Custom cabinetry is handcrafted from responsibly reclaimed Chestnut. A large island is handcrafted from Maple and finished in Blackened, by Farrow & Ball. Photo Credit: Crown Point Cabinetry

Forget just one room with a view—Lochley has almost an entire house dedicated to capturing nature’s best views and vistas. Make the most of a waterside or lakefront lot in this economical yet elegant floor plan, which was tailored to fit a narrow lot and has more than 1,600 square feet of main floor living space as well as almost as much on its upper and lower levels. A dovecote over the garage, multiple peaks and interesting roof lines greet guests at the street side, where a pergola over the front door provides a warm welcome and fitting intro to the interesting design. Other exterior features include trusses and transoms over multiple windows, siding, shutters and stone accents throughout the home’s three stories. The water side includes a lower-level walkout, a lower patio, an upper enclosed porch and walls of windows, all designed to take full advantage of the sun-filled site. The floor plan is all about relaxation – the kitchen includes an oversized island designed for gathering family and friends, a u-shaped butler’s pantry with a convenient second sink, while the nearby great room has built-ins and a central natural fireplace. Distinctive details include decorative wood beams in the living and kitchen areas, a dining area with sloped ceiling and decorative trusses and built-in window seat, and another window seat with built-in storage in the den, perfect for relaxing or using as a home office. A first-floor laundry and space for future elevator make it as convenient as attractive. Upstairs, an additional 1,200 square feet of living space include a master bedroom suite with a sloped 13-foot ceiling with decorative trusses and a corner natural fireplace, a master bath with two sinks and a large walk-in closet with built-in bench near the window. Also included is are two additional bedrooms and access to a third-floor loft, which could functions as a third bedroom if needed. Two more bedrooms with walk-in closets and a bath are found in the 1,300-square foot lower level, which also includes a secondary kitchen with bar, a fitness room overlooking the lake, a recreation/family room with built-in TV and a wine bar perfect for toasting the beautiful view beyond.

The existing U-shaped kitchen was tucked away in a small corner while the dining table was swimming in a room much too large for its size. The client’s needs and the architecture of the home made it apparent that the perfect design solution for the home was to swap the spaces. The homeowners entertain frequently and wanted the new layout to accommodate a lot of counter seating, a bar/buffet for serving hors d’oeuvres, an island with prep sink, and all new appliances. They had a strong preference that the hood be a focal point and wanted to go beyond a typical white color scheme even though they wanted white cabinets. While moving the kitchen to the dining space gave us a generous amount of real estate to work with, two of the exterior walls are occupied with full-height glass creating a challenge how best to fulfill their wish list. We used one available wall for the needed tall appliances, taking advantage of its height to create the hood as a focal point. We opted for both a peninsula and island instead of one large island in order to maximize the seating requirements and create a barrier when entertaining so guests do not flow directly into the work area of the kitchen. This also made it possible to add a second sink as requested. Lastly, the peninsula sets up a well-defined path to the new dining room without feeling like you are walking through the kitchen. We used the remaining fourth wall for the bar/buffet. Black cabinetry adds strong contrast in several areas of the new kitchen. Wire mesh wall cabinet doors at the bar and gold accents on the hardware, light fixtures, faucets and furniture add further drama to the concept. The focal point is definitely the black hood, looking both dramatic and cohesive at the same time.

Example of a large classic l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Kansas City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

A cozy and functional farmhouse kitchen with warm white cabinets and a rustic walnut island.
Mid-sized country l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

The kitchen was at the top of the list for a total overhaul – the worn oak cabinets, dated appliances, and clunky layout all had to go. Removing the decorative soffits allowed us to take the new cabinetry all the way to the ceiling, adding functional storage and visually extending the room’s height. We reconfigured the layout from a modified U to an L-shape which accomplished several things – it opened up the kitchen to the dining room, redirected circulation, and most importantly, created space for an island. A brand new pantry was created for overflow food storage, bulk items, occasional dishware and small appliances, ensuring that our client’s goal of uncluttered countertops was achievable. The finish selections and clean lines give a nod to the home’s mid-century bones. The wood island provides warmth and the light quartz countertops, textured backsplash and white cabinets keep the kitchen feeling light and bright. We opted to install open shelving above the sink which provides display space and needed storage without the bulkiness of an overhead cabinet. The matte black faucet, hardware and decorative pendants add another level of visual interest to the modern kitchen. To unify the kitchen and dining room, we replaced the drab kitchen flooring with select red oak hardwoods that were expertly installed and refinished to match the gorgeous wood flooring throughout the home.

