Even though the breakfast area is part of the kitchen as a whole, the designer and client wanted to find ways to make it special on its own accord. The stenciled ceiling design encircling the chandelier, the custom draperies following the curvature of the wall of windows, and a beautiful china hutch finished in a distressed red-barn feel make this corner of the kitchen completely unique. The client’s growing family steered the size of the space; they wanted to be able to entertain their entire family in this area for family meals and parties. By Design Interiors, Erika Barczak. Builder: Keechi Creek Photographer: Brad Carr

This fabulous backyard started as small patio with no covered area to escape the heat or grill outdoors. Tradition Outdoor Living transformed it into an oasis with three distinct areas for year -round entertaining. To achieve the clients’ vision for a space that flows seamlessly between indoors and outdoors, two outside walls were removed and replaced with panoramic glass doors. We designed the ultimate outdoor kitchen with built in Kamado, stainless steel grill, refrigerator and ice maker. Pull up a bar stool and enjoy glass of wine or a beer on tap. The outdoor dining area is directly off the kitchen, making it perfect for family meals and dinner parties. The space’s true focal point is the grand stacked stone fireplace. A large sectional allows the family to enjoy a movie or cheer on their favorite team even on chilly winter nights. Day or night, this outdoor space is the ideal setting for friends and family to gather.

Our Lafayette studio transformed this Mediterranean-style house into a luxurious and inviting retreat, perfect for entertaining friends and family. The open-concept floor plan seamlessly connects the living and kitchen areas, creating a bright and welcoming space that exudes warmth and comfort. The kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances and a gorgeous center island, ideal for preparing meals or gathering with loved ones. We also added a stunning wine cellar showcasing the homeowner's favorite spirits. The bathrooms are designed as unique, stylish, and luxurious retreats for relaxing after a long day. The outdoor area is equally impressive, great for summertime barbecues or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars.

This fabulous backyard started as small patio with no covered area to escape the heat or grill outdoors. Tradition Outdoor Living transformed it into an oasis with three distinct areas for year -round entertaining. To achieve the clients’ vision for a space that flows seamlessly between indoors and outdoors, two outside walls were removed and replaced with panoramic glass doors. We designed the ultimate outdoor kitchen with built in Kamado, stainless steel grill, refrigerator and ice maker. Pull up a bar stool and enjoy glass of wine or a beer on tap. The outdoor dining area is directly off the kitchen, making it perfect for family meals and dinner parties. The space’s true focal point is the grand stacked stone fireplace. A large sectional allows the family to enjoy a movie or cheer on their favorite team even on chilly winter nights. Day or night, this outdoor space is the ideal setting for friends and family to gather.

This elevated deck offers an expansive outdoor living space designed to maximize the enjoyment of lakeside views and al fresco dining. The long dining table with elegant woven chairs sets the stage for memorable meals shared with family and friends, while large sliding glass doors provide easy access to the indoor dining and living areas, allowing for seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The deck railing, with its sleek, modern cable design, ensures unobstructed views, adding a touch of contemporary style that complements the natural wood tones of the home’s exterior. The deck's generous layout also provides space for lounging and relaxation, perfect for morning coffee or sunset watching. Below, the covered patio offers a shaded retreat with comfortable seating, ideal for cooling off on warmer days or enjoying the sounds of nature even in rainy weather. This deck and patio setup enhances the home's versatility, allowing for gatherings in various settings while soaking in the tranquility and beauty of lakeside living.

