Transitional master white tile and marble tile marble floor drop-in bathtub photo in Indianapolis

This eclectic kitchen design in Mission Viejo-Lake View brings light into the space through a large window, which is then beautifully reflected in the mirror paneled pantry doors. The mirrors add depth and light to the space, giving the kitchen a bright, airy feel. Glass pendant lights, recessed lighting, and under- and in-cabinet lights complete the multi-layered lighting design. The Columbia Cabinetry recessed panel kitchen cabinets bring a traditional foundation to the kitchen design. White perimeter cabinetry includes glass front upper cabinets with in cabinet lighting, offering the perfect place to display dishes and glassware. This is beautifully contrasted by gray island cabinetry, all accented by Top Knobs cabinet hardware. The island incorporates seating for casual dining and an angled undercounter power strip. A white engineered quartz countertop is a stylish and practical complement to the cabinetry. The white and gray theme carries through in the marble backsplash, which brings the natural texture and color of this material to the design. A porcelain tile wood look floor brings warmth to the color scheme, in a durable and easy to maintain material. Stainless steel appliances feature throughout the design, including the LG refrigerator and range, Sharp microwave drawer, and Zephyr chimney vent hood. A backsplash tile feature design adds a focal point above the range. The beverage center incorporates a Zephyr wine refrigerator. An Allia by Rohl white fireclay undermount sink is positioned facing the large kitchen window that overlooks a stunning view and is accompanied by a pull-down sprayer faucet. This Mission Viejo-Lake View kitchen design brings together materials, textures, lighting, and complementary colors to create a stunning space. This kitchen is sure to be the center of life in the home, perfect for daily family life, casual dining, sipping a glass of wine while enjoying the view, and entertaining friends. Photos by Jeri Koegel

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.

Jim Bartsch
Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped light wood floor kitchen remodel in Santa Barbara with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and black countertops

We reconfigured the kitchen to maximize the light and the view. The sink and window were previously facing the next door neighbor's garage, so that became the range wall and the window was relocated to face the beautiful trees and rock formations in the back yard. A full light exterior entry door was added in place of the former door to let natural light flood the space. Layered recess lighting and a glass pendant over the sink further increase brightness in what was previously a very dark space. Custom moody gray-blue inset shaker cabinetry is paired with elongated handmade matte white tile backsplash, alongside white quartz, pale blue walls and off-white trim. Quartersawn white oak floors replace the old linoleum and blend beautifully with the original pine floors on the rest of the first floor. Warm brass hardware and fixtures are a lovely contrast against the dark cabinetry. A fluted white fireclay farm sink is a functional statement piece in a small space. An Acacia wood island with stainless steel top adds practical warmth. Period-appropriate trim was brought back into the modern kitchen to maintain the historic integrity of the home.

In the kitchen, the feeling is light and airy, thanks to a soft color palette and open shelving. Rather than create a massive center island, Kiel applied his handy work to an array of inexpensive materials, resulting in an island work table with open shelving. By keeping sight lines open down below, the kitchen gains a greater feeling of space. Wall Color, Lightest Sky, by Pantone for Valspar; Counter top, IKEA; Pendant Fixtures, Home Depot Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz

Lovely front entrance with delft blue paint and brass accents. Front doors should say welcome and thank you for visiting, I think this does just that!

This Tween Rock Star Room was custom designed for a girl who loves Taylor Swift, playing the guitar, and the colors blue and purple. The stage is all set for this new shining STAR! Photography by David Berlekamp

