Dennis Mayer
Mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, white cabinets, an island, recessed-panel cabinets, marble countertops, green backsplash, stone slab backsplash and stainless steel appliances

As you walk in, the main floor unfolds into a seamless living experience. Walls and columns were expertly removed to reveal a voluminous, open-concept great room. Natural light filters through generous windows, illuminating layers of sophisticated textures and warm neutral tones. The thoughtfully integrated millwork subtly divides the space without disrupting flow, while elegant sconces above the breakfast nook infuse intimacy—creating a serene yet inviting atmosphere. At the heart of the home sits a striking, oversized kitchen arrangement featuring dual islands: one devoted to food prep, the other to gathering and conversation. The islands are finished in complementary palettes—one light, one dark—mirroring the balance of materials and colors across the open floor plan. This innovative layout fosters community and showcases design depth through thoughtful texture layering, from stone countertops to artisanal hardware. Swatch’s signature layering approach brings dimension and warmth throughout these interconnected rooms. Subtle pops of earthy hues alongside jewel-tone accents are woven through upholstery, decorative lighting, and artwork. Organic elements like wood flooring and natural stone surfaces reinforce the Modern European aesthetic: clean lines with a lived-in elegance, where each material choice feels intentional and inviting . Styled to feel luxurious yet approachable, the space features a discussed blend of classic European elegance and contemporary comfort. Plush fabrics—such as velvet cushions and soft linens—contrast simple, modern furniture silhouettes. Freestanding lantern-style pendants and delicate sconces enhance ambiance throughout, while curated décor from different European influences tells a rich, nuanced design story.

This living room captures the essence of mid-century modern design through clean lines, warm wood tones, and relaxed sophistication. Sculptural leather lounge chairs introduce rich texture and patina, paired with a tailored gray sofa that keeps the palette balanced and refined. A low-profile media console in walnut anchors the space, reinforcing the horizontal emphasis typical of mid-century interiors. The glass coffee table adds visual lightness, allowing the layered textures of the rust-toned area rug and solid wood stools to shine. Accent pillows in mustard and geometric patterns bring subtle color and personality without overwhelming the composition. Natural light filters through streamlined window treatments, enhancing the warmth of the materials and creating an inviting atmosphere. The result is a thoughtfully curated living space that feels timeless, comfortable, and effortlessly modern.

Complete gut and redesign of the Kitchen, Dining Room, Powder Bathroom and Second Floor Bathroom, including a floor plan modification of the Kitchen and Dining Rooms. Bespoke kitchen cabinetry design and furniture, wallpaper, and lighting updates throughout the first floor. Bathroom redesigns include carpentry, plumbing, tile, lighting, wallpaper, and accessories, along with a bathtub to shower conversion for the second floor bathroom. We had the kitchen wallpaper pattern custom colored to create the perfect combination of coral, yellow, and mint green—which matches the cabinetry to a tee! The bespoke brass and glass shelving that layers over the window creates the perfect decorative storage solution while still allowing light to filter in.

Complete gut and redesign of the Kitchen, Dining Room, Powder Bathroom and Second Floor Bathroom, including a floor plan modification of the Kitchen and Dining Rooms. Bespoke kitchen cabinetry design and furniture, wallpaper, and lighting updates throughout the first floor. Bathroom redesigns include carpentry, plumbing, tile, lighting, wallpaper, and accessories, along with a bathtub to shower conversion for the second floor bathroom. We had the kitchen wallpaper pattern custom colored to create the perfect combination of coral, yellow, and mint green—which matches the cabinetry to a tee! The bespoke brass and glass shelving that layers over the window creates the perfect decorative storage solution while still allowing light to filter in.

Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in Los Angeles

Complete gut and redesign of the Kitchen, Dining Room, Powder Bathroom and Second Floor Bathroom, including a floor plan modification of the Kitchen and Dining Rooms. Bespoke kitchen cabinetry design and furniture, wallpaper, and lighting updates throughout the first floor. Bathroom redesigns include carpentry, plumbing, tile, lighting, wallpaper, and accessories, along with a bathtub to shower conversion for the second floor bathroom. We had the kitchen wallpaper pattern custom colored to create the perfect combination of coral, yellow, and mint green—which matches the cabinetry to a tee! The bespoke brass and glass shelving that layers over the window creates the perfect decorative storage solution while still allowing light to filter in.

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.

A traditional kitchen with touches of the farmhouse and Mediterranean styles. We used cool, light tones adding pops of color and warmth with natural wood.

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in New York with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Tufted Evening Primrose
Design ideas for a southwestern landscaping in Phoenix.

