This was a full gut an renovation. The existing kitchen had very dated cabinets and didn't function well for the clients. A previous desk area was turned into hidden cabinetry to house the microwave and larger appliances and to keep the countertops clutter free. The original pendants were about 4" wide and were inappropriate for the large island. They were replaced with larger, brighter and more sophisticated pendants. The use of panel ready appliances with large matte black hardware made gave this a clean and sophisticated look. Mosaic tile was installed from the countertop to the ceiling and wall sconces were installed over the kitchen window. A different tile was used in the bar area which has a beverage refrigerator and an ice machine and floating shelves. The cabinetry in this area also includes a pullout drawer for dog food.

The remodeled kitchen features recycled glass tiling that immediately draws you into the space and the lightly colored, frameless bamboo cabinetry brightens the room. The main island was shaped and designed to draw you through the space and act as a preparation area for the green drinks and smoothies the homeowner makes on a daily basis and uses to show her clients how to maintain higher levels of nutrition. The flooring reflects the modern lighting and is made of cork which is ethically harvested. Every last detail is meticulously addressed including the curved knobs and recycled glass teal knobs. One of the drawers near the center island opens up and holds a composter underneath. There is also an urban cultivator that allows the owner to grow and cut fresh herbs and delight in the convenience of the location. The kitchen is perfected and the owner utilizes the kitchen with ease leading to an increase in overall functionality. The look delights every visitor, with a contemporary oasis the owner is completely in love with. This photo features the urban cultivator the owner uses to grow fresh herbs. Photos: Dan Cutrona Photography Canyon Creek Cabinetry

This large backyard had an impressive infinity pool, hot tub, waterfalls and outdoor fireplace, but needed some cozying up. Susan Currie Design reconfigured the layout for outdoor furniture to make the space functional and inviting. Near the grill, we have a set of tables and chairs for quiet afternoon lunches in the shade. Another seating area in front of the fireplace welcomes dinner guests to linger over drinks and stargaze in the evening. By the pool, chaises and a small side table are perfect for relaxing with a book or magazine. Teal fabric on the newly upholstered seating and umbrella in a teal color scheme tie in with aqua color of the pool water, and make the seating areas feel cool and refreshing. Under the covered porch, the homeowners have what are essentially an outdoor living room and dining room. Close to the house, these areas are easy to bring food and drinks out to from inside, and offer a delightful view of the pool and surrounding yard. Because it is covered, this area will stay cooler through much of the day than the rest of the yard, but black drapes are available to close off the area to any direct sun that may find its way in, and add a dramatic finishing touch. An Indonesian teak log planted with succulents brings life to the dining table.

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This large backyard had an impressive infinity pool, hot tub, waterfalls and outdoor fireplace, but needed some cozying up. Susan Currie Design reconfigured the layout for outdoor furniture to make the space functional and inviting. Near the grill, we have a set of tables and chairs for quiet afternoon lunches in the shade. Another seating area in front of the fireplace welcomes dinner guests to linger over drinks and stargaze in the evening. By the pool, chaises and a small side table are perfect for relaxing with a book or magazine. Teal fabric on the newly upholstered seating and umbrella in a teal color scheme tie in with aqua color of the pool water, and make the seating areas feel cool and refreshing. Under the covered porch, the homeowners have what are essentially an outdoor living room and dining room. Close to the house, these areas are easy to bring food and drinks out to from inside, and offer a delightful view of the pool and surrounding yard. Because it is covered, this area will stay cooler through much of the day than the rest of the yard, but black drapes are available to close off the area to any direct sun that may find its way in, and add a dramatic finishing touch. An Indonesian teak log planted with succulents brings life to the dining table.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   The homeowners came to us looking to update the kitchen in their historic 1897 home. The home had gone through an extensive renovation several years earlier that added a master bedroom suite and updates to the front façade. The kitchen however was not part of that update and a prior 1990’s update had left much to be desired. The client is an avid cook, and it was just not very functional for the family. The original kitchen was very choppy and included a large eat in area that took up more than its fair share of the space. On the wish list was a place where the family could comfortably congregate, that was easy and to cook in, that feels lived in and in check with the rest of the home’s décor. They also wanted a space that was not cluttered and dark – a happy, light and airy room. A small powder room off the space also needed some attention so we set out to include that in the remodel as well. See that arch in the neighboring dining room? The homeowner really wanted to make the opening to the dining room an arch to match, so we incorporated that into the design. Another unfortunate eyesore was the state of the ceiling and soffits. Turns out it was just a series of shortcuts from the prior renovation, and we were surprised and delighted that we were easily able to flatten out almost the entire ceiling with a couple of little reworks. Other changes we made were to add new windows that were appropriate to the new design, which included moving the sink window over slightly to give the work zone more breathing room. We also adjusted the height of the windows in what was previously the eat-in area that were too low for a countertop to work. We tried to keep an old island in the plan since it was a well-loved vintage find, but the tradeoff for the function of the new island was not worth it in the end. We hope the old found a new home, perhaps as a potting table. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

