Arched valances above the window and on the island bookshelf, along with the curved custom metal hood above the stainless steel range, contrast nicely with the overall linear design of the space. The leaded glass cabinet doors not only create a spot to display the homeowner’s favorite glassware, but visually it helps prevent the white cabinets from being overbearing. By installing recessed can lights uniformly throughout the space instead of decorative pendants above the island, the kitchen appears more open and spacious.

Easton, Maryland Traditional Kitchen Design by #JenniferGilmer with a lake view http://gilmerkitchens.com/ Photography by Bob Narod

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNER. 2018 NKBA Design Competition Best Overall Kitchen. 2018 TIDA International USA Kitchen of the Year. 2018 Best Traditional Kitchen - Westchester Home Magazine design awards. The designer's own kitchen was gutted and renovated in 2017, with a focus on classic materials and thoughtful storage. The 1920s craftsman home has been in the family since 1940, and every effort was made to keep finishes and details true to the original construction. For sources, please see the website at www.studiodearborn.com. Photography, Adam Kane Macchia and Timothy Lenz

Island color was custom. Countertops are Princess White Quartzite. Light fixtures over island are from Rejuvenation (exact type has been discontinued) Photos by Holly Lepere

  Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Our clients and their three teenage kids had outgrown the footprint of their existing home and felt they needed some space to spread out. They came in with a couple of sets of drawings from different architects that were not quite what they were looking for, so we set out to really listen and try to provide a design that would meet their objectives given what the space could offer. We started by agreeing that a bump out was the best way to go and then decided on the size and the floor plan locations of the mudroom, powder room and butler pantry which were all part of the project. We also planned for an eat-in banquette that is neatly tucked into the corner and surrounded by windows providing a lovely spot for daily meals. The kitchen itself is L-shaped with the refrigerator and range along one wall, and the new sink along the exterior wall with a large window overlooking the backyard. A large island, with seating for five, houses a prep sink and microwave. A new opening space between the kitchen and dining room includes a butler pantry/bar in one section and a large kitchen pantry in the other. Through the door to the left of the main sink is access to the new mudroom and powder room and existing attached garage. White inset cabinets, quartzite countertops, subway tile and nickel accents provide a traditional feel. The gray island is a needed contrast to the dark wood flooring. Last but not least, professional appliances provide the tools of the trade needed to make this one hardworking kitchen. 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

Family members enter this kitchen from the mud room where they are right at home in this friendly space. The Kitchens central banquette island seats six on cozy upholstered benches with another two diners at the ends. There is table seating for EIGHT plus the back side boasts raised seating for four more on swiveling bar stools. The show-stopping coffered ceiling was custom designed and features beaded paneling, recessed can lighting and dramatic crown molding. The counters are made of Labradorite which is often associated with jewels. It's iridescent sparkle adds glamour without being too loud. The wood paneled backsplash allows the cabinetry to blend in. There is glazed subway tile behind the range. This lovely home features an open concept space with the kitchen at the heart. Built in the late 1990's the prior kitchen was cherry, but dark, and the new family needed a fresh update. 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. Additional contributions from the homeowners and Belisle Granite. John C. Hession Photographer

The kitchen, breakfast room and family room are all open to one another. The kitchen has a large twelve foot island topped with Calacatta marble and features a roll-out kneading table, and room to seat the whole family. The sunlight breakfast room opens onto the patio which has a built-in barbeque, and both bar top seating and a built in bench for outdoor dining. The large family room features a cozy fireplace, TV media, and a large built-in bookcase. The adjoining craft room is separated by a set of pocket french doors; where the kids can be visible from the family room as they do their homework.

Embark on a culinary crave with this classic gray and white family kitchen. We chose a warm neutral color for the cabinetry and enhanced this warmth with champagne gold cabinet hardware. These warm gray cabinets can be found at your neighborhood Lowes while the champagne hardware are designed by Atlas. Add another accent of shine to your kitchen and check out the mother of pearl diamond mosaic tile backsplash by Jeffrey Court, as seen here. Adding this hint of sparkle to your small space will allow your kitchen to stay bright and chic. Don't be afraid to mix metals or color. This island houses the glass cook top with a stainless steel hood above the island, and we added a matte black as our finish for the Edison lighting as well as black bar stool seating to tie it all together. The Taj Mahal white Quartzite counter tops are a beauty. The contrast in color creates dimension to your small kitchen layout and will continually catch your eye. Designed by Dani Perkins @ DANIELLE Interior Design & Decor Taylor Abeel Photography

