Just as the kitchen is undoubtedly the center of this home, the island is the center of this kitchen. An overhang on the island creates an inviting place to pull up a chair and visit with the other people in the kitchen. This large space can also be incredibly functional. It's large enough for you to be able to comfortably tackle ambitious baking projects and elaborate meals. It's also large enough to serve as a buffet when serving family and friends a casual brunch, lunch or dinner. To set the island apart from the Cognac finished cabinetry of the rest of the kitchen, we chose Vintage Willow. It gives the room a slightly surprising twist that feels at once retro and new. A hutch area gives you room to proudly display Grandma's china pattern or your wedding stemware. It also lets you keep wine close at hand while entertaining. The cooking zone is surrounded by even more counter space and smart storage solutions.

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   One of my favorite things to work on is older homes with a bit of history because I find it an interesting challenge to marry the historical architectural features of a home with modern design elements that work well for my client’s current lifestyle. This home was particularly fun because it was the second kitchen we had done for this family and was quite a departure from the style of the first kitchen. The before shot of the kitchen shows a view from the family room. See the dropped ceiling? We were curious, was this just part of the design or was the dropped ceiling there to hide mechanicals? Well we soon found out that it was mostly decorative (yay!), and with the exception of a little bit of work to some plumbing from an upstairs bathroom and rerouting of the ventilation system within the original floor joists, we were in the clear, phew! The shot of the completed kitchen from roughly the same vantage point shows how much taller the ceilings are. It makes a huge difference in the feel of the space. Dark and gloomy turned fresh and light! Another serious consideration was what do we do with the skinny transom window above the refrigerator. After much back and forth, we decided to eliminate it and do some open shelving instead. This ended up being one of the nicest areas in the room. I am calling it the “fun zone” because it houses all the barware, wine cubbies and a bar fridge — the perfect little buffet spot for entertaining. It is flanked on either side by pull out pantries that I’m sure will get a ton of use. Since the neighboring room has literally three walls of almost full height windows, the kitchen gets plenty of light. The gold shelving brackets, large pendant fixtures over the island and the tile mural behind the range all pay subtle homage to the home’s prairie style architecture and bring a bit of sparkle to the room. Even though the room is quite large, the work triangle is very tight with the large Subzero fridge, sink and range all nearby for easy maneuvering during meal prep. There is seating for four at the island, and work aisles are generous. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: LOMA Studios For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Our clients requested the final additions for their lovely outdoor living space. In the midst of their backyard oasis, we created the ideal transition from inside sitting area to the existing pool: an outdoor living area complete with an outdoor kitchen underneath a covered patio! The patio cover boasts tongue and groove ceilings with recessed lighting and ceiling fans, even a sound system! An outdoor TV was wired in for additional entertainment while the burgers are grilling on this lovely stone kitchen. Custom made, the outdoor kitchen perfectly nestles the Big Green Egg for the best smoked meal! There is ample food preparation space and storage in this kitchen. The final touches were made when we resurfaced the existing ceiling in the screened in patio with matching tongue and groove stained wood! This space is fitted with easily accessible electrical outlets as well.

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.

Split Level 1970 home of a young and active family of four. The main public spaces in this home were remodeled to create a fresh, clean look. The Jack + Mare demo'd the kitchen and dining room down to studs and removed the wall between the kitchen/dining and living room to create an open concept space with a clean and fresh new kitchen and dining with ample storage. Now the family can all be together and enjoy one another's company even if mom or dad is busy in the kitchen prepping the next meal. The custom white cabinets and the blue accent island (and walls) really give a nice clean and fun feel to the space. The island has a gorgeous local solid slab of wood on top. A local artisan salvaged and milled up the big leaf maple for this project. In fact, the tree was from the University of Portland's campus located right where the client once rode the bus to school when she was a child. So it's an extra special custom piece! (fun fact: there is a bullet lodged in the wood that is visible...we estimate it was shot into the tree 30-35 years ago!) The 'public' spaces were given a brand new waterproof luxury vinyl wide plank tile. With 2 young daughters, a large golden retriever and elderly cat, the durable floor was a must. project scope at quick glance: - demo'd and rebuild kitchen and dining room. - removed wall separating kitchen/dining and living room - removed carpet and installed new flooring in public spaces - removed stair carpet and gave fresh black and white paint - painted all public spaces - new hallway doorknob harware - all new LED lighting (kitchen, dining, living room and hallway) Jason Quigley Photography

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.

The new kitchen showcases exquisite custom cabinetry from Plain and Fancy, featuring a soft white painted perimeter and a cherry island that comfortably seats six. With dual sinks—one nestled beneath a window and the other discreetly placed in the island, just behind the 48” Wolf range—this kitchen facilitates multiple chefs and efficient cleanup, made even easier with the inclusion of two dishwashers, ideal for hosting large parties. A third steam oven quickly became a culinary essential for everyday family meals. A stone’s throw away, the Subzero refrigerator and freezer towers stand ready to accommodate the needs of a sizable crowd.

