The huge single under-mount stainless sink is positioned at the window over-looking the pool and lush back yard. The bump-out design adds interest and the latches on the upper cabinet doors add a nautical/coastal flair. There are two islands, this "front" one convenient to the sink and refrigeration features ample storage with many drawers including the microwave drawer. The counter is Labrodorite which is commonly used for jewelry. It's iridescent and sparkles like moonstone. The center section between the two islands features an oval wood-topped table with banquette bench seating on two sides. The show-stopping coffered ceiling was custom designed and features a highlighted central area in a circular design. The area behind the range has marble subway tile and the other backsplash areas are raised wood panels giving a furniture quality to this homey space. The dishwasher and large Sub-Zero refrigerator are also paneled in white wood while the microwave and 48" range is stainless steel. The prior cherry kitchen from the late 1990's with Corian counters was re-invented as a entertainment/auxiliary kitchen in the lower level of the house. This great space was a collaboration between many talented folks including but not limited to the team at Delicious Kitchens & Interiors, LLC, L. Newman and Associates/Paul Mansback, Inc with Leslie Rifkin and Emily Shakra, contributions from the homeowners and counters via Belisle Granite. John C. Hession Photographer

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This dark and dated feeling kitchen and bar were completely renovated for this multi-generational global family. By re-configuring the space and incorporating the bar, removing several heavy columns and a wall, it made the kitchen open and accessible to the adjacent rooms and visible from the front door. Everything was lightened and brightened with new cabinetry, counter tops, appliances, flooring, paint, better windows, electrical and lighting. The old range top and down draft were enclosed in a massive brick structure, with no prep space, by removing it and centering the new range on the wall with a custom hood and full height stone back splash, a stunning focal point was created. The position of other key appliances and plumbing were moved or added to create several work stations throughout the large space, such as the refrigeration, full prep sink, coffee bar, baking station, cocktail bar and clean up island. Another special feature of this kitchen was roll out table from the end of the serving island. Specialty features include: A roll out table for eating, prep or serving; coffee bar and drink service area with beverage center; full size prep sink adjacent to refrigeration and cooking areas; steam oven and baking station; microwave/warming drawer; dual fuel range with double ovens, 6 burners and a griddle top; two separate islands, one for serving large family meals, one for clean up; specialty spice storage inserts and pull outs; corner turn outs for large items; two double pull outs for trash and recycling; stacked cabinetry with glass display at the top to take advantage of the 14' ceilings.

This eclectic kitchen design in Mission Viejo-Lake View brings light into the space through a large window, which is then beautifully reflected in the mirror paneled pantry doors. The mirrors add depth and light to the space, giving the kitchen a bright, airy feel. Glass pendant lights, recessed lighting, and under- and in-cabinet lights complete the multi-layered lighting design. The Columbia Cabinetry recessed panel kitchen cabinets bring a traditional foundation to the kitchen design. White perimeter cabinetry includes glass front upper cabinets with in cabinet lighting, offering the perfect place to display dishes and glassware. This is beautifully contrasted by gray island cabinetry, all accented by Top Knobs cabinet hardware. The island incorporates seating for casual dining and an angled undercounter power strip. A white engineered quartz countertop is a stylish and practical complement to the cabinetry. The white and gray theme carries through in the marble backsplash, which brings the natural texture and color of this material to the design. A porcelain tile wood look floor brings warmth to the color scheme, in a durable and easy to maintain material. Stainless steel appliances feature throughout the design, including the LG refrigerator and range, Sharp microwave drawer, and Zephyr chimney vent hood. A backsplash tile feature design adds a focal point above the range. The beverage center incorporates a Zephyr wine refrigerator. An Allia by Rohl white fireclay undermount sink is positioned facing the large kitchen window that overlooks a stunning view and is accompanied by a pull-down sprayer faucet. This Mission Viejo-Lake View kitchen design brings together materials, textures, lighting, and complementary colors to create a stunning space. This kitchen is sure to be the center of life in the home, perfect for daily family life, casual dining, sipping a glass of wine while enjoying the view, and entertaining friends. Photos by Jeri Koegel

Warmly contemporary, airy, and above all welcoming, this single-family home in the heart of the city blends family-friendly living – and playing – space with rooms designed for large-scale entertaining. As at ease hosting a team’s worth of basketball-dribbling youngsters as it is gathering hundreds of philanthropy-minded guests for worthy causes, it transitions between the two without care or concern. An open floor plan is thoughtfully segmented by custom millwork designed to define spaces, provide storage, and cozy large expanses of space. Sleek, yet never cold, its gallery-like ambiance accommodates an art collection that ranges from the ethnic and organic to the textural, streamlined furniture silhouettes, quietly dynamic fabrics, and an arms-wide-open policy toward the two young boys who call this house home. Of course, like any family home, the kitchen is its heart. Here, linear forms – think wall upon wall of concealed cabinets, hugely paned windows, and an elongated island that seats eight even as it provides generous prep and serving space – define the ultimate in contemporary urban living. Photo Credit: Werner Straube

