A modern kitchen with classic details is a cook's dream. Light perimeter cabinetry, white with a light gray wash, is contrasted by the darker island and kitchen table. The beautiful Calcutta marble tile, inset with antique glass, highlights the tall ceilings and reflects light throughout the day and night, adding pure glamour to the simple design.

A colonial waterfront home in Mamaroneck was renovated to add this expansive, light filled kitchen with a rustic modern vibe. Solid maple cabinetry with inset slab doors color matched to Benjamin Moore Super White. Brick backsplash with white cabinetry adds warmth to the cool tones in this kitchen. A rift sawn oak island features plank style doors and drawers is a rustic contrast to the clean white perimeter cabinetry. Perimeter countertops in Caesarstone are complimented by the White Macauba island top with mitered edge. Concrete look porcelain tiles are low maintenance and sleek. Copper pendants from Blu Dot mix in warm metal tones. Cabinetry and design by Studio Dearborn. Appliances--Wolf, refrigerator/freezer columns Thermador; Bar stools Emeco; countertops White Macauba. Photography Tim Lenz. APPLIANCE PANTRY

After six years of living in their Huntley IL home, Chris and Meghan were tired of their dark, dingy, outdated kitchen and it was finally time for a long-anticipated change. “The kitchen is the place where we live, it’s where we do everything,” Meghan said. “It was important that it be a space where we wanted to be.” Meghan loves cooking and enjoys including their girls in healthy meal prepping, this led them to want a brighter, more enjoyable kitchen with increased functionality and improved storage. For Chris especially, the laundry room was an entirely dysfunctional eyesore. “We had a washer and a dryer, but it was all kind-of cobbled together!” Chris said. “There were always laundry piles everywhere, we weren’t really sure what we wanted to do in there, but it was time for us to make a change.” The mess of the space was stressful every time they walked in the door from the garage each day. Kids’ backpacks and shoes piled up haphazardly in the makeshift boot-bench closet left the family feeling disorganized and stressed. They needed space for folding clothes and locker cubbies to help keep the family organized. Having known Christine and Todd in the Huntley community for years, Chris and Meghan were familiar with their work. “We already trusted them personally and having seen their projects for years we knew they did top notch work. After we reviewed the initial round of designs, we knew that hiring them was definitely the right choice,” Meghan and Chris said. Although Chris had done a lot of work in their home himself, the kitchen and laundry room renovation was such a large undertaking that he didn’t want to steal time away from his family to spend what would surely be many long weekends doing the job himself. “That would not have been a wise choice for us,” Chris laughed. “Our designer, Michelle was very, very, easy to work with; anything we wanted to see or weren’t sure about, she went above and beyond to make this easy for us. She was easy to get hold of and always quick to respond,” the couple said. Michelle pulled ideas that mirrored the couple’s taste and style and was adept at directing the couple to limited choices that didn’t overwhelm them and kept the process moving. “I have a hard time making decisions. Michelle made the decision-making process so easy. I loved how she listened to what I liked and then presented three great options for me to choose from,” Meghan said. The main objectives for the kitchen were better storage solutions, they wanted the space to reflect their lifestyle and taste, and they wanted it to last for years with low maintenance. One of the first steps in creating a more functional kitchen was relocating the refrigerator, creating an improved workflow for the busy family. “We didn’t know that we could even move the refrigerator to a new location where it is now, that was something that we never would have thought of,” Chris said. “The new refrigerator location makes the kitchen feel so much bigger. We didn’t add any space, but our whole kitchen with the new design just seems like it’s so much larger than before!” Meghan said. The perimeter mist colored cabinets helped warm and brighten the entire room, while the graphite colored cabinets on the island added contrast. Using this fresh, clean color palette satisfied the couple’s desire for a bright space that was the exact opposite of what they had before. Organization accessories were also added to the cabinets such as a spice drawer tray and roll outs to create hidden convenience. “I absolutely love the hidden spices – it makes cooking so much more enjoyable!” Chris said. “And all the pull outs, and the double trash bin, who would think you could get so excited about organization!” the couple said in unison. One thing they hated in their original kitchen was how dark the space felt. Added lighting on the ceiling with the new light fixtures combined with the lighter