My top design goal was to create a functional workshop for cooking that improved the client's lifestyle. The layout was key: especially using separate food prep and clean-up sinks to create individual workstations. The step-in corner pantry is a very efficient use of floor space and maximizes not only storage capacity but also visibility—the client opens one door and can see everything she has on hand at a glance. This is the feature she likes best. The husband is the primary cook and he loves the high-BTU burner Wolf rangetop. It accommodates his 13-inch All-Clad saute pan with ease and makes all his stovetop cooking faster, better, and more fun. Aesthetically, I wanted to create a sophisticated look that would enhance the atmosphere of the living area while defying trendiness. Photo by Lane Barden

chefs kitchen, dura supreme cabinets, montego door style, two-toned kitchen, dark cherry, henna/charcoal glaze on island and maple, sage/coffee glaze finish throughout, built in all fridge all freezer with custom wood panels, Decorative legs and rope molding throughout,custom wood hood, hand painted mural behind range, 48" range and built in wall oven with microwave and warming drawer, granite countertops, pot filler, built in spice racks, bay window

Sutter Photographers 2014 CotY Award - Entire House Under $250,000 -Transom display cabinets over the French Doors provide additional storage and is a great use of extra space. -Unlike the original window seat, the new one has pullout drawers for lots of additional storage space and doubles as a bench seat for the table. -The rustic Walnut finish of the window seat balances the dark wood from the Integrated fridge/freezer and pantries. It also helps with the mixed use of woods and painted cabinets. -Arches from the original time period were incorporated to separate the hall while keeping the floor plan open. -Original baseboards and casings were removed, labeled, and reinstalled where possible.

This 1980’s colonial home in the heart of McLean, VA is home to a busy family of four who had been searching for ideas in Houzz for a long time. The previous kitchen was a dungeon-like maze, small and dark, front dining room was outdated, the powder room and pantry wrapped around a stack of duct pipes. After meeting with our design staff, we came up with plenty of recommendations which they loved. Our expert team set out to, eliminate the powder room from the middle of the kitchen and relocate to far end of a dead space in family room, eliminate closet and stack of second floor ducts, widen doorway to foyer with structural beam, widen window above sink to allow more daylight, relocate the back door to allow more cabinet space to the right of the sink, take down a major cinder block and brick wall separating family room from kitchen, inserting steel beam and steel post opening the entire kitchen to family room and adding floor space to kitchen. We implemented a large Island with dark black contrasting stain in the middle of kitchen space. Island includes a bar, sink, microwave and beverage center built in. Our designers suggested a polished marble backsplash with a chevron pattern behind the stove to make the kitchen stand taller. Clever use of various lighting sources and contrasting cabinet colors off set the unique three-inch thick soapstone island countertop. Complete with large-scale appliances, such as 48-inch steam oven, 48-inch tower fridge/freezer and others, we completely updated this 1980’s kitchen.

Sutter Photographers 2014 CotY Award - Entire House Under $250,000 -We removed the wall separating the kitchen and dining room and used a micro lam for structural support. This made a huge difference in space, lighting, and flow. The kitchen and dining room are now one large space. -A pantry flanks both sides of the integrated Sub-Zero fridge/freezer. The dark rust walnut was selected to ground the space while looking like furniture. -Daylight flows between both spaced thanks to the glass display cabinet above the peninsula. -The peninsula's counter was extended to allow for extra seating or a spot for a quick snack. -We added glass windows above the French Doors for additional storage and lighting.

This 1980’s colonial home in the heart of McLean, VA is home to a busy family of four who had been searching for ideas in Houzz for a long time. The previous kitchen was a dungeon-like maze, small and dark, front dining room was outdated, the powder room and pantry wrapped around a stack of duct pipes. After meeting with our design staff, we came up with plenty of recommendations which they loved. Our expert team set out to, eliminate the powder room from the middle of the kitchen and relocate to far end of a dead space in family room, eliminate closet and stack of second floor ducts, widen doorway to foyer with structural beam, widen window above sink to allow more daylight, relocate the back door to allow more cabinet space to the right of the sink, take down a major cinder block and brick wall separating family room from kitchen, inserting steel beam and steel post opening the entire kitchen to family room and adding floor space to kitchen. We implemented a large Island with dark black contrasting stain in the middle of kitchen space. Island includes a bar, sink, microwave and beverage center built in. Our designers suggested a polished marble backsplash with a chevron pattern behind the stove to make the kitchen stand taller. Clever use of various lighting sources and contrasting cabinet colors off set the unique three-inch thick soapstone island countertop. Complete with large-scale appliances, such as 48-inch steam oven, 48-inch tower fridge/freezer and others, we completely updated this 1980’s kitchen.

