The renovation of the kitchen and family spaces in this 1950's house in Needham, Massachusetts transformed the dark central core of the house into a light-filled kitchen with a physical connection to all of the living areas. Abundant windows and skylights in the dining area connect the exterior landscape to the interior spaces and the dark wood and light stone countertops compliment the mid 20th century modern furniture collection. Photo: Matthew Delphenic

[Our Clients] We were so excited to help these new homeowners re-envision their split-level diamond in the rough. There was so much potential in those walls, and we couldn’t wait to delve in and start transforming spaces. Our primary goal was to re-imagine the main level of the home and create an open flow between the space. So, we started by converting the existing single car garage into their living room (complete with a new fireplace) and opening up the kitchen to the rest of the level. [Kitchen] The original kitchen had been on the small side and cut-off from the rest of the home, but after we removed the coat closet, this kitchen opened up beautifully. Our plan was to create an open and light filled kitchen with a design that translated well to the other spaces in this home, and a layout that offered plenty of space for multiple cooks. We utilized clean white cabinets around the perimeter of the kitchen and popped the island with a spunky shade of blue. To add a real element of fun, we jazzed it up with the colorful escher tile at the backsplash and brought in accents of brass in the hardware and light fixtures to tie it all together. Through out this home we brought in warm wood accents and the kitchen was no exception, with its custom floating shelves and graceful waterfall butcher block counter at the island. [Dining Room] The dining room had once been the home’s living room, but we had other plans in mind. With its dramatic vaulted ceiling and new custom steel railing, this room was just screaming for a dramatic light fixture and a large table to welcome one-and-all. [Living Room] We converted the original garage into a lovely little living room with a cozy fireplace. There is plenty of new storage in this space (that ties in with the kitchen finishes), but the real gem is the reading nook with two of the most comfortable armchairs you’ve ever sat in. [Master Suite] This home didn’t originally have a master suite, so we decided to convert one of the bedrooms and create a charming suite that you’d never want to leave. The master bathroom aesthetic quickly became all about the textures. With a sultry black hex on the floor and a dimensional geometric tile on the walls we set the stage for a calm space. The warm walnut vanity and touches of brass cozy up the space and relate with the feel of the rest of the home. We continued the warm wood touches into the master bedroom, but went for a rich accent wall that elevated the sophistication level and sets this space apart. [Hall Bathroom] The floor tile in this bathroom still makes our hearts skip a beat. We designed the rest of the space to be a clean and bright white, and really let the lovely blue of the floor tile pop. The walnut vanity cabinet (complete with hairpin legs) adds a lovely level of warmth to this bathroom, and the black and brass accents add the sophisticated touch we were looking for. [Office] We loved the original built-ins in this space, and knew they needed to always be a part of this house, but these 60-year-old beauties definitely needed a little help. We cleaned up the cabinets and brass hardware, switched out the formica counter for a new quartz top, and painted wall a cheery accent color to liven it up a bit. And voila! We have an office that is the envy of the neighborhood.

Creating a space to entertain was the top priority in this Mukwonago kitchen remodel. The homeowners wanted seating and counter space for hosting parties and watching sports. By opening the dining room wall, we extended the kitchen area. We added an island and custom designed furniture-style bar cabinet with retractable pocket doors. A new awning window overlooks the backyard and brings in natural light. Many in-cabinet storage features keep this kitchen neat and organized. Bar Cabinet The furniture-style bar cabinet has retractable pocket doors and a drop-in quartz counter. The homeowners can entertain in style, leaving the doors open during parties. Guests can grab a glass of wine or make a cocktail right in the cabinet. Outlet Strips Outlet strips on the island and peninsula keeps the end panels of the island and peninsula clean. The outlet strips also gives them options for plugging in appliances during parties. Modern Farmhouse Design The design of this kitchen is modern farmhouse. The materials, patterns, color and texture define this space. We used shades of golds and grays in the cabinetry, backsplash and hardware. The chevron backsplash and shiplap island adds visual interest. Custom Cabinetry This kitchen features frameless custom cabinets with light rail molding. It’s designed to hide the under cabinet lighting and angled plug molding. Putting the outlets under the cabinets keeps the backsplash uninterrupted. Storage Features Efficient storage and organization was important to these homeowners. We opted for deep drawers to allow for easy access to stacks of dishes and bowls. Under the cooktop, we used custom drawer heights to meet the homeowners’ storage needs. A third drawer was added next to the spice drawer rollout. Narrow pullout cabinets on either side of the cooktop for spices and oils. The pantry rollout by the double oven rotates 90 degrees. Other Updates Staircase – We updated the staircase with a barn wood newel post and matte black balusters Fireplace – We whitewashed the fireplace and added a barn wood mantel and pilasters.