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. 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 delightful white chair reading alcove provides private space to drink a cup of coffee, read a book or simply look out over the backyard. Setting off the bright fuschia walls with a light neutral, in this case, white chair, makes the space feel happy.

This prairie home tucked in the woods strikes a harmonious balance between modern efficiency and welcoming warmth. A captivating quartzite countertop serves as the centerpiece, inspiring an earthy color palette that seamlessly integrates with the maple cabinetry. A spacious layout allows for socializing with guests while effortlessly preparing culinary delights. For a polished and clutter-free look, the cabinet housing baking essentials can be discreetly closed when not in use. --- Project designed by Minneapolis interior design studio LiLu Interiors. They serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, including Wayzata, Edina, and Rochester, and they travel to the far-flung destinations where their upscale clientele owns second homes. For more about LiLu Interiors, see here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.liluinteriors.com/portfolio-items/north-oaks-prairie-home-interior-design/

From the Moment you step under the Taut Green Awning from Central Park West... you begin to feel the Tingling Calm you are about to behold. As you ascend in the elevator to the Tree Top Floor and enter the Enclave, you know you have arrived, not at a residence, but an experience. A place that is as Bright and White as the Sun Shining outside the Bank of Windows, yet Tempered by the Green Lush Expanse of all Central Park Laid before your Wandering eyes. As you turn to Drink in the Apartment, your Eyes are delighted with the Twinkle of Crystal, the Sheen of Marbles, The Roughness of Carved Granite, all played against Cozy Silk and Wool Carpets, Sofas and Chairs that soak you in, the Art and Treasures in glints of Patina-ed Golds and Silver from the Past, The Present and the Future to come, all gift boxed in a setting that harks back to the Golden Age of Pre-War New York but Splashed with Modern Flourishes in design that remind you, you are Here and Now. In this Trance you can hear the Sounds of Clinking Glasses celebrating a Birthday Celebration, The Laughter of Friends preparing to leave for an Opening Night at the Theater, the soft hush of a night cap toast as you savor in the city lights below before you dream some more, only to wake to the smells of Omelette's and French Toast waiting on White Porcelain with Crisp Linen Napkins all set beside the Mountain of the Sunday New York Times in the Shadow of a Blue Hydrangea arrangement. The Day and The City awaits you, but you cocoon yourself in the envelope you are savoring, You reach for the Times, or the New Yorker, and curl in, with Cole Porter or Leonard Bernstein wafting through the aerie of peace, as you gaze out the window... Central Park fills with Leaves, People, Rain, or even a Gentle Snow. This is Central Park West. This is: An Experience. Not a Residence.

This large backyard had an impressive infinity pool, hot tub, waterfalls and outdoor fireplace, but needed some cozying up. Susan Currie Design reconfigured the layout for outdoor furniture to make the space functional and inviting. Near the grill, we have a set of tables and chairs for quiet afternoon lunches in the shade. Another seating area in front of the fireplace welcomes dinner guests to linger over drinks and stargaze in the evening. By the pool, chaises and a small side table are perfect for relaxing with a book or magazine. Teal fabric on the newly upholstered seating and umbrella in a teal color scheme tie in with aqua color of the pool water, and make the seating areas feel cool and refreshing. Under the covered porch, the homeowners have what are essentially an outdoor living room and dining room. Close to the house, these areas are easy to bring food and drinks out to from inside, and offer a delightful view of the pool and surrounding yard. Because it is covered, this area will stay cooler through much of the day than the rest of the yard, but black drapes are available to close off the area to any direct sun that may find its way in, and add a dramatic finishing touch. An Indonesian teak log planted with succulents brings life to the dining table.

