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.

Maybe you can relate to these empty nesters who reached out to us to design and build a new kitchen for their current and long term needs. They do lots of entertaining, have an extensive wine collection and enjoy welcoming more grandchildren into the family. Both cook, although he prefers his grill. They wanted their new kitchen to be an open space that is easier to move around in. They were also looking forward to more storage and new, state-of-the-art appliances. Design objectives: -New layout to accommodate large groups for frequent entertaining -Big island to seat as many people as possible Improve traffic flow by omitting a counter peninsula by the family room and other cabinet barriers -Main cooktop to face visitors with point-of-use spices, utensils, pots & pans nearby -Multiple cooking & refrigeration appliances -Plan for as much countertop space as possible for multiple cooks -Dedicated spaces needed for wine, liquor, cold drinks & decorative glassware -Incorporate special details such as thick or waterfall countertops, unique backsplash, wood accents -Need better task, ambient and general lighting -Make it beautiful – a kitchen the homeowners could be proud of -Seamlessly join kitchen with breakfast room, given load-bearing wall & various ceiling heights -Ensure the large, newly opened space remains intimate and inclusive -Determine how to best utilize the breakfast room, given limited availability of wall space with two sets of French doors and a large window -Relocating two ventilation ducts currently in a wall to be removed -Incorporate multiple appliances while adding functional storage -Integrate special details that wouldn’t be lost in a large room -Utilize multiple finishes and colors that provide continuity Design solutions: -The wall between the kitchen & breakfast nook was completely removed – the structural beam was shortened, providing the largest opening possible -One small wall section remained intact to relocate ductwork, which conveniently created an alcove for the dual refrigerator armoire -Two islands in the same finish visually join the elongated room -The cooking island includes necessary point-of-use storage along with a steam oven and additional storage on the opposite side The wide cooking island allows for two cooks to comfortably share the counter space, allowing casual interaction -The second island fills the center of the former breakfast room; tall cabinets in a contrasting finish flank the French doors and provide visual balance -The sizable second island provides seating for six on a conversation-conducive curve. It houses freezer drawers, a microwave drawer, an under-counter refrigerator, plus additional storage -Docking station inside drawer -Two cabinet styles in three finishes provide continuity, balance and interest in the large room While the clients didn’t have a specific vision of the remodeled space, they were completely open to new ideas and knew which features they wanted when they saw them. They were truly doing the project for their own enjoyment and that of their family and guests. We’re happy to know they are thrilled with the end result. In fact, we had so much fun working together we’re now talking about a new project!

Maybe you can relate to these empty nesters who reached out to us to design and build a new kitchen for their current and long term needs. They do lots of entertaining, have an extensive wine collection and enjoy welcoming more grandchildren into the family. Both cook, although he prefers his grill. They wanted their new kitchen to be an open space that is easier to move around in. They were also looking forward to more storage and new, state-of-the-art appliances. Design objectives: -New layout to accommodate large groups for frequent entertaining -Big island to seat as many people as possible Improve traffic flow by omitting a counter peninsula by the family room and other cabinet barriers -Main cooktop to face visitors with point-of-use spices, utensils, pots & pans nearby -Multiple cooking & refrigeration appliances -Plan for as much countertop space as possible for multiple cooks -Dedicated spaces needed for wine, liquor, cold drinks & decorative glassware -Incorporate special details such as thick or waterfall countertops, unique backsplash, wood accents -Need better task, ambient and general lighting -Make it beautiful – a kitchen the homeowners could be proud of -Seamlessly join kitchen with breakfast room, given load-bearing wall & various ceiling heights -Ensure the large, newly opened space remains intimate and inclusive -Determine how to best utilize the breakfast room, given limited availability of wall space with two sets of French doors and a large window -Relocating two ventilation ducts currently in a wall to be removed -Incorporate multiple appliances while adding functional storage -Integrate special details that wouldn’t be lost in a large room -Utilize multiple finishes and colors that provide continuity Design solutions: -The wall between the kitchen & breakfast nook was completely removed – the structural beam was shortened, providing the largest opening possible -One small wall section remained intact to relocate ductwork, which conveniently created an alcove for the dual refrigerator armoire -Two islands in the same finish visually join the elongated room -The cooking island includes necessary point-of-use storage along with a steam oven and additional storage on the opposite side The wide cooking island allows for two cooks to comfortably share the counter space, allowing casual interaction -The second island fills the center of the former breakfast room; tall cabinets in a contrasting finish flank the French doors and provide visual balance -The sizable second island provides seating for six on a conversation-conducive curve. It houses freezer drawers, a microwave drawer, an under-counter refrigerator, plus additional storage -Docking station inside drawer -Two cabinet styles in three finishes provide continuity, balance and interest in the large room While the clients didn’t have a specific vision of the remodeled space, they were completely open to new ideas and knew which features they wanted when they saw them. They were truly doing the project for their own enjoyment and that of their family and guests. We’re happy to know they are thrilled with the end result. In fact, we had so much fun working together we’re now talking about a new project!