Our clients loved the location of their duplex home with its peak-a-boo ocean view, but their existing kitchen was not suited for their growing family. They wanted a kitchen with a coastal vibe, plenty of storage space, and an eat-in area. We started by bringing the far wall into the kitchen space to accommodate a large panty and communication center for the family. Doing this allowed us to move the refrigerator out of the main traffic area and doubled the amount of storage space. Several new windows were added to bring in natural light. A half wall was moved to allow more countertop area and open up sight lines. The previously awkwardly shaped island was slimmed down to create better flow. There were a few venting challenges to overcome; gas lines and plumbing had to be re-routed without disturbing the unit below. To open up sight lines, soffits were eliminated which allowed the extension of cabinets to the ceiling. To stay within the homeowner’s budget, we match existing scraped flooring by lacing in and repairing patches. The old dining area was too small for table, so we designed and built a custom banquette to maximize the space and take advantage of the outdoor views. The overall space works for family meals as well as entertaining. A light summer palette was used to reflect the shades of the sand, sea and sky. Even though the new kitchen is actually smaller than the original space, its now far more functional and open.

This backyard project was beautifully built to look original to the home. The brick and trim match perfectly, and the addition of the outdoor kitchen into this covered patio is seamless. The custom color of this flagstone style of stamped concrete is the perfect combination with the brick. The outdoor kitchen is complete with a grilling center, mini fridge, burners, and ample storage. This space can easily entertain as a TV was added to a gorgeous tongue and groove wall. With shaded space and uncovered patio extension, this backyard is ideal for day or night! Our clients can enjoy stargazing on the uncovered portion or watch the game with an early evening meal underneath the covered patio.

With the warm, welcoming tones of a sprawling kitchen this design invites family and friends to relax and enjoy themselves. An updated version of a farmhouse kitchen with charming old world details. From the antiqued mirror inserts of the spacious built in pantry cabinets to the Carrara subway tiles give a feeling of rustic and relaxed elegance. This once run of the mill kitchen is a vision of greige and black, boasting a stunning island with seating for four, microwave drawer, recycling/refuse and loads of storage, all designed to keep clutter at bay. Unpretentious designed cooking and entertaining spaces that can accommodate large meals and gatherings. Guests of all ages and sizes will always feel welcome and comfortable in this kitchen, even if they have stinky fingers and muddy toes! HLP Photography, Natick, MA

This fabulous backyard started as small patio with no covered area to escape the heat or grill outdoors. Tradition Outdoor Living transformed it into an oasis with three distinct areas for year -round entertaining. To achieve the clients’ vision for a space that flows seamlessly between indoors and outdoors, two outside walls were removed and replaced with panoramic glass doors. We designed the ultimate outdoor kitchen with built in Kamado, stainless steel grill, refrigerator and ice maker. Pull up a bar stool and enjoy glass of wine or a beer on tap. The outdoor dining area is directly off the kitchen, making it perfect for family meals and dinner parties. The space’s true focal point is the grand stacked stone fireplace. A large sectional allows the family to enjoy a movie or cheer on their favorite team even on chilly winter nights. Day or night, this outdoor space is the ideal setting for friends and family to gather.

Photo Credit Inspiro 8 Studios

You fell in love with the old house. You bought her. You planned. You went out to bid. You contracted out the job and now she's done! She's still tiny, however, and it is time to entertain. You can make the most of a tiny kitchen by utilizing all the space you do have! If you keep your counter tops clear of unnecessary stuff, you will be able to set up prep and serving centers for your guests! That's what we've done. We served the main course out of the oven and served on the range top. The rest you can see in the photos. And don't forget to spread out. Even though you have room for a coffee bar, don't forget to utilize the coffee table to have a comfy place to relax in the living room at the end of the meal! Photo Credit: Susan Shahan

The Evanow Family longed for an open Kitchen and Dining space that provided plenty of space to move and gather around, prepare meals, and enjoy the heart of their home. There was just one major problem…a single load-bearing post. The post was surrounded by cabinets and provided a very open pass-through to the kitchen from the small breakfast nook, but it all took up lots of room and made the space feel cramped and disconnected. It was time for a drastic change, so the family contacted Burgin Construction to see what could be done. After taking a look with designer, Tamara Stratton, we suggested removing the load-bearing post, adding new elements to ensure that the structure was adequately supported, opening up the kitchen to accommodate a larger island, larger workstation and even a buffet area. Brand new painted finish Dewils Cabinets with contrasting stained island cabinetry turned this ho-hum kitchen into a family space filled with natural light and love for years to come.

