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.

Photographer: Kevin Colquhoun
Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Jim Schmid Photography
Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Charlotte with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Mel Carll
Example of a trendy kitchen design in Los Angeles

A dark dated kitchen takes over a laundry room and powder room for a little more work space. The existing powder room and laundry were relocated.
Mid-sized minimalist u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A peninsula in the original design of this kitchen disrupted the flow from the dining area but this gorgeous island with seating for two under delicate pendant lights creates a smooth flow to the breakfast room. Beautiful raised-panel Cherry full overlay cabinetry by Holiday Kitchen with contemporary style brushed nickel hardware by Hafele, blend perfectly with the medium-toned oak flooring in a warm glow. A glass and stone mosaic tile backsplash in a muted palette that perfectly complements the granite countertops. New stainless steel appliances including Kitchen Aid double ovens, Kitchen Aid French door style refrigerator, a Sharp microwave oven drawer and a Wolf cooktop complete the functionality the homeowners desired, balanced by the warm, inviting décor. Brad Baskin Photography

Inspiration for a farmhouse l-shaped eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Inspiration for a timeless l-shaped kitchen remodel in New York with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, metallic backsplash and an island

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped light wood floor kitchen remodel in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Painted and glazed raised panel French cabinets with stained alder sink cabinet. Limestone countertops with handmade subway tiles. Flooring is grey stranded bamboo. Built in dog bed and cookbook shelf. GE Monogram appliances. Cast iron door behind cooktop is from an old French stove. Restoration Hardware pulls and knobs. Large 2 level sink. Cabinet front dishwasher.

$8,000 Builder credit paid to you towards window coverings, closing costs or interest buy-down! Magazine quality kitchen w/ expensive high gloss white finish, frosted glass showcase and soft close / pull-out cabinetry * Upgraded touch faucet * Upgraded composite granite sink for durability * Upgraded GE Cafe SS appliances * Upgraded 4" solid hardwood flooring * Upgraded slimline fireplace * Upgraded tankless water heater for high efficiency* Upgraded solid core doors throughout (twice the price of standard hollow core) * Upgraded custom handmade wrought-iron rail / with butcher block wood stairsystem * Rec/Media Room w/ upgraded roll-up garage door double pane & insulated for energy efficiency * Expansive patio with panoramic unobstructed city skyline AND mountain views perfect for entertaining* Full wet bar w/ wine refrigerator, sink and storage * 4 bedroom potential (call broker for specs) * 2 car detached garage * Ample storage space in 14' garage and temp controlled 3' crawl space.

60" Heritage Classic BlueStar Range All gas range. Available in 36", 48" and 60" width sizes. Features NOVA™, ULTRANOVA™, and Simmer Burners for up to 22,000 BTUs. Available in 750+ colors & finishes. Includes raised griddle/broiler for melting cheese, and edge-browning the finishing touch on special dishes Convection fan system for most complete exchange of air possible. 24” depth for compatibility with standard kitchen cabinetry. Oven door window. 1850˚ infrared broiler. Full motion grates. Available backguard options: 17" or 24" Florida Builder Appliance

Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com The E series made Wolf precision performance accessible for more cooks. Now three distinct new styles make the E series ideal for more kitchen designs than ever. The new 30" E series transitional double oven features an all-stainless touch control panel and slim, tubular handles - a design meant to coordinate beautifully with similarly-styled Wolf microwaves and warming drawers. Inside the upper oven, dual convection fans and ten cooking modes control heat and airflow more precisely than less sophisticated single-convection systems. Uniform heat throughout the oven and the efficiency of circulating air around the food produce faster, more consistent and more predictably delicious results for your baking, roasting and broiling. The lower oven is a standard, non-convection oven offering four modes (bake, broil, roast and proof). The E series oven controls are a favorite of Wolf chefs for their intuitive usability whether setting the temperature, mode or timer. Meanwhile, dual interior halogen lights and a large viewing window help you keep tabs on cooking progress without having to disturb your dish by opening the door. Other standard convenience features include self-clean and timed cook settings, along with one full-extension, easy-glide rack and one full-extension, door-glide rack that put even the largest, heaviest dishes safely within reach. Appearance: Cobalt Blue Porcelain Oven Interior (Each Oven) Large Viewing Double-Pane Window (Each Oven) Tubular Handle Unframed Stainless Design Capacity: 4.5 Cu Ft Oven Capacity (Each Oven) Dimensions: 50 3/8" H x 24 3/4" D x 30" W Manufacturers Warranty: 2 Year Parts & Labor 5 Year Parts-Electric Elements, Electronic Control Controls: Touch Control Panel w/ LCD Display Oven Features: 10 Cooking Modes (Upper Oven) 3 Oven Racks w/ 6 Level Guide (Each Oven) Convection Bake, Roast, Broil Conventional Bake, Roast, Broil Dehydrate & Proof Modes Dual Convection System with Two Fans - Upper Oven Full Extension Bottom Rack Hidden Bake Element Recessed Broil Element Self Clean Porcelain Oven (Each Oven) Temperature Probe (Each Oven) Convenience Features: Delay Start Option (Each Oven) Dual Interior Halogen Lighting (Each Oven) Sabbath Mode (Each Oven) Additional Features: Balanced Door Hinge Standard or Flush Inset Application Installation

