This client came to us with a very clear vision of what she wanted, but she needed help to refine and execute the design. At our first meeting she described her style as somewhere between modern rustic and ‘granny chic’ – she likes cozy spaces with nods to the past, but also wanted to blend that with the more contemporary tastes of her husband and children. Functionally, the old layout was less than ideal with an oddly placed 3-sided fireplace and angled island creating traffic jams in and around the kitchen. By creating a U-shaped layout, we clearly defined the chef’s domain and created a circulation path that limits disruptions in the heart of the kitchen. While still an open concept, the black cabinets, bar height counter and change in flooring all add definition to the space. The vintage inspired black and white tile is a nod to the past while the black stainless range and matte black faucet are unmistakably modern. High on our client’s wish list was eliminating upper cabinets and keeping the countertops clear. In order to achieve this, we needed to ensure there was ample room in the base cabinets and reconfigured pantry for items typically stored above. The full height tile backsplash evokes exposed brick and serves as the backdrop for the custom wood-clad hood and decorative brass sconces – a perfect blend of rustic, modern and chic. Black and brass elements are repeated throughout the main floor in new hardware, lighting, and open shelves as well as the owners’ curated collection of family heirlooms and furnishings. In addition to renovating the kitchen, we updated the entire first floor with refinished hardwoods, new paint, wainscoting, wallcovering and beautiful new stained wood doors. Our client had been dreaming and planning this kitchen for 17 years and we’re thrilled we were able to bring it to life.

Delicious Kitchens & Interiors, LLC Arabesque tiles in three colors compliment this dramatic Derry, NH kitchen. Grey, cream and white tiles are randomly placed in the back-splash over the Sierra Bordeaux Polished Granite counter.

Maximizing the functionality of this space, and coordinating the new kitchen with the beautiful remodel completed previously by the client were the two most important aspects of this project. The existing spaces are elegantly decorated with an open plan, dark hardwood floors, and natural stone accents. The new, lighter, more open kitchen flows beautifully into the client’s existing dining room space. Satin nickel hardware blends with the stainless steel appliances and matches the satin nickel details throughout the home. The fully integrated refrigerator next to the narrow pull-out pantry cabinet, take up less visual weight than a traditional stainless steel appliance and the two combine to provide fantastic storage. The glass cabinet doors and decorative lighting beautifully highlight the client’s glassware and dishes. Finished with white subway tile, Dreamy Marfil quartz countertops, and a warm natural wood blind; the space warm, inviting, elegant, and extremely functional. copyright 2013 marilyn peryer photography

Mid-sized elegant beige floor kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, an island and white countertops

John Gruen Photography Contemporary Kitchen with Leicht Kitchen cabinetry. The 2 1/2" thick White Pearl Quartzite wrapped island counter is the focal point of this high end fabulous kitchen

  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

Photos: MIkiko Kikuyama Pendants: Solitaire by Niche Modern Medicine Cabinet: Kohler Wall Tile: Graphite Cleft Slate by Stone Source Floor Tile: Spa White Velvet by Stone Source Floor Mats: Teak Floor Mat by CB2 Basin: Larissa by Toto Faucet: Zuchetti Vanity: Custom Teak veneer ~5'0" x 22" Tub: Nexus by Toto

Brooklyn Brownstone Renovation 3"x6" Subway Tile - 1036W Bluegrass Photos by Jody Kivort
Seated home bar - large transitional single-wall white floor seated home bar idea in New York with medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, blue backsplash, subway tile backsplash and white countertops

This elegant light-filled kitchen has maximized every detail. The large skylight, the discrete track lighting and the rod iron pendants combined with the reflection off the frosted glass cabinet doors provide multiple layers of light. The steeped roof line allows the cabinet molding to float in space. A cozy breakfast nook with plantation shutters and cheery fabrics centers the room. The contrasting black island cabinetry and Bardiglio marble countertop is the stunning finish to the space. Tom Grimes Photography