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This large kitchen had a lot going for it in terms of the large open space and work triangle, however the honey oak cabinets and laminate countertops left a lot to be desired. The small range was replaced with a large pro-style cooktop. Space from an existing pantry was reworked to allow for the addition of double ovens, refrigerator and butler pantry type storage. A new larger window was added and relocated to allow for better placement of the sink, and a bar area was redesigned into a more functional and visually pleasing area. This young family wanted a unique design that was not a “cookie cutter” space. To accomplish this, Klimala designed a large custom hood flanked by large storage cabinets. The hood area is a steel gray repeating the color of the island giving each of those areas equal weight and a sense of balance. The large island that houses storage and a microwave drawer is topped with a walnut butcher block. The walnut is repeated at the mantle hood and in some shallow shelving for spice storage near the cooktop. Hardworking gray quartz countertops were chosen for the rest of the space and gray limestone brick adds some texture to the backsplash area. The unique circular glass mosaic tile at the cooktop provides a stunning focal point. Globe shaped pendants repeat the circle theme above the island. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Carlos Vergara For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

This kitchen design in Newtown, PA provides the ideal balance of elegant features with warm tradition. The tumbled marble backsplash gives an eye-catching backdrop to the maple cabinetry. A wood butcher block is integrated into the island, and is used as a table in the kitchen. The island also includes a built-in microwave and warming drawer, and the kitchen is equipped with a built-in refrigerator, copper sink, and a charging station. The open kitchen and dining area was finished off with a stunning Living Edge dining room table, making this the ideal space for family dining or socializing. Steve Whitsitt

This remodeled kitchen blends classic detailing with fresh, livable finishes. Custom white perimeter cabinetry pairs with a deep gray island, adding contrast and depth without overwhelming the space. Warm wood flooring and exposed ceiling beams introduce architectural character and balance the crisp cabinetry palette. Large marble-look countertops provide generous prep and gathering space, while statement black lantern pendants add modern structure above the island. Brass hardware warms the cabinetry, and a streamlined range wall with marble backsplash creates a clean focal point. The layout supports both entertaining and daily family use, with a secondary island and adjacent dining area creating an easy flow between cooking, conversation, and connection.

Monique Sabatino
Inspiration for a mid-sized coastal l-shaped medium tone wood floor and beige floor enclosed kitchen remodel in Providence with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, wood backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

2 Oversize pendant lights over the island balances the high ceilings and striking backsplash behind the hood.
Inspiration for a large transitional laminate floor, beige floor and vaulted ceiling eat-in kitchen remodel in Sacramento with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Spacious expanses of continous horizontal grain walnut lower cabinets are balanced by sleek stainless steel-wrapped upper cabinets with interior lit glass doors for displaying favorite serving pieces. A microwave is tucked under the counter on the custom island for easy access. Kitchen Design by Kristyn Bester. Interiors by Barbara Sumner.Photo by Greg Kozawa