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

Cooking for Two Location: Plymouth, MN, United States When this couple’s last child graduated from college they began the process of looking for a new home. After a lengthy search they decided to stay with the neighborhood they loved, saving money by remodeling rather than starting over. The top priorities on their wish list were adding character to their 1990’s era home with a classic white kitchen and a larger island while keeping within the existing footprint. With the intention of honing their cooking skills, they were also considering better appliances and two ovens. Challenges and Solutions Design a larger island with seating for at least two. The existing island was small and the area behind the seating was less than recommended clearances. To solve this challenge, the seating area of the island was extended out into the open area of the kitchen. This created a larger island with seating for three, extra storage and a bookshelf across from the range. The original kitchen had a range with microwave above, so adding another oven was a challenge with limited wall space. Because the adjoining dining room is used infrequently, the homeowner was open to placing the second oven and microwave in the walkway. This made room for the small buffet between the built in refrigerator and ovens, creating one of her favorite areas. The client requested a white painted kitchen but wanted to make sure it had warmth and character. To achieve this the following elements were chosen: 1) Cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Capitol White, a luminous and warm shade of white. 2) The Range hood was painted with warm metallic shades to reflect the bronze of the Ashley Norton hardware. 3) Black Aqua Grantique granite was chosen for countertops because it looks like soapstone and adds contrast. 4) Walker Zanger Café tile in Latte was chosen for it’s handmade look with uneven edges. 5) The to-the-counter-cabinet with glass door shows off serving dishes and lends sophisticated charm. The result is a welcoming classic kitchen, where this couple enjoys cooking more often and sharpening their skills with gourmet appliances. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg Photography

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | L. Cramer Builders + Remodelers, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Peter Rymwid This beautiful kitchen is the heart of this new construction home. Black accents in the range and custom pantry provide a dramatic touch.Seeded glass cabinet doors repeat the texture of the lantern light fixtures over the island which can seat 4

When designing this beautiful kitchen, we knew that our client’s favorite color was blue. Upon entering the home, it was easy to see that great care had been taken to incorporate the color blue throughout. So, when our Designer Sherry knew that our client wanted an island, she jumped at the opportunity to add a pop of color to their kitchen. Having a kitchen island can be a great opportunity to showcase an accent color that you love or serve as a way to showcase your style and personality. Our client chose a bold saturated blue which draws the eye into the kitchen. Shadow Storm Marble countertops, 3x6 Bianco Polished Marble backsplash and Waypoint Painted Linen floor to ceiling cabinets brighten up the space and add contrast. Arabescato Carrara Herringbone Marble was used to add a design element above the range. The major renovations performed on this kitchen included: A peninsula work top and a small island in the middle of the room for the range was removed. A set of double ovens were also removed in order for the range to be moved against the wall to allow the middle of the kitchen to open up for the installment of the large island. Placing the island parallel to the sink, opened up the kitchen to the family room and made it more inviting.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This client was referred to us from a past client. They are a busy 2-career household with young children and enjoy entertaining friends and family in their home. They have a beautiful open concept home but unfortunately the kitchen was not fitting for the rest of the home. They were not quite sure what to do with the space. We talked about trying to refresh it or do more of a minor remodel, but in the end they decided a full gut would get them to where they wanted to be. One problem was there was no place for guests to hang out other than the large and awkward banquette area. The brick wall and tiled hood area were feeling a bit dated and tired. The space was just not functional for their lifestyle. There was no prep space near the cooktop and no landing area for items coming out of the ovens or refrigerator, plus a big dead zone in the center of the room. Banquettes, like the one they previously had in the space, are great for small spaces, but when they get really large like this one, it makes getting in and out of the seating area awkward and uncomfortable. Plus, there was room for a large table, so we eliminated the awkward built in. We started by removing the faux brick wall between the kitchen and back entry. We relocated the entry to the garage over a couple feet in order to get every last inch out of the new kitchen. We also made the decision to close up the primary window that faced the pretty ho hum brick wall of the neighbor’s house. There was plenty of light coming in from the seating area, so we just didn’t feel the window was adding much to the room. Construction went smoothy. There was a bit of rework with electrical, flooring and HVAC, but in the end, we think it was well worth it. The clients really wanted a sleek contemporary look, and we originally had planned for a full height slab backsplash, but due to it’s size, it was a budget buster. Instead, we got creative and settled on large format porcelain tiles that have a similar feel but were a fraction of the cost. We made sure the wall was plumb and level so that the fit and finish would mimic that of slab material. The final space was quite a change. A large prep sink sits directly across from the new pro-style range with plenty additional prep space on the large island. The refrigerator and ovens now have miles of landing space, and a nice tight work triangle makes cooking a breeze. Since we wanted a more contemporary feel, not many wall cabinets were included. Instead, we outfitted some of the drawers for dish storage with a peg system. Two large pantries flanking the refrigerator hold baking supplies and small appliances. Large drawers by the cooktop hold pots and pans, and an appliance garage tucked away to the left of the range hides away miscellaneous items. The large island also houses a microwave drawer and tons of storage, most of which is drawers offering maximum convenience. The island now seats 5-6 people comfortably along with the new table in the seating area which can seat up to 8. Entertaining will be a breeze in this space. With such a clean backdrop, we knew we would need some drama with the lighting, so we chose two sets of staggered pendants, which we adjusted for the right visual balance above the island. We also included a small coffee station to the right of the main kitchen, which helps keep the coffee clutter out of the kitchen proper. Two tones of complimentary gray are featured in this kitchen. The perimeter is a light gray that reads almost white. The island is a gray stain that adds some depth and interest with the visible wood texture. The countertops are clean white quartz, and the hardware, barstools and light fixtures add warm brass tones. I see lots of cooking and entertaining with family and friends in the near future in this bright and airy new space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