Available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center | uakc.com The E series made Wolf precision performance accessible for more cooks. Now three distinct new styles make the E series ideal for more kitchen designs than ever. The new 30" E series transitional double oven features an all-stainless touch control panel and slim, tubular handles - a design meant to coordinate beautifully with similarly-styled Wolf microwaves and warming drawers. Inside the upper oven, dual convection fans and ten cooking modes control heat and airflow more precisely than less sophisticated single-convection systems. Uniform heat throughout the oven and the efficiency of circulating air around the food produce faster, more consistent and more predictably delicious results for your baking, roasting and broiling. The lower oven is a standard, non-convection oven offering four modes (bake, broil, roast and proof). The E series oven controls are a favorite of Wolf chefs for their intuitive usability whether setting the temperature, mode or timer. Meanwhile, dual interior halogen lights and a large viewing window help you keep tabs on cooking progress without having to disturb your dish by opening the door. Other standard convenience features include self-clean and timed cook settings, along with one full-extension, easy-glide rack and one full-extension, door-glide rack that put even the largest, heaviest dishes safely within reach. Appearance: Cobalt Blue Porcelain Oven Interior (Each Oven) Large Viewing Double-Pane Window (Each Oven) Tubular Handle Unframed Stainless Design Capacity: 4.5 Cu Ft Oven Capacity (Each Oven) Dimensions: 50 3/8" H x 24 3/4" D x 30" W Manufacturers Warranty: 2 Year Parts & Labor 5 Year Parts-Electric Elements, Electronic Control Controls: Touch Control Panel w/ LCD Display Oven Features: 10 Cooking Modes (Upper Oven) 3 Oven Racks w/ 6 Level Guide (Each Oven) Convection Bake, Roast, Broil Conventional Bake, Roast, Broil Dehydrate & Proof Modes Dual Convection System with Two Fans - Upper Oven Full Extension Bottom Rack Hidden Bake Element Recessed Broil Element Self Clean Porcelain Oven (Each Oven) Temperature Probe (Each Oven) Convenience Features: Delay Start Option (Each Oven) Dual Interior Halogen Lighting (Each Oven) Sabbath Mode (Each Oven) Additional Features: Balanced Door Hinge Standard or Flush Inset Application Installation

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Huggy Bear Quaker style door in Cherry with Nutmeg stain. Island is Cherry with Slate stain. Backsplash is split-face travertine. Custom paneled hood. Cambria Cardiff Cream countertops. Wolf gas range.

The homeowners are sophisticated entertainers with a passion for cooking. The high-performance 60-inch cooktop combined with a Miele Combi Steam Oven and Convection Oven creates a chef's paradise. The owners collection of copper pots is both functional and decorative. One of the most unique features is the end-cut fir floor (the same as you'll find in the restaurant at the Getty Center). Photo by Lane Barden

Modern House Productions
Mountain style l-shaped slate floor open concept kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and slate backsplash

Kitchen with professional cooking island (L 248 cm x D 156 cm), made in high thickness stainless steel with chromed brass trims. Equipped, on one side, with double professional multifunction electric oven, 4 burners up to 7.5 kW, pasta cooker, coup de feu, and smooth fry-top. On the other side, double set of drawers 80 cm and double door compartment with slow close slides and hinges. Top snack (L 248 cm) in high thickness stainless steel.