Anticipation deco field in Crema and Menta jewel glaze.
Example of a transitional kitchen design in Orange County

Photography: Craig Denis
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern family room remodel in New York with beige walls

Whether entering from the front foyer or the back hall, this kitchen is both functional and beautiful. The clearances are ample for the family traffic flow which doesn't interrupt the cooking prep or cleanup. The island was designed with a right angle to direct the flow into an open dining area, complete with a drink station and wine organizer. A custom oak wood floor blends the stained cherry island with the homeowners furniture in adjoining rooms. White painted cabinets by Custom Cupboards complement the perimeter of this Ohio kitchen renovation.

A wall centered on the stove
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Charles Davis Smith

For this project, the entire kitchen was designed around the “must-have” Lacanche range in the stunning French Blue with brass trim. That was the client’s dream and everything had to be built to complement it. Bilotta senior designer, Randy O’Kane, CKD worked with Paul Benowitz and Dipti Shah of Benowitz Shah Architects to contemporize the kitchen while staying true to the original house which was designed in 1928 by regionally noted architect Franklin P. Hammond. The clients purchased the home over two years ago from the original owner. While the house has a magnificent architectural presence from the street, the basic systems, appointments, and most importantly, the layout and flow were inappropriately suited to contemporary living. The new plan removed an outdated screened porch at the rear which was replaced with the new family room and moved the kitchen from a dark corner in the front of the house to the center. The visual connection from the kitchen through the family room is dramatic and gives direct access to the rear yard and patio. It was important that the island separating the kitchen from the family room have ample space to the left and right to facilitate traffic patterns, and interaction among family members. Hence vertical kitchen elements were placed primarily on existing interior walls. The cabinetry used was Bilotta’s private label, the Bilotta Collection – they selected beautiful, dramatic, yet subdued finishes for the meticulously handcrafted cabinetry. The double islands allow for the busy family to have a space for everything – the island closer to the range has seating and makes a perfect space for doing homework or crafts, or having breakfast or snacks. The second island has ample space for storage and books and acts as a staging area from the kitchen to the dinner table. The kitchen perimeter and both islands are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Paper White. The wall cabinets flanking the sink have wire mesh fronts in a statuary bronze – the insides of these cabinets are painted blue to match the range. The breakfast room cabinetry is Benjamin Moore’s Lampblack with the interiors of the glass cabinets painted in Paper White to match the kitchen. All countertops are Vermont White Quartzite from Eastern Stone. The backsplash is Artistic Tile’s Kyoto White and Kyoto Steel. The fireclay apron-front main sink is from Rohl while the smaller prep sink is from Linkasink. All faucets are from Waterstone in their antique pewter finish. The brass hardware is from Armac Martin and the pendants above the center island are from Circa Lighting. The appliances, aside from the range, are a mix of Sub-Zero, Thermador and Bosch with panels on everything.

Matthew Hammond
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped vinyl floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Cincinnati with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, brown cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

For this Evanston bath design, we used stylish hardware and colors, yet kept the overall look subdued. Project designed by Skokie renovation firm, Chi Renovation & Design - general contractors, kitchen and bath remodelers, and design & build company. They serve the Chicago area and its surrounding suburbs, with an emphasis on the North Side and North Shore. You'll find their work from the Loop through Lincoln Park, Skokie, Evanston, Wilmette, and all the way up to Lake Forest. For more about Chi Renovation & Design, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.chirenovation.com/portfolio/chicago-bath-renovation/

Choosing to abandon uniformity in your kitchen can be a great choice if you're looking to opt out of a monochrome aesthetic. Two-toned kitchen cabinets add visual interest and contrast while drawing focus to different features within the space. Designs utilizing two-toned cabinets have become very popular in recent years and it's not a trend that will be fading out any time soon. Our clients opted for a combination of Earl Grey and Macchiato Classic cabinetry in their two-toned kitchen. The large island with its second faucet, sink, microwave drawer and lower storage is the focal point of the room and a great work surface for food prep and entertaining. A vertical pull out PowerDock was installed into the top of the island for plugging in kitchen tools, phones and laptops. Dolomite Marble subway tile and Brunello quartz countertops brighten up the kitchen and balance out the tone of the cabinets creating a light and airy feel. The addition of contrasting touches such as the Honey Bronze, Flat Black hardware and Champaign Bronze faucets, accessories the room beautifully. The subdued and sophisticated style of this two-toned kitchen is exquisite and shows the various ways that two-tone cabinets can be versatile and appealing. Some of the other areas that were remodeled in this home included the complete overhaul of the existing stair well, a guest bath and laundry area. The guest bath has beautiful vanity cabinets in Celest finish, Monochrome Lotus Deco tile and very reflective Midnight Dots in the shower floor and niche. The combination of all three give a striking white, blue and black design that will inspire and show that you can use pattern and texture in small spaces. A twenty four inch wall mounted shower seat can be lifted and secured when in use and tucked away to allow access out of the shower. A pocket door from the guest bathroom provides a second access point to the hallway with the laundry that has also been revamped with the same style and finish of cabinetry.