This 1980’s colonial home in the heart of McLean, VA is home to a busy family of four who had been searching for ideas in Houzz for a long time. The previous kitchen was a dungeon-like maze, small and dark, front dining room was outdated, the powder room and pantry wrapped around a stack of duct pipes. After meeting with our design staff, we came up with plenty of recommendations which they loved. Our expert team set out to, eliminate the powder room from the middle of the kitchen and relocate to far end of a dead space in family room, eliminate closet and stack of second floor ducts, widen doorway to foyer with structural beam, widen window above sink to allow more daylight, relocate the back door to allow more cabinet space to the right of the sink, take down a major cinder block and brick wall separating family room from kitchen, inserting steel beam and steel post opening the entire kitchen to family room and adding floor space to kitchen. We implemented a large Island with dark black contrasting stain in the middle of kitchen space. Island includes a bar, sink, microwave and beverage center built in. Our designers suggested a polished marble backsplash with a chevron pattern behind the stove to make the kitchen stand taller. Clever use of various lighting sources and contrasting cabinet colors off set the unique three-inch thick soapstone island countertop. Complete with large-scale appliances, such as 48-inch steam oven, 48-inch tower fridge/freezer and others, we completely updated this 1980’s kitchen.

This 1980’s colonial home in the heart of McLean, VA is home to a busy family of four who had been searching for ideas in Houzz for a long time. The previous kitchen was a dungeon-like maze, small and dark, front dining room was outdated, the powder room and pantry wrapped around a stack of duct pipes. After meeting with our design staff, we came up with plenty of recommendations which they loved. Our expert team set out to, eliminate the powder room from the middle of the kitchen and relocate to far end of a dead space in family room, eliminate closet and stack of second floor ducts, widen doorway to foyer with structural beam, widen window above sink to allow more daylight, relocate the back door to allow more cabinet space to the right of the sink, take down a major cinder block and brick wall separating family room from kitchen, inserting steel beam and steel post opening the entire kitchen to family room and adding floor space to kitchen. We implemented a large Island with dark black contrasting stain in the middle of kitchen space. Island includes a bar, sink, microwave and beverage center built in. Our designers suggested a polished marble backsplash with a chevron pattern behind the stove to make the kitchen stand taller. Clever use of various lighting sources and contrasting cabinet colors off set the unique three-inch thick soapstone island countertop. Complete with large-scale appliances, such as 48-inch steam oven, 48-inch tower fridge/freezer and others, we completely updated this 1980’s kitchen.

This 1980’s colonial home in the heart of McLean, VA is home to a busy family of four who had been searching for ideas in Houzz for a long time. The previous kitchen was a dungeon-like maze, small and dark, front dining room was outdated, the powder room and pantry wrapped around a stack of duct pipes. After meeting with our design staff, we came up with plenty of recommendations which they loved. Our expert team set out to, eliminate the powder room from the middle of the kitchen and relocate to far end of a dead space in family room, eliminate closet and stack of second floor ducts, widen doorway to foyer with structural beam, widen window above sink to allow more daylight, relocate the back door to allow more cabinet space to the right of the sink, take down a major cinder block and brick wall separating family room from kitchen, inserting steel beam and steel post opening the entire kitchen to family room and adding floor space to kitchen. We implemented a large Island with dark black contrasting stain in the middle of kitchen space. Island includes a bar, sink, microwave and beverage center built in. Our designers suggested a polished marble backsplash with a chevron pattern behind the stove to make the kitchen stand taller. Clever use of various lighting sources and contrasting cabinet colors off set the unique three-inch thick soapstone island countertop. Complete with large-scale appliances, such as 48-inch steam oven, 48-inch tower fridge/freezer and others, we completely updated this 1980’s kitchen.

This industrial chic open floor plan home in Pasadena's coveted Historic Highlands was given a complete modern farmhouse makeover with shiplap siding, wide planked floors and barn doors. No detail was overlooked by the interior designer home owner. Welcome guests into the vaulted ceiling great room as you gather your friends and family at the 10' farmhouse table after some community cooking in this entertainer's dream kitchen. The 14' island peninsula, individual fridge and freezers, induction cooktop, double ovens, 3 sinks, 2 dishwashers, butler's pantry with yet another sink, and hands free trash receptacle make prep and cleanup a breeze. Stroll down 2 blocks to local shops like Millie's, Be Pilates, and Lark Cake Shop, grabbing a latte from Lavender & Honey. Then walk back to enjoy some apple pie and lemonade from your own fruit trees on your charming 40' porch as you unwind on the porch swing smelling the lavender and rosemary in your newly landscaped yards and waving to the friendly neighbors in this last remaining Norman Rockwell neighborhood. End your day in the polished nickel master bath, relaxing in the wet room with a steam shower and soak in the Jason Microsilk tub. This is modern farmhouse living at its best. Welcome home!

