Mike Van Tassell / mikevantassell.com
Example of a classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

This efficient kitchen glows with a warm patina of wood and metal.
Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped kitchen remodel in Boston with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and slate backsplash

A rustic kitchen with the island bar backing to a stone fireplace. There's a fireplace on the other side facing the living area. Karl Neumann Photography

With a sizeable backyard and a love for entertaining, these clients wanted to build a covered outdoor kitchen/bar and seating area. They had one specific area by the side of their pool, with limited space, to build the outdoor kitchen. There were immediate concerns about how to incorporate the two steps in the middle of the patio area; and they really wanted a bar that could seat at least eight people (to include an additional seating area with couches and chairs). This couple also wanted to use their outdoor living space year round. The kitchen needed ample storage and had to be easy to maintain. And last, but not least, they wanted it to look beautiful! This 16 x 26 ft clear span pavilion was a great fit for the area we had to work with. By using wrapped steel columns in the corners in 6-foot piers, carpenter-built trusses, and no ridge beams, we created good space usage underneath the pavilion. The steps were incorporated into the space to make the transition between the kitchen area and seating area, which looked like they were meant to be there. With a little additional flagstone work, we brought the curve of the step to meet the back island, which also created more floor space in the seating area. Two separate islands were created for the outdoor kitchen/bar area, built with galvanized metal studs to allow for more room inside the islands (for appliances and cabinets). We also used backer board and covered the islands with smooth finish stucco. The back island housed the BBQ, a 2-burner cooktop and sink, along with four cabinets, one of which was a pantry style cabinet with pull out shelves (air tight, dust proof and spider proof—also very important to the client). The front island housed the refrigerator, ice maker, and counter top cooler, with another set of pantry style, air tight cabinets. By curving the outside edge of the countertop we maximized the bar area and created seating for eight. In addition, we filled in the curve on the inside of the island with counter top and created two additional seats. In total, there was seating for ten people. Infrared heaters, ceiling fans and shades were added for climate control, so the outdoor living space could be used year round. A TV for sporting events and SONOS for music, were added for entertaining enjoyment. Track lighting, as well as LED tape lights under the backsplash, provided ideal lighting for after dark usage. The clients selected honed, Fantasy Brown Satin Quartzite, with a chipped edge detail for their countertop. This beautiful, linear design marble is very easy to maintain. The base of the islands were completed in stucco and painted satin gray to complement their house color. The posts were painted with Monterey Cliffs, which matched the color of the house shutter trim. The pavilion ceiling consisted of 2 x 6-T & G pine and was stained platinum gray. In the few months since the outdoor living space was built, the clients said they have used it for more than eight parties and can’t wait to use it for the holidays! They also made sure to tell us that the look, feel and maintenance of the area all are perfect!

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley medium tone wood floor, brown floor and vaulted ceiling eat-in kitchen remodel in Vancouver with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Major Transformation in an old Chestnut Hill Home. Stained glass window.
Enclosed kitchen - mid-sized victorian u-shaped travertine floor enclosed kitchen idea in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped porcelain tile and beige floor enclosed kitchen remodel with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and no island

Inspiration for a mid-sized modern l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Toronto with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and two islands

Revived Colonial Inspired Kitchen. Lots of storage room with the lovely cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a large island for cooking delicious meals. Photographed by Chipper Hatter.

Large stainless induction range with a Stanisci Design hood adds a beautiful touch to this kitchen. Photos by Chris Veith
Inspiration for a large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Located on a partially wooded lot in Elburn, Illinois, this home needed an eye-catching interior redo to match the unique period exterior. The residence was originally designed by Bow House, a company that reproduces the look of 300-year old bow roof Cape-Cod style homes. Since typical kitchens in old Cape Cod-style homes tend to run a bit small- or as some would like to say, cozy – this kitchen was in need of plenty of efficient storage to house a modern day family of three. Advance Design Studio, Ltd. was able to evaluate the kitchen’s adjacent spaces and determine that there were several walls that could be relocated to allow for more usable space in the kitchen. The refrigerator was moved to the newly excavated space and incorporated into a handsome dinette, an intimate banquette, and a new coffee bar area. This allowed for more countertop and prep space in the primary area of the kitchen. It now became possible to incorporate a ball and claw foot tub and a larger vanity in the elegant new full bath that was once just an adjacent guest powder room. Reclaimed vintage Chicago brick paver flooring was carefully installed in a herringbone pattern to give the space a truly unique touch and feel. And to top off this revamped redo, a handsome custom green-toned island with a distressed black walnut counter top graces the center of the room, the perfect final touch in this charming little kitchen.

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized country single-wall light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea with an undermount sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Trendy l-shaped kitchen photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

Kitchen - cottage kitchen idea in San Diego

This kitchen was designed for a family that includes three teenagers. So, two dishwashers, lots of storage and surface space, and plenty of room to move were required. Panels on the dishwashers add to the spacious expanse of cabinetry. The blue island immediately draws the eye. The six-burner BlueStar range and grill, pyramid style hood and built-in BlueStar refrigerator reflect the personalities of the homeowners who take their cooking seriously. The antique brass trim on the appliances adds to the “Wow! factor.” Photo: e.broderick Photography

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These homeowners will have no shortage of light. In addition to the natural light that floods this room, we added modern black wall sconces to accent the sink wall and two modern white pendants above the custom island.

Inspiration for a cottage kitchen remodel in Boston

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Denver with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, paneled appliances and no island