Some clients have such great taste, that it’s easy to help create the kitchen of their dreams. Our client in this case had such passion for the design of her own kitchen that it made it such a fun collaborative experience that you don’t always get with clients. She put her heart and soul into making sure every detail was exactly the way she wanted. This kitchen is only a small piece of a well-appointed home. The 1” thick custom door (from Bilotta’s private custom cabinet collection), traditionally styled, yet not overly so, matches beautifully with the details of the adjacent rooms. The grey colored cabinetry blends with the colors in the adjoining rooms creating the perfect centerpiece. The client chose a massive stone Francois & Co. Toulouse Shelf w/ Concave Stack hood from a dealer in London and had it shipped over on a boat! She selected beautiful “Mother of Pearl” knobs from Anthropologie and adorned select cabinets with them like pieces of jewelry. The naturally pearlescent clay tile, the Quartzite countertops and the lanterns above the island were all chosen to mirror these knobs. The lanterns were also chosen to replicate the movement of the gold pattern in the knobs. The client opted to turn the tile on the diagonal as it felt more fluid and in keeping with the movement in the knobs and lanterns. The stone hood, tile, and quartzite sample coordinated perfectly. The room was equipped with a mix of SubZero Wolf and Miele appliances with a Kohler apron sink. The space of course has the perfect amount of accessories for making it more than just visually appealing – it’s a baker’s dream with a lift up for a frequently used mixer. There’s a built-in paper towel holder and just the right amount of utensil dividers, cutlery dividers, tray dividers, roll-outs and even a secret pantry with matching cabinetry hidden in the corner. Bilotta Designer: Randy O’Kane, CKD & Senior Designer Builder: Rob Norr, Nordic Construction Architect: Brad Demotte Photographer: Anthony Acocella

Mark Lohman
Elegant medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and an island

We choose to highlight this project because even though it is a more traditional design style its light neutral color palette represents the beach lifestyle of the south bay. Our relationship with this family started when they attended one of our complimentary educational seminars to learn more about the design / build approach to remodeling. They had been working with an architect and were having trouble getting their vision to translate to the plans. They were looking to add on to their south Redondo home in a manner that would allow for seamless transition between their indoor and outdoor space. Design / Build ended up to be the perfect solution to their remodeling need. As the project started coming together and our clients were able to visualize their dream, they trusted us to add the adjacent bathroom remodel as a finishing touch. In keeping with our light and warm palette we selected ocean blue travertine for the floor and installed a complimentary tile wainscot. The tile wainscot is comprised of hand-made ceramic crackle tile accented with Lunada Bay Selenium Silk blend glass mosaic tile. However the piéce de résistance is the frameless shower enclosure with a wave cut top.

These Brown Fantasy Leathered quartzite countertops are the star of this kitchen. With sweeping hues of brown, tan, gray, and white, the movement in this natural stone carries your eye throughout the space. The homeowners' installed a complimentary glass tile backsplash which looks fabulous against their white cabinetry. A framed insert of glass and stone mosaic tile above the stove makes a great focal point. They also have a Shaw farmhouse sink which looks out to a gorgeous view of their backyard.

A view of the kitchen showing the white plastered hood, ceramic tile backsplash, marble countertops, large kitchen island and Wolf appliances.
Inspiration for a large mediterranean l-shaped terra-cotta tile and beige floor open concept kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, marble countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, colored appliances, an island and beige countertops

A Southwestern inspired kitchen with a mix of painted and stained over glazed cabinets is a true custom masterpiece. Rich details are everywhere combined with thoughtful design make this kitchen more than a showcase, but a great chef's kitchen too.

David Duncan Livingston
Inspiration for a large coastal dark wood floor kitchen/dining room combo remodel in San Francisco

This traditional kitchen installed a white ceramic subway tile kitchen backsplash with white glass subway tile accent and behind the stove.
Example of a classic eat-in kitchen design in Other with wood countertops, white backsplash and glass tile backsplash