This 1980’s colonial home in the heart of McLean, VA is home to a busy family of four who had been searching for ideas in Houzz for a long time. The previous kitchen was a dungeon-like maze, small and dark, front dining room was outdated, the powder room and pantry wrapped around a stack of duct pipes. After meeting with our design staff, we came up with plenty of recommendations which they loved. Our expert team set out to, eliminate the powder room from the middle of the kitchen and relocate to far end of a dead space in family room, eliminate closet and stack of second floor ducts, widen doorway to foyer with structural beam, widen window above sink to allow more daylight, relocate the back door to allow more cabinet space to the right of the sink, take down a major cinder block and brick wall separating family room from kitchen, inserting steel beam and steel post opening the entire kitchen to family room and adding floor space to kitchen. We implemented a large Island with dark black contrasting stain in the middle of kitchen space. Island includes a bar, sink, microwave and beverage center built in. Our designers suggested a polished marble backsplash with a chevron pattern behind the stove to make the kitchen stand taller. Clever use of various lighting sources and contrasting cabinet colors off set the unique three-inch thick soapstone island countertop. Complete with large-scale appliances, such as 48-inch steam oven, 48-inch tower fridge/freezer and others, we completely updated this 1980’s kitchen.

This 1980’s colonial home in the heart of McLean, VA is home to a busy family of four who had been searching for ideas in Houzz for a long time. The previous kitchen was a dungeon-like maze, small and dark, front dining room was outdated, the powder room and pantry wrapped around a stack of duct pipes. After meeting with our design staff, we came up with plenty of recommendations which they loved. Our expert team set out to, eliminate the powder room from the middle of the kitchen and relocate to far end of a dead space in family room, eliminate closet and stack of second floor ducts, widen doorway to foyer with structural beam, widen window above sink to allow more daylight, relocate the back door to allow more cabinet space to the right of the sink, take down a major cinder block and brick wall separating family room from kitchen, inserting steel beam and steel post opening the entire kitchen to family room and adding floor space to kitchen. We implemented a large Island with dark black contrasting stain in the middle of kitchen space. Island includes a bar, sink, microwave and beverage center built in. Our designers suggested a polished marble backsplash with a chevron pattern behind the stove to make the kitchen stand taller. Clever use of various lighting sources and contrasting cabinet colors off set the unique three-inch thick soapstone island countertop. Complete with large-scale appliances, such as 48-inch steam oven, 48-inch tower fridge/freezer and others, we completely updated this 1980’s kitchen.

What a privilege to work in this beautiful old Watermill! This was a really special project to be involved in and a challenge we loved embarking on. A painted in-frame shaker kitchen complete with solid oak drawer boxes was the ideal style to work with here. We used a pale ‘winter blue’ tone to lift the overall colour scheme, whilst keeping it classic. In order to reflect more light around the space, we used glass splashbacks behind the Aga and sink. Colour matching the glass panels to the walls means they really blend into the design as well as helping to reflect light. The worktops are a multi-tone granite worktop called ‘Aosta’. This particular granite features almost turquoise and plummy colours that work with both the blue furniture, and the flooring. The island is a real multi-purpose space. It provides a food prep area, integrated hob & oven, plus seating area. Designed in this way, it is the real hub of the kitchen. Previously, the kitchen had felt like two separate areas, but the run of storage units incorporating the old fridge-freezer really ties the spaces together seamlessly. Ample storage and elegant storage solutions were key to this design. Several units were tailor made on site. We designed a run of units to conceal the alarm system, consumer unit and even a hostess trolley neatly out of sight. One of our absolutely favourite areas in this kitchen is our bespoke window seat for the bay window. This little perch looks out over the water and doubles up as extra storage. A great little nook to relax into. The final touch in this kitchen is the lighting under the cabinets and bespoke mantle. At night, this creates a particularly lovely ambience against the backdrop of the running water outside.