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Starting out with a project that has good bones is always a bonus as was the case with the project. This young family has a great house on a great street in a great location. The kitchen was a large space with ample room and great view to the backyard. The dated cabinets and large peninsula layout however were not working for them, so they came in looking for a fresh start. Goals for the project included adding a large island with seating for four and a bright, open and cheerful space for daily meals and entertaining. Our clients also wanted to keep the existing breakfast table, but the original space did not allow for an island and breakfast table. Our solution was to create banquette seating which gave us the extra inches necessary to accomplish both. The larger awning window over the kitchen sink allows for ample light in the new space. The wall between the kitchen and family room was partially removed to provide the more open feeling our clients desired. The work triangle is centered on the island which serves as a big open prep space conveniently located across from the large pro style range. The island also houses the microwave and a 2nd oven for larger gatherings. A new counter depth fridge and beverage center provide options for refrigeration. A simple pallet of white cabinetry, Carrera marble countertops and polished nickel fixtures will be a timeless look and provide a lovely backdrop for entertaining and spending time with family. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Mike Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Firm: Design Group Three Designer: Alan Freysinger Cabinetry: Greenfield Cabinetry Photography: Jim Tschetter IC360 Images Veteran kitchen designer Alan Freysinger worked closely with the Fox Point, WI homeowners on this kitchen. Admittedly, not afraid of color, the homeowner loved Alan's suggestion of adding the wood veneer to the mix of cabinetry, adding an additional layer of interest and the addition of texture. Design Group Three, together with custom Greenfield Cabinetry, stepped up the living pleasure of this Fox Point family's home. When this kitchen remodel was first underway, the homeowner envisioned a blue kitchen (orange was her 2nd choice!). She went to the paint store & found blues she liked, taped those color samples to the kitchen wall & one by one she and her husband whittled down their choices to the color blue you see now! From Milwaukee to Chicago, clean lines are much desired in today's kitchen designs. Design Group Three hears many requests for Transitionally styled kitchens such as this one. Want a pop of orange? blue? red? in your kitchen? Milwaukee's Design Group Three can custom match any color in paint (or stain!) for cabinetry in your home, as we did in for this blue kitchen in Fox Point, WI. Not sure if you are up for this much color in your kitchen? Begin with remodeling a bathroom vanity with a pop of color, live with it for a while & then, if you decide it's for you too, call in Design Group Three & we'll work with you to uncover your perfect color palette. Can you imagine this same kitchen in orange? This Fox Point, WI homeowners preliminary vision for her kitchen remodel walked the line between orange & blue! Blue kitchens are completely on trend in today's kitchens! According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, Transitionally styled kitchens, such as this blue one, are the most commonly requested design genre. In fact, in 2012, for the first time ever since the NKBA started keeping track, Transitional beat out Traditional as the most requested style by homeowners. What exactly is affordably luxury? You are witnessing it in these photos. Discover it via Milwaukee's Design Group Three & Greenfield Cabinetry. Transitional Style (also known as "updated classic", "classic with a contemporary twist", "new takes on old classics") in interior design & furniture design refers to a blend of traditional and contemporary styles, midway between old world traditional & the world of chrome & glass contemporary; incorporating lines which are less ornate than traditional designs, but not as severely basic as contemporary lines. As a result transitional designs are classic, timeless, and clean. Lucky, lucky kitchen. Greenfield Cabinetry's interpretation of Midwestern Modern. Seasoned Design Group Three designer & owner, Alan Freysinger's design details take their cues from your lifestyle, as reflected in this transitionally styled kitchen. "The general color trend is a move toward bolder, crisper colors as a reflection of the 'anything goes' culture we live in now." - Jonathan Adler, Designer

This cozy lake cottage skillfully incorporates a number of features that would normally be restricted to a larger home design. A glance of the exterior reveals a simple story and a half gable running the length of the home, enveloping the majority of the interior spaces. To the rear, a pair of gables with copper roofing flanks a covered dining area that connects to a screened porch. Inside, a linear foyer reveals a generous staircase with cascading landing. Further back, a centrally placed kitchen is connected to all of the other main level entertaining spaces through expansive cased openings. A private study serves as the perfect buffer between the homes master suite and living room. Despite its small footprint, the master suite manages to incorporate several closets, built-ins, and adjacent master bath complete with a soaker tub flanked by separate enclosures for shower and water closet. Upstairs, a generous double vanity bathroom is shared by a bunkroom, exercise space, and private bedroom. The bunkroom is configured to provide sleeping accommodations for up to 4 people. The rear facing exercise has great views of the rear yard through a set of windows that overlook the copper roof of the screened porch below. Builder: DeVries & Onderlinde Builders Interior Designer: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography

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The sloping site for this modest, two-bedroom house provides views through an oak savanna to Oregon’s Yamhill Valley and the Coastal Mountain Range. Our clients asked for a simple, modern, comfortable house that took advantage of both close and distant views. It’s long bar-shaped plan allows for views from each space, maximum day-lighting and natural ventilation. Centered in the bar is the great room, which includes the living, dining, and kitchen spaces. To one side is a large deck and a terrace off the other. The material palette is simple: beams, windows, doors, and cabinets are all Douglas Fir and the floors are all either hardwood or slate. Josh Partee Architectural Photographer