cabinetry colors throughout solved this problem. “Our new kitchen has this warm, almost cozy feeling that our old kitchen never had, it’s just a space that I love spending my time in now,” Meghan said. The light airy feeling was accentuated with the use of floating white shelves on either side of the decorative range hood. “We have so much cabinetry space, the new design is amazing we actually have more storage space than we will ever need,” Meghan said. The island was extended to create more work surface and added space for stool seating. “The new island changes how we live. Now the kids can be in the kitchen with us, doing homework, eating breakfast, and the three of us have special dinners there when Chris is working late,” Meghan said. The Carrara Marmi Quartz countertops were chosen because they are, not only beautiful, but are made from hard-working material that doesn’t require maintenance. The white subway tile backsplash that wraps to the ceiling behind the focal point cooktop range/hood compliments the crisp white countertops perfectly, while brushed brass hardware and light fixtures keep the design fresh and new. The couple had a few fears at the beginning of the project, as most homeowners do. Their biggest fear was being out of their kitchen and laundry room for an extended time. The crew made it very easy for the family to work in a limited space keeping the washer and dryer hooked up the majority of the time, and also getting appliances working with minimal downtime. “They above and beyond accommodated us to get us through the process,” Meghan said. “They did a great job making sure we were as comfortable as possible throughout the process,” Chris added. “Our project manager DJ did a great job. He was very good at updating us on schedule changes, getting guys in as quickly as possible. Everyone that stepped in the house was nice and did great work,” said Chris. They thought Advance’s carpenter was phenomenal and were impressed when he took a conceptual idea from a photograph and worked with designer Michelle to create a one of a kind range/hood that has become the topic of conversation with friends and family who visit the new kitchen. “He was in our house literally every day for several weeks. He was easy to work with and good at what he did,” Meghan and Chris said. The focal point of the kitchen; a hand-crafted, custom-built ventilation hood was clad with handpicked reclaimed barnwood. Advance Design’s carpenter built the framework and the cladding to create a one-of-a-kind design element that the couple loves. “I think it was especially fun for him to create something unique from scratch, showcasing his talent in this area,” Meghan said. “I love that my kitchen is not like everyone else’s. I got to pick out the wood on my hood and watch it being built and was able to choose what pieces of wood went where on it. It’s totally unique.” Red Oak flooring was toothed-in throughout the kitchen and the rest of the first floor anywhere changes were made. Then the whole floor was refinished to tone down the orange undertones in the existing floor stain, ultimately changing the color complexion of the entire first floor. The result is a completely new feeling to the entire home. Renovating the laundry room was extremely important to Meghan and Chris, but they had trouble visualizing what the possibilities were for the seemingly small space. Michelle produced beautiful 3D illustrations that helped them envision the space in a whole new way. “I must have told Michelle 100 times that I am a visual person, seeing the designs in 3D made it so easy to make decisions and see what we could really do with our space,” Meghan said. A dividing wall and doorway were removed between the existing laundry room and hallway formerly containing a coat closet, providing space to design specialized graphite colored cabinetry matching the kitchen island to house custom storage cubbies for each family member. Adding the tall utility cabinetry in the new laundry area helped solve the storage issue, tucking away cleaning supplies, household items, and even the cat got its own cubby. “I love how everything is now hidden in its own space. I can’t tell you how much I hated coming home and seeing everything sitting around on counters,” Chris said. Electrical outlets were planned for the inside of utility cabinets, so devices could charge in hidden locations. Stacking the washer and dryer allowed for wider countertop space to provide a folding area and a special space for clothes to hang. “The way I do laundry has been completely transformed! I can actually fold clothes and hang them now right out of the washer and dryer,” Meghan said. “The end result in the kitchen and the laundry/mud room was an updated light and bright space, with a smarter work flow that better meets the needs of this family,” Michelle said. “I would totally recommend Advance Design,” Meghan said. “Sometimes I sit and just look at my kitchen and laundry room and think ‘Wow, I can’t believe I get to live here!’ It’s an understatement to say we love our new space.”