A 1-of-a-kind kitchen designed and built to take in the sweeping view of San Francisco from Telegraph Hill. The circular dome shaped skylight sets off the design over the kidney shaped island, both mirroring the rounded curvatures of the homes walls.

Chad Mellon In the newly renovated kitchen, a trio of Niche Solitaire pendants in Gray glass adorns the island. This signature silhouette hangs from a Linear-3 Modern Chandelier in a Matte Black metal finish. Our classic Gray glass complements the cool tones featured throughout the interior. The Linear-3 Modern Chandelier allows you to easily combine any three light fixtures with a single electrical junction box. The color, shape and drop length are up to you, making each kitchen island lighting installation unique. You can view our entire Multi-Pendant Canopy collection to see what suits your space best.

The dinette is now open to the formal dining room area. A uniquely shaped island was built where the kitchen wall once stood and ties into the Russell Barr Williamson architectural charm. Recessed, pendant, and under cabinet lighting highlights the beautiful natural granite and wood cabinetry. Engineered maple wood flooring adds the finishing touch to tie the rooms together for a cohesive flow. A must see open house!

This gourmet chef’s kitchen uses Pro Style GE Monogram appliances; Double ovens, oversized built in refrigeration, a 48” pro gas range top, and sleek and concealed microwave. A farmhouse sink, a prep sink, and pot filler create ample opportunities for cooking and cleaning up together with family and friends. The white perimeter cabinets are contrasted with a grey color at the large island and custom wood hood. The shape of the island allows for diner to face each other for great conversations over great meals. The black and brass orb pendants offer a fun contrast and a visually interesting design feature. White and grey quartz counters give the look of marble without any of the maintenance. Artisan style ceramic grey hi gloss backsplash tile adds a layer of hand made appeal and allow light to bounce off from various angles and facets.

Transitional U-shaped kitchen with large blueberry island and floating shelves. Photos by VLG Photography
Kitchen - large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and shaker cabinets

Example of a classic l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in San Francisco with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Two L-shaped island arranged in a walk thru design, with overhanging counter for seating
Patio - modern patio idea in Sacramento

THE NEW TRANSITIONAL Designed by Micqui McGowen. Photographed by Julie Soefer. This was a remodel of an older traditional home where we enlarged the space by incorporating an enclosed porch into the kitchen and living area. Our unique design challenge was to create a fresh clean transitional look with a hint of whimsy that would fit naturally into the traditional lines of the home but reflect the fun nature of the client. The Main Kitchen is designed in an “L” shape configuration with a custom island running the length of the working kitchen. A second lowered island sits at the end of the main island across from the refrigerator as an additional prep area. The main kitchen wall features a 48” Dual-Fuel Range and custom plaster hood with a 48” Pro-Style refrigerator on the adjoining wall. Between the range and refrigerator is a secondary prep sink with in-counter steam unit for healthy cooking. The main island separates the kitchen from the Butler’s Pantry and Living Area. Counter height seating runs along the island back to encourage guest interaction while cooking. The Island also features the main kitchen sink, dish drawers and 27” integrated refrigerator drawers to cool extra drinks for guests. The result… warm, friendly, fun and functional.

Joan Dyer
Example of a trendy l-shaped open concept kitchen design in Austin with recessed-panel cabinets and stainless steel appliances

This open concept kitchen design with a keeping room engages with an open, inviting appeal and encourages informal hang-out time. A raised seating bar is attached to the kitchen island, offering space for a gaming or card table. Design Build Chapel Hill Custom Homes by Stanton Homes.

Architect: Michelle Penn, AIA This Prairie Style home uses many design details on both the exterior & interior that is inspired by the prairie landscape that it is nestled into. Showing the other side of the kitchen island with the dishwasher and sink. From the sink you get an amazing view of the valley! It is a very generous pie shaped island! Photo Credit: Jackson Studios

This countryside kitchen includes a beautiful blue statement island, which adds originality to the classic space. The cabinetry is made by Downsview and the design is done through Astro Design Centre in Ottawa Canada. Astro Design, Ottawa DoubleSpace Photography

This white kitchen is grounded by the dark espresso island. Carrara marble island with wine storage on the side create a beautiful contrast to the white cabinets with the silestone grey countertops and herringbone backsplash tile. This kithchen renovation included the removal of a load bearing wall to open it up and make it feel bright and airy.