Kelly Keul Duer and Merima Hopkins
Inspiration for a timeless kitchen remodel in DC Metro with black cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Many times, a kitchen does not need a complete gut, rather more of a cosmetic redo. Which is exactly what we’ve done here! This particular kitchen already had great bones and beautiful sky blue cabinetry, it just needed some finishing touches to get that make-over look. To learn more, continue reading below! Countertops With cabinetry already having a fresh sky blue color, we didn’t have to touch the cabinets. However, by lowering the pony wall, and dropping it to cabinet-height, really helped to open up the kitchen. The original countertops were a dark and outdated tile application that needed a redo. So out with the old and in with the new 3 cm Cambria Quartz in Ella. The brightness of the new countertops was a much-needed cosmetic change for this kitchen space to liven up! Backsplash The original backsplash was an outdated light-brown 4×4″ square installed in a mixture of straight and diamond lay. The new backsplash was a Daltile Artigiano 3×6 glazed ceramic wall tile in Italian Alps. This tile has a hand-painted look with irregular edges, giving it a hand-made look. Fixtures and Fittings To complete this kitchen, a new sink, faucet, and hardware is a must! From Blanco, we have a Diamond super single bowl in a granite composite sink in the color Truffle (441765), and Meridian semi-professional faucet in Satin Nickel (440557). Lastly, the new hardware on the cabinetry are Amerock Blackrock pulls in Satin Nickel (BP55276-G10).

Generously sized to serve as a spacious desk, our Everyday Rustic Wood Desk can be customized to meet your office needs. The sturdy legs and simple lines of our Everyday Rustic Custom Wood Desk give it a classic look that will complement many styles in your home or office. Three styles available: Basic Desk: Made out of solid wood, the basic wood desk measures 48" L x 28" D x 30"H. Two shallow drawers and one deep drawer are mounted with ball-bearing drawer slides and can be positioned on either side (please specify in notes section at checkout). Hardware is finished in an antique bronze finish. Desk with Hutch: Made out of solid wood, the additional hutch rests right on top of basic desk (see details above) and measures 45" L x 12" D x 8" H. Hutch has two small drawers that can be totally removed, if desired (no drawer slides). Hutch is not permanently attached so that it can be removed with no holes showing. Hardware is finished in an antique bronze finish. Desk with Side Table (no hutch): Made out of solid wood, the additional side table sits next to the desk (see details above) and measures 72" L x 16" D x 30" H. Complete Desk System: Made of solid wood, the complete desk system includes the desk, hutch, and side table. The desk shown is finished in our kona stain. Last picture shows drawers mounted on left side and finished in American walnut. Other paint, stain colors, and distress options are available. Once finished in your choice of color, three finish coats will be applied for protection. If you would like a desk that would be a different size, style, or a different stain color or painted, please let me know and I'm sure I can build it for you! **Please note that this item is artisan crafted with meticulous care. Each item is unique and no two are exactly alike. The finish you may receive won't be the exact reproduction of what you see in the pictures, due to variations in each board used. Further, by their nature, wood planks may be somewhat uneven, and may cup or bow slightly over time, further enhancing their rustic one-of-a-kind character; cracks, dents, scratches, etc may be present. Given its handmade and hand-finished nature, variations in the wood are to be expected and celebrated. Proudly made in the USA! Thanks for checking out Penn Rustics! Copyright © Penn Rustics

