Photography by Michael J. Lee
Large transitional master marble floor and white floor bathroom photo in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and white countertops

A PLACE TO GATHER Location: Eagan, MN, USA This family of five wanted an inviting space to gather with family and friends. Mom, the primary cook, wanted a large island with more organized storage – everything in its place – and a crisp white kitchen with the character of an older home. Challenges: Design an island that could accommodate this family of five for casual weeknight dinners. Create more usable storage within the existing kitchen footprint. Design a better transition between the upper cabinets on the 8-foot sink wall and the adjoining 9-foot cooktop wall. Make room for more counter space around the cooktop. It was poorly lit, cluttered with small appliances and confined by the tall oven cabinet. Solutions: A large island, that seats 5 comfortably, replaced the small island and kitchen table. This allowed for more storage including cookbook shelves, a heavy-duty roll out shelf for the mixer, a 2-bin recycling center and a bread drawer. Tall pantries with decorative grilles were placed between the kitchen and family room. These created ample storage and helped define each room, making each one feel larger, yet more intimate. A space intentionally separates the upper cabinets on the sink wall from those on the cooktop wall. This created symmetry on the sink wall and made room for an appliance garage, which keeps the countertops uncluttered. Moving the double ovens to the former pantry location made way for more usable counter space around the cooktop and a dramatic focal point with the hood, cabinets and marble backsplash. Special Features: Custom designed corbels and island legs lend character. Gilt open lanterns, antiqued nickel grilles on the pantries, and the soft linen shade at the kitchen sink add personality and charm. The unique bronze hardware with a living finish creates the patina of an older home. A walnut island countertop adds the warmth and feel of a kitchen table. This homeowner truly understood the idea of living with the patina of marble. Her grandmother’s marble-topped antique table inspired the Carrara countertops. The result is a highly organized kitchen with a light, open feel that invites you to stay a while. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg

The bold and rustic kitchen is large enough to cook and entertain for many guests. The edges of the soapstone counter tops were left unfinished to add to the home's rustic charm. Interior Design: Megan at M Design and Interiors

Jason Varney Photography, Interior Design by Ashli Mizell, Architecture by Warren Claytor Architects
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized transitional l-shaped porcelain tile eat-in kitchen idea in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and concrete countertops

Kiel's woodworking talents are in full effect in the kitchen. Rather than incorporate pre-fabricated cabinets into the newly rebuilt space, he decided to build them himself, affording the home the custom work that it so deserves. "It didn't make sense to put in the same fiberboard cabinetry that was there before", he confesses. Part of the plan called for open shelving up top to show off Chelsea's colorful plate collection. "One of the perks of being married to a wood worker", Chelsea jokes, "is having an entire kitchen worth of cabinets for the cost of wood and paint!" The couple outfitted the antique sink with a modern spray fixture from IKEA. The enameled cast iron sink was not only a steal at $25, but it is certainly made to last. "Often we buy older pieces which have been around for 50+ years because we know that if they have survived this long they will likely survive another 50", she says. Backsplash Tile, Hamilton Parker Photo: Adrienne DeRosa Photography © 2014 Houzz

Beach house remodel; basement bathroom Photography: Raquel Langworthy (Untamed Studios LLC)
Transitional white tile and subway tile ceramic tile bathroom photo in New York with an undermount sink, marble countertops, black walls and flat-panel cabinets

Stephen Allen Photography
Example of a large transitional master dark wood floor bedroom design in Orlando with beige walls and no fireplace

Cal Mitchner Photography
Example of a cottage medium tone wood floor bathroom design in Charlotte with an undermount sink, medium tone wood cabinets, green walls, a two-piece toilet and flat-panel cabinets

Modern functionality with a vintage farmhouse style makes this the perfect kitchen featuring marble counter tops, subway tile backsplash, SubZero and Wolf appliances, custom cabinetry, white oak floating shelves and engineered wide plank, oak flooring.

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized modern l-shaped gray floor and cement tile floor open concept kitchen idea in Los Angeles with flat-panel cabinets, marble countertops, black backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops, a drop-in sink and light wood cabinets

Example of a small trendy single-wall home bar design in Miami with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white backsplash and stone slab backsplash

Photo by Grey Crawford
Example of a small beach style formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room design in Orange County with white walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Matthew Millman
Transitional open concept kitchen photo in San Francisco with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Ed Butera
Inspiration for a timeless multicolored floor hallway remodel in Miami with white walls

Jeri Koegel
Example of a mid-sized beach style light wood floor living room design in Orange County with beige walls and a stone fireplace

Photo Credit: Kelly Horkoff; K West Images
Example of a large trendy formal and enclosed dark wood floor living room design in Toronto with white walls, a standard fireplace, a wood fireplace surround and no tv

Formal Dining room, featuring wicker-backed rounded dining chairs as well as a pictograph buffet beneath a beautiful afro-inspired art piece flanked by a spotted table lamp and metal sculptures. Scrolling up to the hero image of this blog post, you were greeted with another view of this stunning formal dining room. The wood dining table is framed by merlot velvet drapery and orange pampas grass in wicker floor vases atop an exquisitely textured area rug. This home exudes a style that truly needs to be seen to be appreciated.

© Erin Parker, Emerald Coast real Estate Photography, LLC
Beach style foyer photo in Miami

Patrick Barta
Trendy single front door photo in Seattle with a medium wood front door