The site descends from the street and is privileged with dynamic natural views toward a creek below and beyond. To incorporate the existing landscape into the daily life of the residents, the house steps down to the natural topography. A continuous and jogging retaining wall from outside to inside embeds the structure below natural grade at the front with flush transitions at its rear facade. All indoor spaces open up to a central courtyard which terraces down to the tree canopy, creating a readily visible and occupiable transitional space between man-made and nature. The courtyard scheme is simplified by two wings representing common and private zones - connected by a glass dining “bridge." This transparent volume also visually connects the front yard to the courtyard, clearing for the prospect view, while maintaining a subdued street presence. The staircase acts as a vertical “knuckle,” mediating shifting wing angles while contrasting the predominant horizontality of the house. Crips materiality and detailing, deep roof overhangs, and the one-and-half story wall at the rear further enhance the connection between outdoors and indoors, providing nuanced natural lighting throughout and a meaningful framed procession through the property. Photography Charles Davis Smith

Example of a large beach style l-shaped porcelain tile eat-in kitchen design in Tampa with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, blue backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Designed to be a relative to their “cool, red, carriage house” [which is yet to be built], this building is a contemporary take on a traditional building typology. The design of the project could be considered shy or introverted, as its dark and subdued elevation faces the busy highway, while the bright and tall elevation reaches out to their acres of property. The stepped window heights are designed specifically for the spaces within, while the shed roof and site orientation are primed for future solar panel installation. The VERY pleased owners tell us it has gotten some very interesting feedback. “Lots of people love it and lots of people hate it. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.” Photography by: Devon Pastorius www.devonpastorius.com

The client’s brief was to create a space reminiscent of their beloved downtown Chicago industrial loft, in a rural farm setting, while incorporating their unique collection of vintage and architectural salvage. The result is a custom designed space that blends life on the farm with an industrial sensibility. The new house is located on approximately the same footprint as the original farm house on the property. Barely visible from the road due to the protection of conifer trees and a long driveway, the house sits on the edge of a field with views of the neighbouring 60 acre farm and creek that runs along the length of the property. The main level open living space is conceived as a transparent social hub for viewing the landscape. Large sliding glass doors create strong visual connections with an adjacent barn on one end and a mature black walnut tree on the other. The house is situated to optimize views, while at the same time protecting occupants from blazing summer sun and stiff winter winds. The wall to wall sliding doors on the south side of the main living space provide expansive views to the creek, and allow for breezes to flow throughout. The wrap around aluminum louvered sun shade tempers the sun. The subdued exterior material palette is defined by horizontal wood siding, standing seam metal roofing and large format polished concrete blocks. The interiors were driven by the owners’ desire to have a home that would properly feature their unique vintage collection, and yet have a modern open layout. Polished concrete floors and steel beams on the main level set the industrial tone and are paired with a stainless steel island counter top, backsplash and industrial range hood in the kitchen. An old drinking fountain is built-in to the mudroom millwork, carefully restored bi-parting doors frame the library entrance, and a vibrant antique stained glass panel is set into the foyer wall allowing diffused coloured light to spill into the hallway. Upstairs, refurbished claw foot tubs are situated to view the landscape. The double height library with mezzanine serves as a prominent feature and quiet retreat for the residents. The white oak millwork exquisitely displays the homeowners’ vast collection of books and manuscripts. The material palette is complemented by steel counter tops, stainless steel ladder hardware and matte black metal mezzanine guards. The stairs carry the same language, with white oak open risers and stainless steel woven wire mesh panels set into a matte black steel frame. The overall effect is a truly sublime blend of an industrial modern aesthetic punctuated by personal elements of the owners’ storied life. Photography: James Brittain

Concrete – New ideas for Kitchens. In a minimalist setting, “concrete” always presents a strong presences in the room. In the handle-less CONCRETE-A kitchens from LEICHT , the dark grey furniture with a surface of genuine concrete (brasilia), provide an impressive visual centre. Island unit and cupboard run are offset by white tall units, integrated in the wall. The island unit rises freely into the room between the generous window surfaces, almost floating above the light floor. An asymmetric, almost playful, wall shelf unit loosens the calm arrangement of the handle-less floor units. The 5 mm thick worktop of hot-rolled steel provides an extremely elegant contrast to the concrete surfaces of the kitchen fronts.

Creamy neutrals abound in this Bryn Mawr classic master bath renovation. A clever rearrangement, handsome cabinetry and borrowed space make all the difference in this room. The use of honed marble and cream cabinetry established the luxurious yet casual feel the homeowners were after. Mirrored cabinet fronts add visual interest and a bit of “pop and sparkle” to the subdued palette.

Werner Straube Photography
Trendy family room photo in New York

Our clients sought a welcoming remodel for their new home, balancing family and friends, even their cat companions. Durable materials and a neutral design palette ensure comfort, creating a perfect space for everyday living and entertaining. This luxurious bedroom exudes comfort with its soft, neutral palette. Plush, inviting furnishings beckon relaxation, subtle decor accents enhance the tranquil ambience, and elegant artwork, matching the subdued tones, adds a touch of sophistication to this serene retreat.

This property came with a house which proved ill-matched to our clients’ needs but which nestled neatly amid beautiful live oaks. In choosing to commission a new home, they asked that it also tuck under the limbs of the oaks and maintain a subdued presence to the street. Extraordinary efforts such as cantilevered floors and even bridging over critical root zones allow the design to be truly fitted to the site and to co-exist with the trees, the grandest of which is the focal point of the entry courtyard. Of equal importance to the trees and view was to provide, conversely, for walls to display 35 paintings and numerous books. From form to smallest detail, the house is quiet and subtle.

If you're looking for a more subdued color or design for your kitchen backsplash then perhaps this kitchen can serve as a stunning inspiration. The single colored Subway Tile chosen for this project complements the homeowners Old English inspired trim pieces to create a beautiful and historical look. 4"x8" Subway Tile - 912R Cloudy Sky