These homeowners relocated to Indianapolis and wanted a traditional home in the Meridian Hills area that offered family living space off the kitchen. “It’s what we were used to, but we had trouble finding exactly what we were looking for.” They spent a lot of time thinking about the possibilities of a remodel. They had space both within and outside the house that were under-utilized and decided to embark on a significant renovation project. We endeavored to completely rework the current floor plan in hopes of addressing all their needs and wants. Plans included relocating the kitchen, moving the exterior walls by a couple of feet, raising the ceiling, and moving the office. The results of these changes were dramatic. Additionally the family now enjoys a larger and updated entrance with storage and closets that is perfect for their two active daughters and two often muddy labs, a beautiful kitchen with improved functionality that is filled with tons of natural light, as well as a cozy hearth room, ideal for relaxing together as a family. The once neglected screened porch is now a unique and inviting office with workspace for everyone. Once these improvements were made the view to the back of the house was now apparent, the couple decided to enhance their outdoor living space as well. We added a new patio, a custom pergola, water feature and a fire pit. “Now it’s a private spot to relax and connect with the outdoors. It really highlights the style of the house and we love it,” says the homeowner.

Jim Bartsch
Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped light wood floor kitchen remodel in Santa Barbara with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and black countertops

Large kitchen island comfortably seats a family of five with large wood counter schools. Gone are the days of the dropped kitchen ceiling. This vaulted ceiling with recessed lighting extends into the great room. The kitchen island has four large pendant globe lights for task lighting and for a great place to do homework.

A new kitchen island updates this entire kitchen. Island Cabinetry by Plato Woodwork Inc. , countertop is Cambria from Absolute Marble and Granite in Color: Ella, The new island increased the island seating and storage for this kitchen and introduces a contrasting finish for the cabinetry that adds additional interest along with convenient storage.

Designed by Kasey Blake of Reico Kitchen & Bath in Salem, VA in collaboration with Jeff Jennings of L.F. Jennings Inc., this small transitional style kitchen with an open feel features Ultracraft Cabinetry in two door styles and finishes. The perimeter kitchen cabinets are the Kitty Hawk door style in Argent Oak with a Textured Melamine finish, complemented by island cabinets featuring the Shaker door style in the Balboa Mist finish. Kitchen countertops are marble in the color Ocean Storm and the tile backsplash is NY2LA 3-3/4"x12" Brentwood Beige. For Kasey, it was exciting working with the clients to help their vision come to life. “We combined the kitchen and dining room to make a spacious kitchen that functions much better for them and has significantly more countertop space.” “My favorite thing about the kitchen is that it has opened up!” said the client. “Working with Kasey was awesome. I had a good idea of what I wanted and some sales reps kept trying to push their idea on me. Kasey actually listened and implemented my instructions the way I intended!” Photos courtesy of Sowder Group LLC.