The client requested a kitchen that would not only provide a great space to cook and enjoy family meals but one that would fit in with her unique design sense. An avid collector of contemporary art, she wanted something unexpected in her 100-year-old home in both color and finishes but still providing a great layout with improved lighting, storage, and superior cooking abilities. The existing kitchen was in a closed off space trapped between the family room and the living. If you were in the kitchen, you were isolated from the rest of the house. Making the kitchen an integrated part of the home was a paramount request. Step one, remove the wall separating the kitchen from the other rooms in the home which allowed the new kitchen to become an integrated space instead of an isolation room for the cook. Next, we relocated the pantry access which was in the family room to the kitchen integrating a poorly used recess which had become a catch all area which did not provide any usable space for storage or working area. To add valuable function in the kitchen we began by capturing unused "cubbies", adding a walk-in pantry from the kitchen, increasing the storage lost to un-needed drop ceilings and bring light and design to the space with a new large awning window, improved lighting, and combining interesting finishes and colors to reflect the artistic attitude of the client. A bathroom located above the kitchen had been leaking into the plaster ceiling for several years. That along with knob and tube wiring, rotted beams and a brick wall from the back of the fireplace in the adjacent living room all needed to be brought to code. The walls, ceiling and floors in this 100+ year old home were completely out of level and the room’s foot print could not be increased. The choice of a Sub-Zero wolf product is a standard in my kitchen designs. The quality of the product, its manufacturing and commitment to food preservation is the reason I specify Sub Zero Wolf. For the cook top, the integrated line of the contemporary cooktop and the signature red knobs against the navy blue of the cabinets added to the design vibe of the kitchen. The cooking performance and the large continuous grate on the cooktop makes it an obvious choice for a cook looking for a great cook top with professional results in a more streamlined profile. We selected a Sharp microwave drawer for the island, an XO wine refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher and Kitchen Aid double convection wall ovens to round out the appliance package. A recess created by the fireplace was outfitted with a cabinet which now holds small appliances within easy reach of my very petite client. Natural maple accents were used inside all the wall cabinets and repeated on the front of the hood and for the sliding door appliance cabinet and the floating shelves. This allows a brighter interior for the painted cabinets instead of the traditional same interior as exterior finish choice. The was an amazing transformation from the old to the new. The final touches are the honey bronze hardware from Top Knobs, Mitzi pendants from Hudson Valley Lighting group, a fabulous faucet from Brizo. To eliminate the old freestanding bottled water cooler, we specified a matching water filter faucet.

Mid-sized transitional dark wood floor eat-in kitchen photo in Orlando with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, an island, marble countertops and stainless steel appliances

Arnona Oren
Open concept kitchen - small contemporary l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen idea in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Maximizing storage without compromising the kitchen's timeless aesthetic required meticulous space planning and custom cabinetry design. Every inch was carefully optimized to increase functionality while maintaining the proportions and character of this luxury historic kitchen. A narrow space between the refrigerator and the wall ovens was transformed into full-height pull-out pantry cabinets, converting what could have been wasted space into highly efficient storage. These custom pull-out pantries provide exceptional organization and effortless access to pantry staples, spices, baking supplies, and small kitchen essentials, keeping everything within easy reach while preserving clean, uncluttered countertops. By extending the cabinetry to the ceiling, the design also enhances the room's architectural presence and reinforces the bespoke, furniture-quality craftsmanship throughout the kitchen. This thoughtful storage solution demonstrates how intelligent space planning and custom millwork can dramatically improve the functionality of a luxury kitchen while remaining true to the home's historic character.

Example of a classic dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Claw-foot bathtub - mid-sized eclectic porcelain tile and black and white tile porcelain tile claw-foot bathtub idea in DC Metro with a wall-mount sink, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet and gray walls

David Berlekamp
Example of a transitional dark wood floor living room design in Cleveland with a ribbon fireplace

Susan Fisher Photography
Patio - contemporary patio idea in London with a bbq area

Example of a mid-sized transitional light wood floor kitchen/dining room combo design in Grand Rapids with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Wine Cellar Photos:Rebecca Zurstadt-Peterson Wine Rack: Stellar Cellars
Wine cellar - large traditional slate floor wine cellar idea in Portland with beige walls and diamond bins

Large Kitchen Island Has Open and Concealed Storage. The large island in this loft kitchen isn't only a place to eat, it offers valuable storage space. By removing doors and adding millwork, the island now has a mix of open and concealed storage. The island's black and white color scheme is nicely contrasted by the copper pendant lights above and the teal front door.

CHAD CHENIER PHOTOGRAHPY
Inspiration for a timeless women's painted wood floor walk-in closet remodel in New Orleans with open cabinets, white cabinets and white walls

Hideaway, Le Marche - San Marino, Italy A historical Hideaway. Image courtesy on the realtor, Leo Trippi. A well-hidden place where the spirit finds its peace, nested between the Romagna, the Marches and Tuscany. Entering the gate, one leaves behind the pace of chaotic lives, and abandons itself to the joy of living of this ancient land. It is meant to be understood as a site of experience, where nature, culture, history and pleasure are elevated to the centre of things in order to finally rediscover it in oneself. A sort of “back to the simplicity”, aiming to dedicate oneself to observation and drawing from it valuable experiences for one’s life. Each of the three houses presents itself as an unexpected world in its own right, closed in on itself and yet a harmonious part of the whole, waiting to be enlivened by lively laughter, animated conversation and playfulness. This territory is a paradise for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. The sheer variety of places and landscapes enables visitors to take excursions on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. History and architecture enthusiasts can follow an itinerary of strongholds and castles dotted around the area. Lovers of gourmet food will discover a full range of traditional dishes and quality local produce all year round. The rich variety of museums enables exploration into the rural arts, medieval architecture, archaeological finds and contemporary art.

Example of a trendy white three-story flat roof design in San Francisco

John Evans
Example of a huge classic dark wood floor home design design in Columbus with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, an island and stainless steel appliances