This traditional kitchen design is packed with features that will make it the center of this home. The white perimeter kitchen cabinets include glass front upper cabinets with in cabinet lighting. A matching mantel style hood frames the large Wolf oven and range. This is contrasted by the gray island cabinetry topped with a wood countertop. The walk in pantry includes matching cabinetry with plenty of storage space and a custom pantry door. A built in Wolf coffee station, undercounter wine refrigerator, and convection oven make this the perfect space to cook, socialize, or relax with family and friends. Photos by Susan Hagstrom

Elegant dark wood floor kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Cabinetry: Eudora Colony Maple in Alabaster Finish Countertops: St. Cecelia Light (Perimeter) & Distressed Black Walnut (Island) Hardware: Jeffrey Alexander Construction by Southern Coastal Homes Countertops by Multistone Enterprises

This stunning black and white kitchen with its punch of yellow was designed for a couple who love to cook and maintain a kosher kitchen. The attention to detail is incredible and evident - the storage use, amenities, the perimeter crown molding treatment, the convection double French door ovens, induction cooktop and cordless control blinds. The cabinets installed on the perimeter are Custom Wood Products Maple Vinyl, Bright White, Dull Rubbed and for the Islands custom painted to match Golden Orchards #329 Benjamin Moore accented with Chareau Collection ! Chalet knobs and pulls. Cambria Whitecliff Quartz was installed on the countertops with two Franke Fireclay Undermount sinks. Delta Brizo Venuto in Black faucets were installed. Jenn Aire 42" French door panel refrigerator, G.E. 36" Induction Cooktop and Downdraft, American Range 30" Yellow Double Ovens, Bosch dishwashers and Wolf 30" Warming drawer.

Photo by Peter Rymwid This kitchen pulls it's beauty from the perfect combination of whites, blues, and greys. Glass mullion doors to the right of the windows and smokey mirror on the refrigerator panels help to add the illusion of a more open space. We left the room as an open space to allow more room to entertain, eat, and cook. The ceramic tile mimics wood planking perfectly but makes cleaning and maintenance easier. The tall hearth makes for a more spacious cooking area on a smaller wall. Cabinet and top details: The perimeter tops are Silestone Haze, the island top is Danby marble at 2 1/2" thick. The perimeter cabinets are frameless with applied molding and painted white, the island is maple with a denim stain. The ceiling height is 8'. all the lighting, furniture, and wall paint colors and wallpaper were handled by the home owner - we have no information on file.

For the new kitchen we designed white shaker perimeter cabinets with a blue painted island. This kitchen allows up to four people to cook at once with various work stations.

Kitchen - traditional kitchen idea in Seattle

This lovely Dana Point kitchen remodel features Omega Custom Cabinetry that is Flush Inset. The finish on the island is called Smokey Hills. The perimeter is called Magnolia.

Architecture & Interior Design By Arch Studio, Inc. Photography by Eric Rorer
Inspiration for a small cottage l-shaped light wood floor and gray floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Middlefork was retained to update and revitalize this North Shore home to a family of six. The primary goal of this project was to update and expand the home's small, eat-in kitchen. The existing space was gutted and a 1,500-square-foot addition was built to house a gourmet kitchen, connected breakfast room, fireside seating, butler's pantry, and a small office. The family desired nice, timeless spaces that were also durable and family-friendly. As such, great consideration was given to the interior finishes. The 10' kitchen island, for instance, is a solid slab of white velvet quartzite, selected for its ability to withstand mustard, ketchup and finger-paint. There are shorter, walnut extensions off either end of the island that support the children's involvement in meal preparation and crafts. Low-maintenance Atlantic Blue Stone was selected for the perimeter counters. The scope of this phase grew to include re-trimming the front façade and entry to emphasize the Georgian detailing of the home. In addition, the balance of the first floor was gutted; existing plumbing and electrical systems were updated; all windows were replaced; two powder rooms were updated; a low-voltage distribution system for HDTV and audio was added; and, the interior of the home was re-trimmed. Two new patios were also added, providing outdoor areas for entertaining, dining and cooking. Tom Harris, Hedrich Blessing

A beautiful lake home with an out-dated kitchen gets a make over. Custom inset Shaker cabinetry keeps the classic feel of this home. The custom island features two spice pull outs, an induction cook top, a small prep sink, and plenty of seating. The white granite top plays off of the two-tone kitchen. The perimeter of the kitchen is painted white with an espresso glaze and the green granite top mimics the color of the lake seen out of the large windows. The refrigerator and dishwasher are built-in and concealed behind cabinet doors. The cabinetry is anchored by new saltillo tile. DuraSupreme Cabinetry

This stunning black and white kitchen with its punch of yellow was designed for a couple who love to cook and maintain a kosher kitchen. The attention to detail is incredible and evident - the storage use, amenities, the perimeter crown molding treatment, the convection double French door ovens, induction cooktop and cordless control blinds. The cabinets installed on the perimeter are Custom Wood Products Maple Vinyl, Bright White, Dull Rubbed and for the Islands custom painted to match Golden Orchards #329 Benjamin Moore accented with Chareau Collection ! Chalet knobs and pulls. Cambria Whitecliff Quartz was installed on the countertops with two Franke Fireclay Undermount sinks. Delta Brizo Venuto in Black faucets were installed. Jenn Aire 42" French door panel refrigerator, G.E. 36" Induction Cooktop and Downdraft, American Range 30" Yellow Double Ovens, Bosch dishwashers and Wolf 30" Warming drawer.

This stunning black and white kitchen with its punch of yellow was designed for a couple who love to cook and maintain a kosher kitchen. The attention to detail is incredible and evident - the storage use, amenities, the perimeter crown molding treatment, the convection double French door ovens, induction cooktop and cordless control blinds. The cabinets installed on the perimeter are Custom Wood Products Maple Vinyl, Bright White, Dull Rubbed and for the Islands custom painted to match Golden Orchards #329 Benjamin Moore accented with Chareau Collection ! Chalet knobs and pulls. Cambria Whitecliff Quartz was installed on the countertops with two Franke Fireclay Undermount sinks. Delta Brizo Venuto in Black faucets were installed. Jenn Aire 42" French door panel refrigerator, G.E. 36" Induction Cooktop and Downdraft, American Range 30" Yellow Double Ovens, Bosch dishwashers and Wolf 30" Warming drawer.

This stunning black and white kitchen with its punch of yellow was designed for a couple who love to cook and maintain a kosher kitchen. The attention to detail is incredible and evident - the storage use, amenities, the perimeter crown molding treatment, the convection double French door ovens, induction cooktop and cordless control blinds. The cabinets installed on the perimeter are Custom Wood Products Maple Vinyl, Bright White, Dull Rubbed and for the Islands custom painted to match Golden Orchards #329 Benjamin Moore accented with Chareau Collection ! Chalet knobs and pulls. Cambria Whitecliff Quartz was installed on the countertops with two Franke Fireclay Undermount sinks. Delta Brizo Venuto in Black faucets were installed. Jenn Aire 42" French door panel refrigerator, G.E. 36" Induction Cooktop and Downdraft, American Range 30" Yellow Double Ovens, Bosch dishwashers and Wolf 30" Warming drawer.

This stunning black and white kitchen with its punch of yellow was designed for a couple who love to cook and maintain a kosher kitchen. The attention to detail is incredible and evident - the storage use, amenities, the perimeter crown molding treatment, the convection double French door ovens, induction cooktop and cordless control blinds. The cabinets installed on the perimeter are Custom Wood Products Maple Vinyl, Bright White, Dull Rubbed and for the Islands custom painted to match Golden Orchards #329 Benjamin Moore accented with Chareau Collection ! Chalet knobs and pulls. Cambria Whitecliff Quartz was installed on the countertops with two Franke Fireclay Undermount sinks. Delta Brizo Venuto in Black faucets were installed. Jenn Aire 42" French door panel refrigerator, G.E. 36" Induction Cooktop and Downdraft, American Range 30" Yellow Double Ovens, Bosch dishwashers and Wolf 30" Warming drawer.

Showcasing a custom metal kitchen hood surrounded by beautiful cream backsplash tile. Accompanied by a custom made detailed island and custom wood & marble countertop. Presents a barrel-brick ceiling, pendant lighting, hardwood floors and designer cabinetry complete the high-end finishes.