Klopf Architecture and Jesse Ososki Art remodeled an existing Eichler atrium home into a brighter, more open, and more functional version of its original self. The goals were to preserve the Eichler look and feel without the need to strictly adhere to it. The scope of work included re-configuring the master bedroom/bath, the kitchen, and the hall bath/laundry area, as well as updating interior finishes throughout to be more sophisticated. The owners are detail-oriented and were very involved in the design process, down to the selection of lighting controls and stainless steel faceplates.Their design aesthetic leans toward the Scandinavian — light and bright, with simple straight lines and pure geometric shapes. The finish flooring is large porcelain tile (24” x 24”) in a neutral grey tone, providing a uniform backdrop against which other materials can stand out. The same tile continues into the shower floor (with a different finish texture for slip-resistance) and up the shower/tub walls (in a smaller size). Heath Classic Field ceramic tile in Modern Blue was used sparingly, to add color at the hall bath vanity backsplash and at the shampoo niches in both bathrooms. Back-painted soda glass in pale blue to match the Heath tile was used at the kitchen backsplash. This same accent color was also used at the front entry atrium door. Kitchen cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and light fixtures are all white, making the kitchen feel more airy and light. Countertops are Caesarstone Blizzard. The owners chose to keep some of the original Eichler elements: the concrete masonry fireplace; the stained tongue-and-groove redwood ceiling decking; and the luan wall paneling. The luan paneling was lightly sanded, cleaned, and re-stained. The owners also kept an added element that was installed by a previous owner: sliding shoji panels at all bedroom windows and sliding glass doors, for both privacy and sun control. Grooves were cut into the new tile flooring for the shoji panels to slide in, creating a more integrated look. Walnut was used to add warmth and contrast at the kitchen bar top and niche, the bathroom vanities, and the window sill/ledge under the kitchen window. This Burlingame Eichler Remodel is a 2,121 sf, 4 bedroom/2 bath home located in the heart of Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, Klara Kevane and Yegvenia Torres Zavala Contractor: Jesse Ososki Art Structural Engineer: Emmanuel Pun Photography ©2018 Mariko Reed Location: Burlingame, CA Year completed: 2017

Photography by Ryan Garvin
Example of a large beach style l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Orange County with white cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, shaker cabinets and a farmhouse sink

Overall photo showing the efficient 'L' shape layout of this new kitchen. Simple, clean lines in modern hues add to the soft contemporary feel of this space. ~ Brian DalBalcon Photography

This traditional kitchen was inspired by memories of the owners farmhouse kitchen, Photos by Susan Gilmore
Inspiration for a mid-sized country l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and an island

Interior Design by Blackband Design Home Build | Design | Materials by Graystone Custom Builders Photography by Tessa Neustadt
Kitchen - large coastal l-shaped light wood floor kitchen idea in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Open concept kitchen - large coastal l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, gray cabinets, marble countertops, blue backsplash, glass tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and white countertops

A lovely rustic modern kitchen in cerused rift sawn oak cabinetry by Studio Dearborn. White Macauba quartzite countertops and backsplash by Marble America. Wolf 48” range. Refrigerator by Subzero. Dishwasher by Bosch. Garrison pendant lights by Arteriors. Stools by Emeco, 1951 Counter stool. Rangehood by Rangecraft. Schaub & Co. Italian Contemporary pulls 6” in Brushed brass finish. Photography c 2015 by Jeff McNamara

Splashes of turquoise inspire fun and bring a vibrant feel to this hilltop Yarmouth, Maine, home. Corner windows allow the sun to warm the bright colors inside. Fresh, white cabinetry and wood countertops balance one another out. And industrial touches like the weathered range hood pair with the classic trellised chair patterns seen on the island barstools, lending the home a unique and balanced personality. A true modern statement with a classic touch.

Ed Ritger Photography
Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen remodel in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash and gray countertops

The kitchen of a new Mediterranean/Transitional style home in Atlanta. Features include custom wood cabinetry (Sherwin Williams Elder White) to the ceiling with soft close feature, quartz countertops (Quartzite Calacatta), stone backsplash (3x6 Valentino White Tile), under cabinet lighting, stainless steel farm sink, and DCS stainless steel appliances including 48" gas range, double drawer dishwasher and double door refrigerator. The huge island overlooks the family room and houses the Sharp Microwave Drawer. The wall color is Popular Gray Flat (SW 6071). Designed by Price Residential Design; Built by Epic Development; Interior Design by Mike Horton; Photo by Brian Gassel

Anchored by a Navy Blue Hex Tile Backsplash, this transitional style kitchen serves up some nautical vibes with its classic blue and white color pairing. Love the look? Sample navy blue tiles and more at fireclaytile.com. TILE SHOWN 6" Hexagon Tiles in Navy Blue DESIGN John Gioffre PHOTOS Leonid Furmansky INSTALLER Revent Remodeling + Construction