The Evanow Family longed for an open Kitchen and Dining space that provided plenty of space to move and gather around, prepare meals, and enjoy the heart of their home. There was just one major problem…a single load-bearing post. The post was surrounded by cabinets and provided a very open pass-through to the kitchen from the small breakfast nook, but it all took up lots of room and made the space feel cramped and disconnected. It was time for a drastic change, so the family contacted Burgin Construction to see what could be done. After taking a look with designer, Tamara Stratton, we suggested removing the load-bearing post, adding new elements to ensure that the structure was adequately supported, opening up the kitchen to accommodate a larger island, larger workstation and even a buffet area. Brand new painted finish Dewils Cabinets with contrasting stained island cabinetry turned this ho-hum kitchen into a family space filled with natural light and love for years to come.

Our clients are a family with three young kids. They wanted to open up and expand their kitchen so their kids could have space to move around, and it gave our clients the opportunity to keep a close eye on the children during meal preparation and remain involved in their activities. By relocating their laundry room, removing some interior walls, and moving their downstairs bathroom we were able to create a beautiful open space. The LaCantina doors and back patio we installed really open up the space even more and allow for wonderful indoor-outdoor living. Keeping the historic feel of the house was important, so we brought the house into the modern era while maintaining a high level of craftsmanship to preserve the historic ambiance. The bar area with soapstone counters with the warm wood tone of the cabinets and glass on the cabinet doors looks exquisite.

The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

This kitchen blends clean contemporary lines with the warm comfort of classic details, creating a space that feels elegant but still very livable. Color & materials A soft palette of warm whites, natural oak tones, and light marble keeps the room calm and bright. The subtle contrast between painted cabinetry and wood textures adds depth without feeling heavy. Cabinetry & storage Simple shaker-style doors, integrated shelving, and balanced symmetry give the kitchen a timeless structure. Open shelves with stone backing make everyday items feel curated instead of cluttered. Island as the focal point The large marble island becomes the heart of the space—perfect for cooking, casual meals, or gathering with family. The deep red upholstered stools introduce a gentle accent color that brings life and personality. Lighting Minimal pendant fixtures and recessed ceiling lights keep everything airy and uncluttered while still providing warm, even illumination across work surfaces. Overall feeling Refined, welcoming, and practical—this is a true transitional kitchen designed for real daily living, not just for show.

You fell in love with the old house. You bought her. You planned. You went out to bid. You contracted out the job and now she's done! She's still tiny, however, and it is time to entertain. You can make the most of a tiny kitchen by utilizing all the space you do have! If you keep your counter tops clear of unnecessary stuff, you will be able to set up prep and serving centers for your guests! That's what we've done. We served the main course out of the oven and served on the range top. The rest you can see in the photos. And don't forget to spread out. Even though you have room for a coffee bar, don't forget to utilize the coffee table to have a comfy place to relax in the living room at the end of the meal! Photo Credit: Susan Shahan

This kitchen blends clean contemporary lines with the warm comfort of classic details, creating a space that feels elegant but still very livable. Color & materials A soft palette of warm whites, natural oak tones, and light marble keeps the room calm and bright. The subtle contrast between painted cabinetry and wood textures adds depth without feeling heavy. Cabinetry & storage Simple shaker-style doors, integrated shelving, and balanced symmetry give the kitchen a timeless structure. Open shelves with stone backing make everyday items feel curated instead of cluttered. Island as the focal point The large marble island becomes the heart of the space—perfect for cooking, casual meals, or gathering with family. The deep red upholstered stools introduce a gentle accent color that brings life and personality. Lighting Minimal pendant fixtures and recessed ceiling lights keep everything airy and uncluttered while still providing warm, even illumination across work surfaces. Overall feeling Refined, welcoming, and practical—this is a true transitional kitchen designed for real daily living, not just for show.