Quinn and Paige, residents of this tired 1960’s tri-level home hated their kitchen. As a matter of fact, prior to making plans to renovate the first floor - they considered selling the home, but were reluctant because of its enviable location near the heart of downtown Barrington which was within walking distance to local stores and all their favorite places. So instead they contacted Advance Design Studio after hearing about them from a neighbor, to rescue their tired home and give it new life. The very first plan was to remove the constricting walls surrounding the original kitchen, and open the expansive first floor living room and dining area to the new heart of the space; a stunning state of the art coastal designed kitchen. Exposing attractive beams in the vaulted ceiling created an interesting structural detail that suits the open plan and salutes the original architecture of the home, further emphasizing the height of the new space enjoyed now by the family as a great room. The stage was set for the seaside feel of this kitchen by pairing crisp white painted maple cabinets with Dura Supreme’s one of kind hand weathered finish on the island in soft blue-green finish. But the authentic feeling of being on your favorite beach was supremely achieved by the matching of unique Mt. Claire marble on the island and the specialty Wareham acid washed stone on the perimeter counter tops. Pictures don’t do justice to the feel of this stone under your hand; its water-washed texture reminds instantly of summer vacations collecting rocks softly etched by hundreds of waves. Stainless steel appliances and satin nickel hardware shine brightly against the backdrop of bright white subway tiles accentuated by subtle grey grout lines contributing to the nautical feel of this comfortable kitchen. Seeded glass door cabinetry reminiscent of beach grasses dress up the space just enough, and a proud 6” stacked crown molding extends above 36” wall cabinets into the expanse of the now taller space; balancing this kitchen nicely within its newly integrated home. Features in this kitchen include a built in standard depth refrigerator, pull out spice racks, tall tray dividers and wood super Susan with double pull out trash and recycling. A cutlery divider holds sharp knives, and an angled cabinet was customized to hold a secret USB charging station. The bright white Kohler farm sink is graced by an elegant bridge faucet in brushed nickel. This now airy and spacious kitchen has room for guest and family to congregate around the large island, complete with stools and attractive hidden storage for seldom used entertainment pieces. “I was sold when I saw the drawings. My designer nailed it, down to every last storage idea and coastal detail I envisioned, it was all in there. It was unbelievable how accurate her interpretation was of what was in my head; working with her made my kitchen renovation so easy, it’s as if she literally read my mind”, said Paige enthusiastically. The woman of the house expressed upon completion not only her love for her fantastic new cooking space, but how renovating her kitchen has given new life to the entire home. Talk of moving has been relegated to the recycling bin, and instead the family is discussing plans to renovate the master bath now that they’ve decided to stay for the long term. Friends who visit the home do a double-take as they recognize the new space’s dramatic transformation from original cramped and closed spaces - to the now amazingly fresh open kitchen that has become the center of every gathering and family meal. Designer: Nicole Ryan Photographer: Joe Nowak

Multi Level perimeter cabinet feature Cabinet with side panels for Built-in Refrigerator, 36" cook top and Built in Microwave and Single Oven Large 9 1/2' island features wine rack on one end and bookcase for cookbooks at the other end with ample room for seating.

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Multi Level perimeter cabinet feature Cabinet with side panels for Built-in Refrigerator, 36" cook top and Built in Microwave and Single Oven Large 9 1/2' island features wine rack on one end and bookcase for cookbooks at the other end with ample room for seating.

Crisp white cabinetry was accented by a dark patina-ed cherry with heavy distressing. The rich island color is mimicked by original hardwood oak floors stained a darker shade than the original honey oak of the past. Two tone counter tops compliment one another with a rich Leathered Black and the dramatic patterned granite of the island. The fresh white ceramic backsplash shines with mitred bricks from an era past, and herringbone detail hemmed by elegant gray marble accents. The built in refrigerator is flanked by matching pantry pairs on each side, handily equipped with plenty of functional pull out drawers to store every cook’s required ingredients. The island seats the entire family, but also houses handsomely a glass front beverage center, a microwave oven, a trash pull out, and a warming drawer; all hidden behind customized matching panel doors. Just across from the island a custom matching cook book cabinet fits in nicely holding all of the cook’s favorite recipes just a few steps from this cook’s new dream kitchen.

Jimmy White Photography
Large transitional backyard outdoor kitchen deck photo in Seattle with a roof extension

A Cook's Kitchen with large island, granite countertops. Cabinets by Bellmont Cabinets: combination of Villa finish on perimeter cabinets and Alder with a glaze on the island. Mud room/Laundry beyond through double pocket doors.

Ample space between the island and the perimeter cabinetry alleviates crowding when there is more than one cook in the kitchen.
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We transformed this kitchen from an outdated southwest style space to a classic Spanish style kitchen. The custom built in refrigerator and freezer was created by selecting various molding pieces and designing doors and side panels to replicate a Spanish antique. Barstools and pendant by Irma Shaw Designs.

Love the variation in this tile from Sonoma tileworks! This client wanted a warm kitchen without any gray. The countertops have a warm veining pattern to go with the brown wood tones and we added some rustic/industrial details to make it feel like the client's mountain cabin.

Peter Rymwid
Example of a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, an island, an undermount sink, granite countertops, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

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Mirador Builders
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized traditional u-shaped brick floor open concept kitchen idea in Houston with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, zinc countertops, beige backsplash, custom tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, beige walls and an island

This kitchen underwent an extensive renovation with all new appliances and adding a picture window in the back to provide a view of the backyard. The DEANE designer loves how the color palette is a departure from the current all-white trend. The rustic, industrial custom hood is made with burnished metals that play off the oil-rubbed bronze hardware and the lighting fixtures. The over-sized island is made from two book-matched pieces of Taj Mahal quartzite – a natural stone, practically indestructible and a fantastic choice for this family of five. The island cabinets reflect the growing trend of using warmer, natural tones. The Weimaraner color which was used anchors the island against the creamy perimeter cabinets. The large island was designed with the owners’ love of cooking and making pasta together as a family.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)