What a privilege to work in this beautiful old Watermill! This was a really special project to be involved in and a challenge we loved embarking on. A painted in-frame shaker kitchen complete with solid oak drawer boxes was the ideal style to work with here. We used a pale ‘winter blue’ tone to lift the overall colour scheme, whilst keeping it classic. In order to reflect more light around the space, we used glass splashbacks behind the Aga and sink. Colour matching the glass panels to the walls means they really blend into the design as well as helping to reflect light. The worktops are a multi-tone granite worktop called ‘Aosta’. This particular granite features almost turquoise and plummy colours that work with both the blue furniture, and the flooring. The island is a real multi-purpose space. It provides a food prep area, integrated hob & oven, plus seating area. Designed in this way, it is the real hub of the kitchen. Previously, the kitchen had felt like two separate areas, but the run of storage units incorporating the old fridge-freezer really ties the spaces together seamlessly. Ample storage and elegant storage solutions were key to this design. Several units were tailor made on site. We designed a run of units to conceal the alarm system, consumer unit and even a hostess trolley neatly out of sight. One of our absolutely favourite areas in this kitchen is our bespoke window seat for the bay window. This little perch looks out over the water and doubles up as extra storage. A great little nook to relax into. The final touch in this kitchen is the lighting under the cabinets and bespoke mantle. At night, this creates a particularly lovely ambience against the backdrop of the running water outside.

Cabinets removed to create second side of kitchen for ocean views, incorporated area from former dining room and visually extend to the deck. Appliances include a new induction cook-top, sub-zero fridge-freezer drawers in the island, and an under-counter subzero wine cooler. The refrigeration is separated into euro-style 24 Miele cabinets. The Indian-marble waterfall edge island designed with pop-up downdrafts and electrical to preserve sight lines. All appliances are EnergyStar certified.

panel ready fridge and freezer
Kitchen - large contemporary kitchen idea in Vancouver with paneled appliances

Crystal chandeliers, marble countertops, large corbel details, and a bold black and white floor. Oh, and did you notice the pink? This view shows the pot drawers on the fridge side of the kitchen, as well as some of the homeowners other pink appliances!

The family who owned this 1965 home chose a dramatic upgrade for their Coquitlam full home renovation. They wanted more room for gatherings, an open concept kitchen, and upgrades to bathrooms and the rec room. Their neighbour knew of our work, and we were glad to bring our skills to another project in the area. Choosing Dramatic Lines In the original house, the entryway was cramped, with a closet being the first thing everyone saw. We opened the entryway and moved the closet, all while maintaining separation between the entry and the living space. To draw the attention from the entry into the living room, we used a dramatic, flush, black herringbone ceiling detail across the ceiling. This detail goes all the way to the entertainment area on the main floor. The eye arrives at a stunning waterfall edge walnut mantle, modern fireplace. Open Concept Kitchen with Lots of Seating The dividing wall between the kitchen and living areas was removed to create a larger, integrated entertaining space. The kitchen also has easy access to a new outdoor social space. A new large skylight directly over the kitchen floods the space with natural light. The kitchen now has gloss white cabinetry, with matte black accents and the same herringbone detail as the living room, and is tied together with a low maintenance Caesarstone’s white Attica quartz for the island countertop. This over-sized island has barstool seating for five while leaving plenty of room for homework, snacking, socializing, and food prep in the same space. To maximize space and minimize clutter, we integrated the kitchen appliances into the kitchen island, including a food warming drawer, a hidden fridge, and the dishwasher. This takes the eyes to focus off appliances, and onto the design elements which feed throughout the home. We also installed a beverage center just beside the kitchen so family and guests can fix themselves a drink, without disrupting the flow of the kitchen. Updated Downstairs Space, Updated Guest Room, Updated Bathrooms It was a treat to update this entire house. Upstairs, we renovated the master bedroom with new blackout drapery, new decor, and a warm light grey paint colour. The tight bathroom was transformed with modern fixtures and gorgeous grey tile the homeowners loved. The two teen girls’ rooms were updated with new lighting and furniture that tied in with the whole home decor, but which also reflected their personal taste. In the basement, we updated the rec room with a bright modern look and updated fireplace. We added a needed door to the garage. We upgraded the bathrooms and created a legal second suite which the young adult daughter will use, for now. Laundry Its Own Room, Finally In a family with four women, you can imagine how much laundry gets done in this house. As part of the renovation, we built a proper laundry room with plenty of storage space, countertops, and a large sink.

The gourmet kitchen pulls out all stops – luxury functions of pull-out tray storage, magic corners, hidden touch-latches, and high-end appliances; steam-oven, wall-oven, warming drawer, espresso/coffee, wine fridge, ice-machine, trash-compactor, and convertible-freezers – to create a home chef’s dream. Cook and prep space is extended thru windows from the kitchen to an outdoor work space and built in barbecue. photography: Paul Grdina