Example of a country l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor home design design in New York with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, brown backsplash, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Emily Minton Redfield
Small trendy light wood floor powder room photo with a vessel sink, furniture-like cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and beige walls

Mountain style kitchen photo in Minneapolis

Interior Design by Juliana Linssen
Large tuscan medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, soapstone countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Designer: Laura Wallace Photographer: Donna Sanchez
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized craftsman galley and one-story terra-cotta tile eat-in kitchen idea in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, brown cabinets, soapstone countertops, black backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and yellow walls

Inspiration for a large country u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and black countertops

It is not uncommon for down2earth interior design to be tasked with the challenge of combining an existing kitchen and dining room into one open space that is great for communal cooking and entertaining. But what happens when that request is only the beginning? In this kitchen, our clients had big dreams for their space that went well beyond opening up the plan and included flow, organization, a timeless aesthetic, and partnering with local vendors. Although the family wanted all the modern conveniences afforded them by a total kitchen renovation, they also wanted it to look timeless and fit in with the aesthetic of their 100 year old home. So all design decisions were made with an eye towards timelessness, from the profile of the cabinet doors, to the handmade backsplash tiles, to the choice of soapstone for countertops, which is a beautiful material that is naturally heat resistant. The soapstone was strategically positioned so that the most stunning veins would be on display across the island top and on the wall behind the cooktop. Even the green color of the cabinet, and the subtle green-greys of the trim were specifically chosen for their softness so they will not look stark or trendy in this classic home. To address issues of flow, the clients really analyzed how they cook, entertain, and eat. We went well beyond the typical “kitchen triangle” to make sure all the hot spots of the kitchen were in the most functional locations within the space. Once we located the “big moves” we really dug down into the details. Some noteworthy ones include a whole wall of deep pantries with pull outs so all food storage is in one place, knives stored in a drawer right over the cutting boards, trash located right behind the sink, and pots, pans, cookie sheets located right by the oven, and a pullout for the Kitchenaid mixer. There are also pullouts that serve as dedicated storage next to the oven for oils, spices, and utensils, and a microwave located in the island which will facilitate aging in place if that becomes an objective in the future. A broom and cleaning supply storage closet at the top of the basement stairs coordinates with the kitchen cabinets so it will look nice if on view, or it can be hidden behind barn doors that tuck just a bit behind the oven. Storage for platters and a bar are located near the dining room so they will be on hand for entertaining. As a couple deeply invested in their local community, it was important to the homeowners to work with as many local vendors as possible. From flooring to woodwork to tile to countertops, choosing the right materials to make this project come together was a real collaborative effort. Their close community connections also inspired these empty nesters to stay in their home and update it to their needs, rather than relocating. The space can now accommodate their growing family that might consist of children’s spouses, grandkids, and furry friends alike.

Alberene Soapstone countertop that has been left to it's natural color. The natural color of the stone is a sot gray with nice subtle veins. The soapstone is complimented by White Carrara Marble.

This kitchen was built for a 20 year old reproduction Saltbox house in the Boston area. It has a mixture of blues, oatmeal and barn red distressed painted finishes. And Curly maple and cherry stained finish cabinets. The counter tops are hand scraped curly maple with a brown stain and a food safe oil finish. This is a great looking "Collected" kitchen. The sink is a 30'' soapstone sink.

Enclosed kitchen - large contemporary single-wall light wood floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen idea in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, stainless steel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, limestone countertops, metallic backsplash and metal backsplash

Elegant u-shaped kitchen photo in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Shaker style kitchen in a contemporary setting with Jade Soapstone countertops and a custom built soapstone farm sink. Sink and pantry top are oiled, the rest of the kitchen is in a natural finish.

Shaker style kitchen in a contemporary setting with Jade Soapstone countertops and a custom built soapstone farm sink. Sink and pantry top are oiled, the rest of the kitchen is in a natural finish.

Shaker style kitchen in a contemporary setting with Jade Soapstone countertops and a custom built soapstone farm sink. Sink and pantry top are oiled, the rest of the kitchen is in a natural finish.

Shaker style kitchen in a contemporary setting with Jade Soapstone countertops and a custom built soapstone farm sink. Sink and pantry top are oiled, the rest of the kitchen is in a natural finish.

Shaker style kitchen in a contemporary setting with Jade Soapstone countertops and a custom built soapstone farm sink. Sink and pantry top are oiled, the rest of the kitchen is in a natural finish.

Shaker style kitchen in a contemporary setting with Jade Soapstone countertops and a custom built soapstone farm sink. Sink and pantry top are oiled, the rest of the kitchen is in a natural finish.

Shaker style kitchen in a contemporary setting with Jade Soapstone countertops and a custom built soapstone farm sink. Sink and pantry top are oiled, the rest of the kitchen is in a natural finish.

Shaker style kitchen in a contemporary setting with Jade Soapstone countertops and a custom built soapstone farm sink. Sink and pantry top are oiled, the rest of the kitchen is in a natural finish.