Generously sized to serve as a spacious desk, our Everyday Rustic Wood Desk can be customized to meet your office needs. The sturdy legs and simple lines of our Everyday Rustic Custom Wood Desk give it a classic look that will complement many styles in your home or office. Three styles available: Basic Desk: Made out of solid wood, the basic wood desk measures 48" L x 28" D x 30"H. Two shallow drawers and one deep drawer are mounted with ball-bearing drawer slides and can be positioned on either side (please specify in notes section at checkout). Hardware is finished in an antique bronze finish. Desk with Hutch: Made out of solid wood, the additional hutch rests right on top of basic desk (see details above) and measures 45" L x 12" D x 8" H. Hutch has two small drawers that can be totally removed, if desired (no drawer slides). Hutch is not permanently attached so that it can be removed with no holes showing. Hardware is finished in an antique bronze finish. Desk with Side Table (no hutch): Made out of solid wood, the additional side table sits next to the desk (see details above) and measures 72" L x 16" D x 30" H. Complete Desk System: Made of solid wood, the complete desk system includes the desk, hutch, and side table. The desk shown is finished in our kona stain. Last picture shows drawers mounted on left side and finished in American walnut. Other paint, stain colors, and distress options are available. Once finished in your choice of color, three finish coats will be applied for protection. If you would like a desk that would be a different size, style, or a different stain color or painted, please let me know and I'm sure I can build it for you! **Please note that this item is artisan crafted with meticulous care. Each item is unique and no two are exactly alike. The finish you may receive won't be the exact reproduction of what you see in the pictures, due to variations in each board used. Further, by their nature, wood planks may be somewhat uneven, and may cup or bow slightly over time, further enhancing their rustic one-of-a-kind character; cracks, dents, scratches, etc may be present. Given its handmade and hand-finished nature, variations in the wood are to be expected and celebrated. Proudly made in the USA! Thanks for checking out Penn Rustics! Copyright © Penn Rustics

Contrast in the Kitchen – Texture to Taste in a Grand Junction, CO custom home We normally associate texture with food, clothes, and even sound. In reality, it is a part of every aspect of our lives. In our Grand Junction, Appleton, Fruita, Palisade, and Redlands, Colorado homes, texture lives on everything from our walls to washcloths. It isn’t something we normally consider holistically or view with intent. While designing interiors, texture becomes our way to bring visual interest and emotion into the space. Adding textures to a space invites touch and evokes an understanding of the design intent. Materials like linen and wood can be combined to make a space feel streamlined yet cozy. Leather and velvet can be paired to create a luxurious retreat. In one of our recent projects, our clients had a distinct vision for their new kitchen and outdoor custom home living spaces. They were in need of a design that combined their kitchen, living, and outdoor spaces into a seamless oasis for their everyday routines. Their home has a unique architectural voice and they wanted to emphasize the character that was already there. Blending textures and colors throughout this project was how everything remained cohesive and spirited. The purpose of contrasting materials We used contrasting materials in the cabinetry to distinguish between the perimeter – high gloss – and the natural gathering space – maple. By contrasting the soft nature of maple in the cabinets and in the flooring with the harder textures of concrete and steel, we were able to offset the space’s tendency to feel like an alpine cabin. However, using contrasting textures does not always provide a dynamic interior. The high-gloss cabinets function as a vessel for various textures. They take on whatever happens to be reflected in them, bringing in elements from unexpected sources. The function of texture Along with rich black hardware, the unique backsplash adds an element of handcrafted care that naturally draws your eye throughout the space. The unevenness of each tile provides the space with intentional imperfections, giving it life and visual delight. Textures like these are great conversation starters or simply eye candy. To extend their living and dining spaces to the exterior, our clients also updated the numerous decks around the home, as well as the cladding. This gave us the opportunity to develop a texture and color story for their exteriors. Considering finishes in a location as distinctive as the Western Slope can either be viewed as a challenge or an opportunity. We have the desert, evergreen groves, riversides, and snowstorms to glean inspiration from while designing. For us, utilizing palettes that compliment the home’s natural surroundings is crucial. This home happens to live on a densely wooded plot of land with mature trees providing plenty of shade. This backdrop informed our color selections, while the existing architecture drove the material selections. The wood decking adds warmth, the horizontal cream siding brightens, the gray cedar leaves a part of the original architectural intent, and the green entry wall adds drama. The existing beams were left original because it is difficult to find materials that match the grandeur of the home. Recognizing good design Next time you walk into a well-designed custom home and immediately feel at ease, take some time to notice why you may be feeling that way. The subtlety of blending textures and colors can have a profound impact on how a space is perceived. You can see some of our other design projects here.