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.

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 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.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)

Dramatic tile and contrasting cabinet pulls, proved that this chic petite kitchen wasn’t afraid to have fun. The creative peninsula full of personality and functionality offers not only visual interest but a place to prepare meals, wash, and dine all in one. A bold patterned tile backsplash, rising to the role of the main focal point, does the double trick of punching up the white cabinets and making the ceiling feel even higher. New Appliances, double-duty accents, convenient open shelving and sleek lighting solutions, take full advantage of this kitchen layout. Fresh white upper cabinets, Deep brown lowers full of texture, a brilliant blue dining wall and lively tile fill this small kitchen with big style.

The new kitchen showcases exquisite custom cabinetry from Plain and Fancy, featuring a soft white painted perimeter and a cherry island that comfortably seats six. With dual sinks—one nestled beneath a window and the other discreetly placed in the island, just behind the 48” Wolf range—this kitchen facilitates multiple chefs and efficient cleanup, made even easier with the inclusion of two dishwashers, ideal for hosting large parties. A third steam oven quickly became a culinary essential for everyday family meals. A stone’s throw away, the Subzero refrigerator and freezer towers stand ready to accommodate the needs of a sizable crowd.

A Simple Way to Revamp Your Kitchen! New York | New Jersey | CT | PA | VA | DC We all dream of a lovely kitchen design with just the perfect décor and generous bits of accentuation here and there. The excitement is even bigger when it’s your first time to revamp a dull looking kitchen. Remember, it’s not about how good your meals tastes alone; if you can add a tastefully decorated kitchen into the picture, then you have one of the best homes on earth. Visit: http://AllMarbleTiles.com

Awarded Second Place in the California Sub-Zero and Wolf Kitchen Design Contest 2015-2016 We added a custom pot rack over the oven hood, pot filler for convenience, and a custom stainless steel black splash behind the range for clean-ability. The island was designed as a full prep space: one portion of the island is marble for baking, and the other portion is a wood chopping block. A knife slot in the island was added for quick and easy access, with a prep sink with colander nearby. An eat-in kitchen provides the client with a convenient and casual place for tea or a quick meal without using the formal dining room. Natural light helps the large kitchen feel even more spacious!

Dramatic tile and contrasting cabinet pulls, proved that this chic petite kitchen wasn’t afraid to have fun. The creative peninsula full of personality and functionality offers not only visual interest but a place to prepare meals, wash, and dine all in one. A bold patterned tile backsplash, rising to the role of the main focal point, does the double trick of punching up the white cabinets and making the ceiling feel even higher. New Appliances, double-duty accents, convenient open shelving and sleek lighting solutions, take full advantage of this kitchen layout. Fresh white upper cabinets, Deep brown lowers full of texture, a brilliant blue dining wall and lively tile fill this small kitchen with big style.

The new kitchen showcases exquisite custom cabinetry from Plain and Fancy, featuring a soft white painted perimeter and a cherry island that comfortably seats six. With dual sinks—one nestled beneath a window and the other discreetly placed in the island, just behind the 48” Wolf range—this kitchen facilitates multiple chefs and efficient cleanup, made even easier with the inclusion of two dishwashers, ideal for hosting large parties. A third steam oven quickly became a culinary essential for everyday family meals. A stone’s throw away, the Subzero refrigerator and freezer towers stand ready to accommodate the needs of a sizable crowd.

turn the lights...the matching lights...down low and enjoy a dramatic evening meal. ebony oval dining table is surrounded by rounded back ebony klismos dining chairs, upholstered in persimon leather. the grasscloth matches the persimon leather and is eased by the chairrail and painted wall below. finishing the room off is the earthy moss table installation and the faux tortoise mounted shell on black iron base. dramatic full height art installed right over the chairrail finishes the irreverent scene.

Check out this kitchen adorned with Sherwin-Williams Krypton custom paint color on the perimeter walls. This soft, soothing blue-gray hue brings a sense of calm and sophistication, creating an inviting atmosphere where cooking and entertaining become a delight. Adding to this serene backdrop, a quarter-sawn white oak island stands proudly at the center of your kitchen. The unique grain pattern of quarter-sawn oak not only offers exceptional durability but also introduces a touch of natural beauty and warmth. It’s the perfect focal point for family gatherings, casual meals, or even a quiet morning coffee. The rich, textured wood contrasts beautifully with the sleek, custom-painted walls, creating a balanced and visually appealing environment. To complete this impeccable design, polished nickel hardware is the perfect finishing touch. The hardware’s gleaming finish adds a hint of modern luxury, tying together the contemporary and classic elements of your kitchen. Polished nickel is not only visually appealing but also incredibly resilient, ensuring that your kitchen remains as functional as it is beautiful.