This kitchen design in Newtown, PA provides the ideal balance of elegant features with warm tradition. The tumbled marble backsplash gives an eye-catching backdrop to the maple cabinetry. A wood butcher block is integrated into the island, and is used as a table in the kitchen. The island also includes a built-in microwave and warming drawer, and the kitchen is equipped with a built-in refrigerator, copper sink, and a charging station. The open kitchen and dining area was finished off with a stunning Living Edge dining room table, making this the ideal space for family dining or socializing. Steven Whitsitt

This kitchen design in Newtown, PA provides the ideal balance of elegant features with warm tradition. The tumbled marble backsplash gives an eye-catching backdrop to the maple cabinetry. A wood butcher block is integrated into the island, and is used as a table in the kitchen. The island also includes a built-in microwave and warming drawer, and the kitchen is equipped with a built-in refrigerator, copper sink, and a charging station. The open kitchen and dining area was finished off with a stunning Living Edge dining room table, making this the ideal space for family dining or socializing. Steve Whitsitt

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

This kitchen design in Newtown, PA provides the ideal balance of elegant features with warm tradition. The tumbled marble backsplash gives an eye-catching backdrop to the maple cabinetry. A wood butcher block is integrated into the island, and is used as a table in the kitchen. The island also includes a built-in microwave and warming drawer, and the kitchen is equipped with a built-in refrigerator, copper sink, and a charging station. The open kitchen and dining area was finished off with a stunning Living Edge dining room table, making this the ideal space for family dining or socializing. Steve Whitsitt

Fridge/double oven/stovetop area cabinets refinished to a custom white painted finish. Other additions include new crown and light rail molding, granite countertop, subway tile backsplash, Atlas cabinetry hardware and freshly painted walls.

This is the story about a kitchen that was showing it’s age with white countertops and dark oak cabinets on a dark oak floor. It all worked once, but now the kitchen felt dark, cramped and dysfunctional. The owners were looking for a total kitchen transformation. After a disastrous beginning with a contractor taking their money and vanishing into thin air, the owners were left with a completely gutted kitchen that consisted of only the walls. They hired Rick Jacobson to rescue them and restart the project. The new kitchen design began with the idea of using Cobalt Blue as a primary color. The blue seen on many glassware pieces is Cobalt Blue, and it was decided to use it in the tile for the kitchen, as well as the pendant lights. Another goal was to make the kitchen brighter with an easier traffic flow, as well as completely updated cabinetry. And there were traffic patterns to improve, a refrigerator to move, and exhaust vents to reroute. Rick Jacobson listened to the owners and worked to create the kitchen that the owners imagined. He began by thinking through the traffic flow patterns. He noted that the doorway from the dining room needed to be widened. He added rounded doorway headers to match the home’s existing décor. He carefully thought through where the kitchen island should be, including how opening the oven doors would be in relation to people sitting at the kitchen island at a family gathering. Kitchen cabinet touches include off edge flat panel doors, soft close wooden drawers, and a spice cabinet with two slide-out racks. The new longer center island features a drawer microwave that opens and closes automatically with the push of a button. The center island also features two recycling bins and seating for four. Rick even thought of adding decorative elements to the existing half wall to make it look in line with the kitchen island. The kitchen’s black granite countertops offer an unusually appealing view: There are lots of interesting reflections throughout the kitchen. Another of Rick’s touches is that all of the lights, including recessed ceiling lights, three cobalt blue pendant lights and below cabinet lights are on dimmers which work to balance daytime and nighttime lighting. The under mounted stainless steel single sink is complemented with a gooseneck faucet. The stainless steel gas range is thin enough to allow for a wide drawer below for utensils, and the stainless steel vent hood is vented through the ceiling to outdoors, allowing additional storage space in the top cabinets. Double ovens with white doors are the perfect match to the cabinets, with a location that makes baking and roasting easier with the two large vertical storage for baking sheets and supplies nearby. The result: A functional, open, bright and Cobalt blue kitchen.