Many times, a kitchen does not need a complete gut, rather more of a cosmetic redo. Which is exactly what we’ve done here! This particular kitchen already had great bones and beautiful sky blue cabinetry, it just needed some finishing touches to get that make-over look. To learn more, continue reading below! Countertops With cabinetry already having a fresh sky blue color, we didn’t have to touch the cabinets. However, by lowering the pony wall, and dropping it to cabinet-height, really helped to open up the kitchen. The original countertops were a dark and outdated tile application that needed a redo. So out with the old and in with the new 3 cm Cambria Quartz in Ella. The brightness of the new countertops was a much-needed cosmetic change for this kitchen space to liven up! Backsplash The original backsplash was an outdated light-brown 4×4″ square installed in a mixture of straight and diamond lay. The new backsplash was a Daltile Artigiano 3×6 glazed ceramic wall tile in Italian Alps. This tile has a hand-painted look with irregular edges, giving it a hand-made look. Fixtures and Fittings To complete this kitchen, a new sink, faucet, and hardware is a must! From Blanco, we have a Diamond super single bowl in a granite composite sink in the color Truffle (441765), and Meridian semi-professional faucet in Satin Nickel (440557). Lastly, the new hardware on the cabinetry are Amerock Blackrock pulls in Satin Nickel (BP55276-G10).

This was and old farmhouse that we remodeled. The cabinet wood and stain color was matched to the existing original molding found throughout the house. The ceilings were pretty uneven so we did a stacked crown molding so that the difference wouldn't be as noticeable.

Photography: Jasmin Latona
Kitchen - mid-sized galley medium tone wood floor kitchen idea in Hobart with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, wood countertops and an island

Example of a large beach style l-shaped vinyl floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen design in Vancouver with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Designer: Kevin Worman, Superior Cabinets Saskatoon Finish: Melamine Silva Door style: Hamilton Door Hardware: H-814-128-143 Drawer Hardware: H-814-128-143 Countertop: Formica Laminate FX180 “CALACATTA MARBLE” #3460-46

Two Properties. Lora Bay near Thornbury and Cobble Beach near Owen Sound, Ontario captured by Chris Gardiner Photography, Collingwood real estate, interior, and architecture photography for Reids Heritage Homes of Ontario

Example of a mid-sized cottage l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen design in Vancouver with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Traditional elements were added with white subway tile back-splash, knotty pine floors to match existing and an apron front style sink. Urban elements were introduced with industrial chrome faucet, butcher block counter-tops, built-in open shelving, butcher block wall hung shelving with cast iron supports & shaker style cabinetry to finally connect the two styles. More natural light was added when we decided to replace the existing window with a larger size allowing the homeowners to have more plants & herbs in their kitchen.

Kitchen - large transitional galley dark wood floor kitchen idea in Toronto with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, quartz countertops, beige backsplash, stone tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Example of a small minimalist single-wall light wood floor open concept kitchen design in Vancouver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Will Scott Photography
Dining room - contemporary light wood floor and beige floor dining room idea in London

Kon-Strux explained that their clients wanted a total refresh on what was a dated, unevenly lit, and cluttered kitchen space. They noted that the family loves New York and the robust feeling of infrastructural history in older American cities, and therefore wanted to bring this into their home design. Kon-Strux noted that they started with an incredible large structural steel beam which grounds the main floor and acts as an upper gateway to the kitchen. They paired Edison bulbs with inset LED lighting to create layers of light in various temperatures. Everything about this kitchen is now "WOW".

A close-up view of handcrafted subway tiles reveals their uneven texture and glossy finish, adding depth and character to the kitchen backsplash. The soft neutral tone complements both traditional and modern design elements in the surrounding space.

Solid color stain covered the uneven finish, leaving a beautiful finish.