For three years this Westlake Village couple lived in a house that didn't quite fit their needs. With frequent houseguests staying for weeks at a time, the family needed more space, particularly in the cramped kitchen. So began their search for a new home. Though the couple viewed several residences, they realized nothing compared to the space and location of the house they already owned. The family knew JRP by reputation from friends who were JRP clients. After consulting with our team, the couple agreed a whole-home renovation was the way to the dream home they had been searching for. Inspired by top architectural magazines, the couple had a clear vision of how their home should look and feel: a clean, open, modern space with a mix of details that played to the family's lively spirit. The highlight of this new, open floorplan home is the gorgeous kitchen perfect for hosting. The unified palette is soft and beautiful. Clean, bright surfaces underpin strong visual elements such as polished quartz countertops, brushed oak floors, and glass tiles set in a herringbone pattern. A center-island breakfast bar now sits opposite a giant picture window and a show-stopping view of the Santa Monica mountains. Upstairs, the redesigned master bath is what dreams are made of. The double vanity and freestanding tub were rearranged to maximize space while the wood tile floors and stunning rock backsplash add an elemental feel. Now completely transformed, every detail of this transitional home creates the perfect atmosphere for relaxing and entertaining. Cabinets (Manufacturer, Door Style, Material, Color/Stain or Finish) - Dewils, Shaker Frameless, Maple, Just White - Dewils, Shaker Frameless, Maple, Fashion Grey - Dewils, Shaker Frameless, Maple, North Sea Countertops (Material Type - Manufacturer, Collection, Color) - Quartz – Vadara, Toledo, Calacatta Dorado Light Fixture (Type - Manufacturer, Collection, Color) - Dining Chandelier – Existing - Breakfast Area Pendant – 1213 Madison Collection, Polished Nickel/Royal Cut Crystal - Dining Wall Mount Sconce – Heart Sconce, Aged Iron with Natural Percale - Kitchen Island Pendant – Darlana, Polished Chrome - Master Bath Ceiling – Bling Flushmount - Master Bath Vanity – Robert Abbey Fine Lighting Double Shade Bath, Polished Nickel over Steel - Exterior – Primo Lanterns, The Yorkshire Electric Lantern, Custom Graphite Finish Plumbing Fixture (Type - Manufacturer, Color) - Freestanding Tub – Existing - Tubfiller – Existing - Master Bath Faucets – Existing - Kitchen Faucets – Hansgrohe, Chrome Sink (Type – Manufacturer, Material) - Undermount Single Bowl Kitchen– Kohler, Stainless Steel - Undermount Single Prep – Elkay, Stainless Steel - Undermount Bar Sink – Kohler, Stainless Steel - Ladena Undermount Lavatory – Kohler, Ceramic Hardware (Type – Manufacturer, Color) - Deadbolt – Emtek, Satin Nickel - Dummy - Emtek, Satin Nickel - Passage & Privacy - Emtek, Stainless Steel Color of wall: - Kitchen, Breakfast Area, Family Room – Dunn Edwards Edgecomb Grey - Master Bath – Dunn Edwards Foggy Day - Living and Dining – Dunn Edwards Winter Morning Tile (Location: Material Type – Manufacturer, Collection/Style, Color) - KITCHEN BACKSPLASH: Glass - Ann Sacks, Jute, Ecru/Gloss - MASTER BATH FLOORS, TUB ACCENT WALL, & HALL BATH FLOORS: Porcelain – Bedrosians, Tahoe, Frost/Glazed - ACCENT WALL BEHIND TUB: Mosaic – Daltile, Flat River Pebble, Creamy Sand - FIREPLACE FLOOR: Porcelain Tile - Agora Surfaces, Almeria, Lava/Matte Stone/Masonry (Location: Material Type – Manufacturer, Collection/Style, Color) - FIREPLACE: Stone Veneer – Eldorado, European Ledge, Zinc/Dry Stacked Wood Floor (Type – Manufacturer, Collection/Style, Color/Wash) - Siberian Oak – Provenza, Heirloom, Light Wire Brushed Windows/Exterior Doors (Type - Manufacturer) - 2 Wide Casement – Jeld-Wen - 3 Wide Casement – Jeld-Wen - Awning – Jeld-Wen - Single Casement – Jeld-Wen - Stationary – Jeld-Wen Photographer: Andrew Abouna

Designer: Jim Howard Photographer: Lesliekatephotography@gmail.com
Example of a mid-sized classic u-shaped porcelain tile eat-in kitchen design in Sacramento with a double-bowl sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island