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized transitional single-wall brown floor and laminate floor open concept kitchen idea in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, gray countertops, granite countertops and glass tile backsplash

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client was referred to us from a past client. They are a busy 2-career household with young children and enjoy entertaining friends and family in their home. They have a beautiful open concept home but unfortunately the kitchen was not fitting for the rest of the home. They were not quite sure what to do with the space. We talked about trying to refresh it or do more of a minor remodel, but in the end they decided a full gut would get them to where they wanted to be. One problem was there was no place for guests to hang out other than the large and awkward banquette area. The brick wall and tiled hood area were feeling a bit dated and tired. The space was just not functional for their lifestyle. There was no prep space near the cooktop and no landing area for items coming out of the ovens or refrigerator, plus a big dead zone in the center of the room. Banquettes, like the one they previously had in the space, are great for small spaces, but when they get really large like this one, it makes getting in and out of the seating area awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, there was room for a large table, so we eliminated the awkward built in. We started by removing the faux brick wall between the kitchen and back entry. We relocated the entry to the garage over a couple feet in order to get every last inch out of the new kitchen. We also made the decision to close up the primary window that faced the pretty ho hum brick wall of the neighbor’s house. There was plenty of light coming in from the seating area, so we just didn’t feel the window was adding much to the room. Construction went smoothy. There was a bit of rework with electrical, flooring and HVAC, but in the end, we think it was well worth it. The clients really wanted a sleek contemporary look, and we originally had planned for a full height slab backsplash, but due to it’s size, it was a budget buster. Instead, we got creative and settled on large format porcelain tiles that have a similar feel but were a fraction of the cost. We made sure the wall was plumb and level so that the fit and finish would mimic that of slab material. The final space was quite a change. A large prep sink sits directly across from the new pro-style range with plenty additional prep space on the large island. The refrigerator and ovens now have miles of landing space, and a nice tight work triangle makes cooking a breeze. Since we wanted a more contemporary feel, not many wall cabinets were included. Instead, we outfitted some of the drawers for dish storage with a peg system. Two large pantries flanking the refrigerator hold baking supplies and small appliances. Large drawers by the cooktop hold pots and pans, and an appliance garage tucked away to the left of the range hides away miscellaneous items. The large island also houses a microwave drawer and tons of storage, most of which is drawers offering maximum convenience. The island now seats 5-6 people comfortably along with the new table in the seating area which can seat up to 8. Entertaining will be a breeze in this space. With such a clean backdrop, we knew we would need some drama with the lighting, so we chose two sets of staggered pendants, which we adjusted for the right visual balance above the island. We also included a small coffee station to the right of the main kitchen, which helps keep the coffee clutter out of the kitchen proper. Two tones of complimentary gray are featured in this kitchen. The perimeter is a light gray that reads almost white. The island is a gray stain that adds some depth and interest with the visible wood texture. The countertops are clean white quartz, and the hardware, barstools and light fixtures add warm brass tones. I see lots of cooking and entertaining with family and friends in the near future in this bright and airy new space. 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

This traditional craftsman kitchen is the centerpiece to this home. The dark shaker cabinets along the perimeter are a bold statement in this room. The white island brings both balance and contrast with the darker wall cabinets. The island houses a wine fridge and a microwave drawer, and has custom wood paneling on the back and substantial base boards along the bottom. The fridge is totally built in and concealed with matching cabinet panels. The valance across top of the kitchen sink brings the flanking wall cabinets together, bringing a cohesive atheistic that is true to craftsman style. The double ovens, warming drawer, pro style range top an oversize stainless hood are the perfect complement to any chef. The pendant lighting at the island and chandelier at the table bring elegance and style to this open concept space.

An open-concept kitchen with large amounts of storage utilizing white cabinets, countertops, a built-in hutch, and kitchen island. The kitchen island comes with drawers, cabinets, shelves, a spot for the microwave (to avoid taking up counter space), and a seating area. Dark hardwood floors, an off-white subway tile backsplash, and stainless steel appliances and pendant lighting give contrast to the mostly white-colored room, giving it a bright, clean, and balanced look. Project designed by Skokie renovation firm, Chi Renovation & Design. They serve the Chicagoland area, and it's surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all of the way up to Lake Forest.