floor addition. The original house was a simple plain ranch house with a layout that didn’t function well for the family. We changed the house to a contemporary Mediterranean with an eclectic mix of details. Space was limited by City Planning requirements so an important aspect of the design was to optimize every bit of space, both inside and outside. The living space extends out to functional places in the back and front yards: a private shaded back yard and a sunny seating area in the front yard off the kitchen where neighbors can easily mingle with the family. A Japanese bath off the master bedroom upstairs overlooks a private roof deck which is screened from neighbors’ views by a trellis with plants growing from planter boxes and with lanterns hanging from a trellis above. Photography by Kurt Manley. https://saikleyarchitects.com/portfolio/modern-mediterranean/