This large backyard had an impressive infinity pool, hot tub, waterfalls and outdoor fireplace, but needed some cozying up. Susan Currie Design reconfigured the layout for outdoor furniture to make the space functional and inviting. Near the grill, we have a set of tables and chairs for quiet afternoon lunches in the shade. Another seating area in front of the fireplace welcomes dinner guests to linger over drinks and stargaze in the evening. By the pool, chaises and a small side table are perfect for relaxing with a book or magazine. Teal fabric on the newly upholstered seating and umbrella in a teal color scheme tie in with aqua color of the pool water, and make the seating areas feel cool and refreshing. Under the covered porch, the homeowners have what are essentially an outdoor living room and dining room. Close to the house, these areas are easy to bring food and drinks out to from inside, and offer a delightful view of the pool and surrounding yard. Because it is covered, this area will stay cooler through much of the day than the rest of the yard, but black drapes are available to close off the area to any direct sun that may find its way in, and add a dramatic finishing touch. An Indonesian teak log planted with succulents brings life to the dining table.

The remodeled kitchen features recycled glass tiling that immediately draws you into the space and the lightly colored, frameless bamboo cabinetry brightens the room. The main island was shaped and designed to draw you through the space and act as a preparation area for the green drinks and smoothies the homeowner makes on a daily basis and uses to show her clients how to maintain higher levels of nutrition. The flooring reflects the modern lighting and is made of cork which is ethically harvested. Every last detail is meticulously addressed including the curved knobs and recycled glass teal knobs. One of the drawers near the center island opens up and holds a composter underneath. There is also an urban cultivator that allows the owner to grow and cut fresh herbs and delight in the convenience of the location. The kitchen is perfected and the owner utilizes the kitchen with ease leading to an increase in overall functionality. The look delights every visitor, with a contemporary oasis the owner is completely in love with. Photos: Dan Cutrona Photography Canyon Creek Cabinetry

The purpose of the design that Janice Teague created, included giving the chef room to operate and cooking students room to watch, along with room for guests to easily gather in the kitchen and easily flow into and out of the adjoining areas without cramping the cook’s space. Some of the significant changes included: Working from the back end of the room to create a larger pantry with the existing pantry opening as well as an enclosed space for a refrigerator. Adding a small “breakfast bar” around the corner with a microwave, coffee maker, toaster and pull-out bread board. It’s right across the hallway from the door to the garage, so it provides great “grab-and-go” functionality without disturbing the main kitchen. In the end, every detail was nailed down to the chef’s delight, right down to the decorative overhead lights. “She’s gotten quite a few compliments on the renovation,” said Janice. As the awards confirm, this is clearly a kitchen that makes a statement! Photos provided by Janice Teague

The remodeled kitchen features recycled glass tiling that immediately draws you into the space and the lightly colored, frameless bamboo cabinetry brightens the room. The main island was shaped and designed to draw you through the space and act as a preparation area for the green drinks and smoothies the homeowner makes on a daily basis and uses to show her clients how to maintain higher levels of nutrition. The flooring reflects the modern lighting and is made of cork which is ethically harvested. Every last detail is meticulously addressed including the curved knobs and recycled glass teal knobs. One of the drawers near the center island opens up and holds a composter underneath. There is also an urban cultivator that allows the owner to grow and cut fresh herbs and delight in the convenience of the location. The kitchen is perfected and the owner utilizes the kitchen with ease leading to an increase in overall functionality. The look delights every visitor, with a contemporary oasis the owner is completely in love with. This photo features the urban cultivator the owner uses to grow fresh herbs. Photos: Dan Cutrona Photography Canyon Creek Cabinetry