Fu-Tung Cheng, CHENG Design • Kitchen Island overlooking Living Room and Fireplace, Mammoth Lakes home The entry way is the focal point of this mountain home, with a pared concrete wall leading you into a "decompression" chamber as foyer - a place to shed your coat and come in from the cold in the filtered light of the stacked-glass skylight. The earthy, contemporary look and feel of the exterior is further played upon once inside the residence, as the open-plan spaces reflect solid, substantial lines. Concrete, flagstone, stainless steel and zinc are warmed with the coupling of maple cabinetry and muted color palette throughout the living spaces. Photography: Matthew Millman

Seamless connection between kitchen and family room showcases complementary custom-designed cabinetry. Rusty Reniers
Example of a mid-sized classic u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen design in San Francisco with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, paneled appliances and a peninsula

A traditional kitchen with touches of the farmhouse and Mediterranean styles. We used cool, light tones adding pops of color and warmth with natural wood.

Benjamin Benschneider
Example of a mid-sized minimalist galley light wood floor open concept kitchen design in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, recycled glass countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The homeowner’s dream was a larger kitchen with additional storage and prep space, island, and improved lighting. Reallocating the underutilized formal dining room to make a larger kitchen provided these homeowners with a more functional kitchen for their lifestyle. The dining room window was eliminated to maximize storage and countertop space. A new three wide Pella casement window was added to provide symmetry and natural light to filter through. The Asian Walnut hardwood floor creates interest and balance to the rich cherry stained cabinetry. The large island provides storage and prep space and is the focal point in the room. The rich taupe and brown tones of Bianco Antico Granite complement the porcelain subway tile and jeweled tones of border tile. Task lighting is improved with can lights, three pendants, and a stunning dinette light in copper tones to enhance the ambiance in the space.

A traditional Georgian home receives an incredible transformation with an addition to expand the originally compact kitchen and create a pathway into the family room and dining area, opening the flow of the spaces that allow for fluid movement from each living space for the young family of four. Taking the lead from the client's desire to have a contemporary and edgier feel to their home's very classic facade, House of L worked with the architect's addition to the existing kitchen to design a kitchen that was incredibly functional and gorgeously dramatic, beckoning people to grab a barstool and hang out. Glossy macassar ebony wood is complimented with lacquered white cabinets for an amazing study in contrast. An oversized brushed nickel hood with polished nickel banding makes a presence on the feature wall of the kitchen. Brushed and polished nickel details are peppered in the landscape of this room, including the cabinets in the second island, a storage cabinet and automated hopper doors by Hafele on the refrigeration wall and all of the cabinet hardware, supplied and custom sized by Rajack. White quartz countertops by Hanstone in the Bianco Canvas colorway float on all the perimeter cabinets and the secondary island and creates a floating frame for the Palomino Quartzite that is a highlight in the kitchen and lends an organic feel to the clean lines of the millwork. The backsplash area behind the rangetop is a brick patterned mosaic blend of stone and glass, while surrounding walls have a layered sandstone tile that lend an incredible texture to the room. The light fixture hanging above the second island is by Wells Long and features faceted metal polygons with an amber gold interior. Woven linen drapes at window winks at the warmer tones in the room with a lustrous sheen that catches the natural light filtering in. The rift and sawn cut white oak floors are 8" planks that were fitted and finished on site to match the existing floor in the family and dining rooms. The clients were very clear on the appliances they needed the kitchen to accommodate. In addition to the vast expanses of wall space that were gained with the kitchen addition the larger footprint allowed for two sizeable islands and a host of cooking amenities, including a 48" rangetop, two double ovens, a warming drawer, and a built-in coffee maker by Miele and a 36" Refrigerator and Freezer and a beverage drawer by Subzero. A fabulous stainless steel Kallista sink by Mick De Giulio's series for the company is fitted in the first island which serves as a prep area, flanked by an Asko dishwasher to the right. A Dorenbracht faucet is a strong compliment to the scale of the sink. A smaller Kallista stainless sink is centered in the second island which has a secondary burner by Miele for overflow cooking. Jason Miller, Pixelate

Japanese Iris in full bloom at Shin-boku Nursery Stroll Garden. They bring beautiful definition to the edge of the stone path as it crosses the dry garden.

NANTUCKET™ WINDOW SHADINGS In this modern take on window shadings, daylight becomes a beautiful backdrop with the sheer fabric of Nantucket™ window shadings. Closed, they offer privacy and a soft glow; rolled up, they provide a clear view of the outdoors; opened, the vanes give you the best of both – an impressionistic view and soft, filtered light. In every situation, they’re a fresh, youthful approach to windows.