A new range beneath a custom wood hood, set between pale cabinetry and a garden window.
Inspiration for a victorian kitchen remodel in Sacramento

Transitional kitchen photo in Dallas

As written in Northern Home & Cottage by Elizabeth Edwards Sara and Paul Matthews call their head-turning home, located in a sweet neighborhood just up the hill from downtown Petoskey, “a very human story.” Indeed it is. Sara and her husband, Paul, have a special-needs son as well as an energetic middle-school daughter. This home has an answer for everyone. Located down the street from the school, it is ideally situated for their daughter and a self-contained apartment off the great room accommodates all their son’s needs while giving his caretakers privacy—and the family theirs. The Matthews began the building process by taking their thoughts and needs to Stephanie Baldwin and her team at Edgewater Design Group. Beyond the above considerations, they wanted their new home to be low maintenance and to stand out architecturally, “But not so much that anyone would complain that it didn’t work in our neighborhood,” says Sara. “We were thrilled that Edgewater listened to us and were able to give us a unique-looking house that is meeting all our needs.” Lombardy LLC built this handsome home with Paul working alongside the construction crew throughout the project. The low maintenance exterior is a cutting-edge blend of stacked stone, black corrugated steel, black framed windows and Douglas fir soffits—elements that add up to an organic contemporary look. The use of black steel, including interior beams and the staircase system, lend an industrial vibe that is courtesy of the Matthews’ friend Dan Mello of Trimet Industries in Traverse City. The couple first met Dan, a metal fabricator, a number of years ago, right around the time they found out that their then two-year-old son would never be able to walk. After the couple explained to Dan that they couldn’t find a solution for a child who wasn’t big enough for a wheelchair, he designed a comfortable, rolling chair that was just perfect. They still use it. The couple’s gratitude for the chair resulted in a trusting relationship with Dan, so it was natural for them to welcome his talents into their home-building process. A maple floor finished to bring out all of its color-tones envelops the room in warmth. Alder doors and trim and a Doug fir ceiling reflect that warmth. Clearstory windows and floor-to-ceiling window banks fill the space with light—and with views of the spacious grounds that will become a canvas for Paul, a retired landscaper. The couple’s vibrant art pieces play off against modernist furniture and lighting that is due to an inspired collaboration between Sara and interior designer Kelly Paulsen. “She was absolutely instrumental to the project,” Sara says. “I went through two designers before I finally found Kelly.” The open clean-lined kitchen, butler’s pantry outfitted with a beverage center and Miele coffee machine (that allows guests to wait on themselves when Sara is cooking), and an outdoor room that centers around a wood-burning fireplace, all make for easy, fabulous entertaining. A den just off the great room houses the big-screen television and Sara’s loom— making for relaxing evenings of weaving, game watching and togetherness. Tourgoers will leave understanding that this house is everything great design should be. Form following function—and solving very human issues with soul-soothing style.

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Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Substantial stone archways and arched windows lend integrity to this exercise in classicism. White cabinetry adorned with crown molding are anchored by honed black granite. Arched window and glass door cabinets flank the sink. Faucets, hardware, lighting, and leg trim in polished nickel reflect the light.A walk-in pantry and message niche are hidden charms.

The Watermill House is a beautiful example of a classic Hamptons wood shingle style home. The design and renovation would maintain the character of the exterior while transforming the interiors to create an open and airy getaway for a busy and active family. The house comfortably sits within its one acre lot surrounded by tall hedges, old growth trees, and beautiful hydrangeas. The landscape influenced the design approach of the main floor interiors. Walls were removed and the kitchen was relocated to the front of the house to create an open plan for better flow and views to both the front and rear yards. The kitchen was designed to be both practical and beautiful. The u-shape design features modern appliances, white cabinetry and Corian countertops, and is anchored by a beautiful island with a knife-edge marble countertop. The island and the dining room table create a strong axis to the living room at the rear of the house. To further strengthen the connection to the outdoor decks and pool area of the rear yard, a full height sliding glass window system was installed. The clean lines and modern profiles of the window frames create unobstructed views and virtually remove the barrier between the interior and exterior spaces. The open plan allowed a new sitting area to be created between the dining room and stair. A screen, comprised of vertical fins, allows for a degree of openness, while creating enough separation to make the sitting area feel comfortable and nestled in its own area. The stair at the entry of the house was redesigned to match the new elegant and sophisticated spaces connected to it. New treads were installed to articulate and contrast the soft palette of finishes of the floors, walls, and ceilings. The new metal and glass handrail was intended to reduce visual noise and create subtle reflections of light. Photo by Guillaume Gaudet

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Dark wood floor kitchen photo in Austin with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This house is discreetly tucked into its wooded site in the Mad River Valley near the Sugarbush Resort in Vermont. The soaring roof lines complement the slope of the land and open up views though large windows to a meadow planted with native wildflowers. The house was built with natural materials of cedar shingles, fir beams and native stone walls. These materials are complemented with innovative touches including concrete floors, composite exterior wall panels and exposed steel beams. The home is passively heated by the sun, aided by triple pane windows and super-insulated walls. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography