In the 10th annual House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year, our Glazed Thin Brick in Meteorite takes the stage with Designer Jon De La Cruz's bold take on the offset pattern.

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

Kitchen - coastal l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Portland Maine with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Craig Blackmon
Trendy eat-in kitchen photo in Dallas with an integrated sink, open cabinets, stainless steel countertops and stainless steel appliances

A dark kitchen was transformed with brightly painted cabinets, a newly designed hood and tile and lighting.
Example of a large classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, granite countertops, ceramic backsplash, an island, multicolored backsplash, paneled appliances and gray cabinets

Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an island

Large country single-wall dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a large mountain style u-shaped slate floor eat-in kitchen design in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, red backsplash, brick backsplash, colored appliances and an island

Kitchen - rustic light wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Chicago with beaded inset cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances

Late 1800s Victorian Bungalow i Central Denver was updated creating an entirely different experience to a young couple who loved to cook and entertain. By opening up two load bearing wall, replacing and refinishing new wood floors with radiant heating, exposing brick and ultimately painting the brick.. the space transformed in a huge open yet warm entertaining haven. Bold color was at the heart of this palette and the homeowners personal essence.

Late 1800s Victorian Bungalow in Central Denver was updated creating an entirely different experience to a young couple who loved to cook and entertain. By opening up two load bearing wall, replacing and refinishing new wood floors with radiant heating, exposing brick and ultimately painting the brick.. the space transformed in a huge open yet warm entertaining haven. Bold color was at the heart of this palette and the homeowners personal essence.

Late 1800s Victorian Bungalow i Central Denver was updated creating an entirely different experience to a young couple who loved to cook and entertain. By opening up two load bearing wall, replacing and refinishing new wood floors with radiant heating, exposing brick and ultimately painting the brick.. the space transformed in a huge open yet warm entertaining haven. Bold color was at the heart of this palette and the homeowners personal essence.

Mid-sized tuscan l-shaped terra-cotta tile enclosed kitchen photo in Detroit with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, wood countertops, blue backsplash, ceramic backsplash, black appliances and an island

Late 1800s Victorian Bungalow i Central Denver was updated creating an entirely different experience to a young couple who loved to cook and entertain. By opening up two load bearing wall, replacing and refinishing new wood floors with radiant heating, exposing brick and ultimately painting the brick.. the space transformed in a huge open yet warm entertaining haven. Bold color was at the heart of this palette and the homeowners personal essence.

Example of a classic l-shaped dark wood floor kitchen design in New York with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, white walls and an island

Rob Karosis Photography
Kitchen - modern u-shaped kitchen idea in Boston with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, metallic backsplash, metal backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Inspiration for a mediterranean multicolored floor and terra-cotta tile kitchen remodel in Austin with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

Pinemar, Inc.- Philadelphia General Contractor & Home Builder. Edge grain Maple butcher block countertop on the Kitchen Island, hands free kitchen faucet. Photos © Paul S. Bartholomew Photography