Photo: Margot Hartford © 2014 Houzz
Bathroom - transitional bathroom idea in San Francisco

The 30" professional style range and hood make a statement in this compact layout. A narrow U shaped kitchen that boasts granite AND butcher block together. Some sexy farmhouse features such as open shelves with custom plumbing brackets (thanks Fixer Upper), and large textured subway tile, create a custom look. Beautiful cabinetry by Diamond sets the scene for functionality and ease of use - all soft close hardware with tons of features built-in. This kitchen is the envy of the whole block! Nicolette Patton, CKD

A complete kitchen remodel featuring a new kitchen layout, updated appliances, new flooring, as well as custom cabinetry and countertops all done by our company Beahm & Son Ltd.

Eat-in kitchen - large transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Dallas with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Design Classics
Example of a mid-sized classic u-shaped light wood floor enclosed kitchen design in Sacramento with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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.

LTB Photography
Inspiration for a small rustic u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, soapstone countertops, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and subway tile backsplash

Ohana Home & Design | Minneapolis/St. Paul Residental Remodeling | 651-274-3116 | Photo by: Garrett Anglin
Inspiration for a large timeless u-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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.

The Oak Island and pantry have been finished using Rubio oil in a custom blend of grays. Photography by Eric Roth
Eat-in kitchen - large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless kitchen remodel in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone countertops, multicolored backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Oiled Custom Barroca Soapstone sink, drain runnels, backsplash and countertops.
Beach style laundry room photo in Miami

Cinza Verde kitchen countertops un-oiled (before)
Kitchen - contemporary kitchen idea in Sacramento

Wing Wong/Memories TTL
Small arts and crafts slate floor powder room photo in New York with a two-piece toilet, green walls and a pedestal sink

Oiled close up of the Barroca Soapstone custom slant front utility sink with built in high backsplash. Custom drain runnels
Beach style laundry room photo in Miami

soapstone werks
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in San Diego

The goal for this 1939 Tudor-style story-and-a-half home was to create a kitchen that offered the conveniences, storage, and performance of a modern workspace while preserving the warmth, craftsmanship, and vintage charm that made the home special. The client, an avid home cook, wanted the room to feel as though it had always belonged to the house, with thoughtful upgrades that respected the original architecture rather than competing with it. Just as important, she needed a more efficient layout with enough storage for small appliances, so everyday cooking would no longer require carrying items up from the lower level. Several existing conditions shaped the design approach. The kitchen retained original, amber-stained birch woodwork that the client wished to keep, and the compact footprint was interrupted by six doorways and two windows, none of which were to be moved, altered, or replaced. A previous flooring update had left the door casings undercut too short, creating visible gaps where the casing met the floor. The existing vintage 40-inch range also lacked proper ventilation, yet the client wished to accommodate a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, double ovens, built-in microwave, and effective venting above the cooktop into the new kitchen layout. To honor the original millwork, beaded inset-style cherry cabinetry was selected in a soft, hand-rubbed finish that will deepen over time and develop a natural patina. Charcoal-gray soapstone countertops complement the cabinetry while reinforcing the historic character of the home with an organic, timeworn texture. The former breakfast nook was transformed into a butler’s pantry, adding valuable base cabinet storage and expanded work surfaces for frequently used small appliances. Also in the butler’s pantry, a single upper cabinet was paired with open shelves to give an open, airy feeling while adding character and practical storage. A classic single-bowl apron-front workstation sink contributes both period-appropriate character and practical prep and cleanup function. Because the home’s openings were such a defining feature, the design worked within the existing architecture instead of altering it. Custom plinth blocks were created for each doorway to extend the original casing gracefully down to the new natural red oak flooring, resolving the earlier construction issue while adding a detail that feels authentic to the age of the house. Despite the number of door and window openings, the new layout provides a significantly more functional, built-in kitchen with an improved work triangle for serious cooking. Appliance placement was carefully planned to deliver the requested performance without overwhelming the small room. Three cooking functions (double ovens & microwave) were consolidated into one location with a GE Café double oven featuring Advantium Technology, while the client’s compact 31-inch refrigerator was reused to preserve space. A sleek 30-inch induction cooktop provides efficient cooking, and a Vent-A-Hood ARS ductless vent hood supplies needed ventilation without requiring a duct run to the exterior. The finish palette balances richness, texture, and historical sensitivity. A deeply textured navy backsplash tile adds depth and dramatic shadow play against the soapstone, while wallpaper in the back entry echoes the tile’s geometric pattern to visually connect the adjoining spaces. Oil-rubbed bronze cabinet hardware and light fixtures enhance the warmth of the cherry cabinetry and complete the antique-inspired feel. Lighting was layered to make the compact kitchen brighter, more useful, and more inviting. Vintage-style semi-flush ceiling fixtures establish the overall tone, while dimmable puck lights highlight select areas and undercabinet task lighting keeps work surfaces well illuminated. The completed kitchen now feels both highly functional and deeply rooted in the home’s history. Rich cherry cabinetry, velvety soapstone, natural red oak flooring, navy tile, bronze accents, and carefully preserved birch trim work together to create a warm, cohesive space that celebrates timeless craftsmanship. By increasing storage, improving workflow, integrating modern appliances, and respecting the Tudor home’s original character, the design achieves the client’s vision: a kitchen that feels personal, practical, historically appropriate, and as though it has always been there.

Oiled Custom Barroca Soapstone sink, drain runnels, backsplash and countertops.
Inspiration for a coastal laundry room remodel in Miami

Sierra Soapstone Marble & Granite
Country kitchen photo in Sacramento