Design By: Sandra Bargiel, Suzannah Tobin and Nancy Duke. Photos by Mike Gullon
Large transitional single-wall medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in Other with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

When designing this beautiful kitchen, we knew that our client’s favorite color was blue. Upon entering the home, it was easy to see that great care had been taken to incorporate the color blue throughout. So, when our Designer Sherry knew that our client wanted an island, she jumped at the opportunity to add a pop of color to their kitchen. Having a kitchen island can be a great opportunity to showcase an accent color that you love or serve as a way to showcase your style and personality. Our client chose a bold saturated blue which draws the eye into the kitchen. Shadow Storm Marble countertops, 3x6 Bianco Polished Marble backsplash and Waypoint Painted Linen floor to ceiling cabinets brighten up the space and add contrast. Arabescato Carrara Herringbone Marble was used to add a design element above the range. The major renovations performed on this kitchen included: A peninsula work top and a small island in the middle of the room for the range was removed. A set of double ovens were also removed in order for the range to be moved against the wall to allow the middle of the kitchen to open up for the installment of the large island. Placing the island parallel to the sink, opened up the kitchen to the family room and made it more inviting.

Mid-sized transitional l-shaped kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, granite countertops, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Sloan Architects, PC
Example of a country u-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, black countertops and stainless steel appliances

Natural Wood Floors - Natural Oak Island - Wolf & Subzero Appliances - White Dove Cabinets - Quartzite Counter Tops - Natural Counter - Water Works Tile

Todd Stone
Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse l-shaped brown floor, dark wood floor, exposed beam, shiplap ceiling and vaulted ceiling kitchen remodel with white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, shiplap backsplash and white countertops

Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary u-shaped light wood floor and wood ceiling eat-in kitchen idea in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and black countertops

Jeri Koegel
Transitional galley medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Orange County with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Avid cooks and entertainers purchased this 1925 Tudor home that had only been partially renovated in the 80's. Cooking is a very important part of this hobby chef's life and so we really had to make the best use of space and storage in this kitchen. Modernizing while achieving maximum functionality, and opening up to the family room were all on the "must" list, and a custom banquette and large island helps for parties and large entertaining gatherings. Cabinets are from Cabico, their Elmwood series in both white paint, and walnut in a natural stained finish. Stainless steel counters wrap the perimeter, while Caesarstone quartz is used on the island. The seated part of the island is walnut to match the cabinetry. The backsplash is a mosaic from Marble Systems. The shelving unit on the wall is custom built to utilize the small wall space and get additional open storage for everyday items. A 3 foot Galley sink is the main focus of the island, and acts as a workhorse prep and cooking space. This is aired with a faucet from Waterstone, with a matching at the prep sink on the exterior wall and a potfiller over the Dacor Range. Built-in Subzero Refrigerator and Freezer columns provide plenty of fresh food storage options. In the prep area along the exterior wall, a built in ice maker, microwave drawer, warming drawer, and additional/secondary dishwasher drawer helps the second cook during larger party prep.

Interior Design: Allard & Roberts Architect: Jason Weil of Retro-Fit Design Builder: Brad Rice of Bellwether Design Build Photographer: David Dietrich Furniture Staging: Four Corners Home Area Rugs: Togar Rugs

White kitchen design
Example of a transitional dark wood floor kitchen design in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, beige backsplash and an island

The Calacatta Macaumbas quartzite is as stunning a backsplash as it is a counter top. Photo Credit: Kathy Bustard, Mija Art and Design, mijaartanddesign.com

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons | Photography: Landmark Photography
Small minimalist concrete floor kitchen photo in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, limestone countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and dark wood cabinets

Open and airy kitchen with white cabinetry and black hardware. Butler's pantry and built-in appliances encased in cabinetry lend a contemporary look to the space.

An artist and a Burning Man aficionado asked for a creative update to their kitchen and powder room. They were excited to be living in their San Francisco Victorian, but being creative, they were driven to add their own taste to their beautiful home. The kitchen, located at the back of the house, was connected to the garden with an elevated deck and to the dining room via the original Victorian double pocket doors. Important goals included weaving a powder room into the open floor plan while still maintaining privacy and providing designated kitchen workstations to match their lifestyle. These included a workbench for their son, a drop zone with a phone charging station, and a wet bar with a glass rinser for the husband. Deep grey cabinets stretch across either side of the room to minimize the glare from the south-facing windows and accentuate the height of the room. Rhythmic lines routed into the doors and brass pulls, which almost appear to slide up and down, add further to the sense of verticality. Open oak cubbies showcase the family’s pottery and sculpture, adding contrast and depth to the coolness of the grey door panels. Two islands fill the central space, one of stainless steel with an oak topper and the other oak with a quartz counter. These provide functional stations while continuing to play with the kitchen’s warm and cool theme. Cleverly hidden behind a kitchen cabinet door is the powder room covered in cat motif wallpaper. The reason? The kitty litter boxes are concealed inside the custom vanity. So that the cats couldn’t be locked out of the bathroom, a small wood tunnel accesses the vanity directly from the kitchen. Motion sensor lights and fans allow the cats to do their business without being left in the dark, or leaving behind unwanted smells. We reorganized the basement to include a new legal bedroom and steam bathroom for a visiting grandfather. The steam room, designed for minimal size, is a shower room with a toilet and sink. An integrated shower bench is graphically tiled for visibility in the steam. The bedroom opens up to the rear garden for easy access to the hot tub and a new outdoor shower.