From the Moment you step under the Taut Green Awning from Central Park West... you begin to feel the Tingling Calm you are about to behold. As you ascend in the elevator to the Tree Top Floor and enter the Enclave, you know you have arrived, not at a residence, but an experience. A place that is as Bright and White as the Sun Shining outside the Bank of Windows, yet Tempered by the Green Lush Expanse of all Central Park Laid before your Wandering eyes. As you turn to Drink in the Apartment, your Eyes are delighted with the Twinkle of Crystal, the Sheen of Marbles, The Roughness of Carved Granite, all played against Cozy Silk and Wool Carpets, Sofas and Chairs that soak you in, the Art and Treasures in glints of Patina-ed Golds and Silver from the Past, The Present and the Future to come, all gift boxed in a setting that harks back to the Golden Age of Pre-War New York but Splashed with Modern Flourishes in design that remind you, you are Here and Now. In this Trance you can hear the Sounds of Clinking Glasses celebrating a Birthday Celebration, The Laughter of Friends preparing to leave for an Opening Night at the Theater, the soft hush of a night cap toast as you savor in the city lights below before you dream some more, only to wake to the smells of Omelette's and French Toast waiting on White Porcelain with Crisp Linen Napkins all set beside the Mountain of the Sunday New York Times in the Shadow of a Blue Hydrangea arrangement. The Day and The City awaits you, but you cocoon yourself in the envelope you are savoring, You reach for the Times, or the New Yorker, and curl in, with Cole Porter or Leonard Bernstein wafting through the aerie of peace, as you gaze out the window... Central Park fills with Leaves, People, Rain, or even a Gentle Snow. This is Central Park West. This is: An Experience. Not a Residence.

The remodeled kitchen features recycled glass tiling that immediately draws you into the space and the lightly colored, frameless bamboo cabinetry brightens the room. The main island was shaped and designed to draw you through the space and act as a preparation area for the green drinks and smoothies the homeowner makes on a daily basis and uses to show her clients how to maintain higher levels of nutrition. The flooring reflects the modern lighting and is made of cork which is ethically harvested. Every last detail is meticulously addressed including the curved knobs and recycled glass teal knobs. One of the drawers near the center island opens up and holds a composter underneath. There is also an urban cultivator that allows the owner to grow and cut fresh herbs and delight in the convenience of the location. The kitchen is perfected and the owner utilizes the kitchen with ease leading to an increase in overall functionality. The look delights every visitor, with a contemporary oasis the owner is completely in love with. Photos: Dan Cutrona Photography Canyon Creek Cabinetry

This large backyard had an impressive infinity pool, hot tub, waterfalls and outdoor fireplace, but needed some cozying up. Susan Currie Design reconfigured the layout for outdoor furniture to make the space functional and inviting. Near the grill, we have a set of tables and chairs for quiet afternoon lunches in the shade. Another seating area in front of the fireplace welcomes dinner guests to linger over drinks and stargaze in the evening. By the pool, chaises and a small side table are perfect for relaxing with a book or magazine. Teal fabric on the newly upholstered seating and umbrella in a teal color scheme tie in with aqua color of the pool water, and make the seating areas feel cool and refreshing. Under the covered porch, the homeowners have what are essentially an outdoor living room and dining room. Close to the house, these areas are easy to bring food and drinks out to from inside, and offer a delightful view of the pool and surrounding yard. Because it is covered, this area will stay cooler through much of the day than the rest of the yard, but black drapes are available to close off the area to any direct sun that may find its way in, and add a dramatic finishing touch. An Indonesian teak log planted with succulents brings life to the dining table.

This large backyard had an impressive infinity pool, hot tub, waterfalls and outdoor fireplace, but needed some cozying up. Susan Currie Design reconfigured the layout for outdoor furniture to make the space functional and inviting. Near the grill, we have a set of tables and chairs for quiet afternoon lunches in the shade. Another seating area in front of the fireplace welcomes dinner guests to linger over drinks and stargaze in the evening. By the pool, chaises and a small side table are perfect for relaxing with a book or magazine. Teal fabric on the newly upholstered seating and umbrella in a teal color scheme tie in with aqua color of the pool water, and make the seating areas feel cool and refreshing. Under the covered porch, the homeowners have what are essentially an outdoor living room and dining room. Close to the house, these areas are easy to bring food and drinks out to from inside, and offer a delightful view of the pool and surrounding yard. Because it is covered, this area will stay cooler through much of the day than the rest of the yard, but black drapes are available to close off the area to any direct sun that may find its way in, and add a dramatic finishing touch. An Indonesian teak log planted with succulents brings life to the dining table.