Once a galley kitchen with a garage door at the end of it, MOTIF reconfigured the layout and moved the garage door, removed a wall and opened the kitchen to the adjacent living space, The couple who lives in this cottage-like home has a great place to cook and entertain friends. These very social homeowners can now host parties and entertain their friends and family well with the newly designed layout. A love for cooking inspired the design of the wall above the range. The cabinets were built by hand by the previous owner who was a professional carpenter. In the interest of honoring his life, we kept the boxes and reconfigured the layout while adding some new custom touches that look like they were always there.

Cosmic Black granite is shown in this project! Search the specific granite name, see more granite or other stone options: http://www.stoneaction.com Learn more about granite to see if it’s right for you: Granite countertops can last a lifetime. It contains no harmful chemicals and do not emit harmful radiation or gasses. Granite is heat resistant and is one of the most heat-resistant countertops on the market. You can place a hot pan out of the oven directly onto the countertop surface. Experts do recommend the use of a trivet when using appliances that emit heat for long periods of time, such as crockpots. Since the material is so dense, there is a small possibility heating one area of the top and not the entire thing, could cause the countertop to crack. Granite is scratch resistant. You can cut on it, but it will dull your knives! Granite scores a seven on Moh’s hardness scale. Granite countertops are considered to be a low maintenance countertop surface. The likelihood of needing to be repaired or resurfaced is low. Granite is a porous material. Most fabricators will apply a sealer to granite countertops before they are installed which will protect them from absorbing liquids too quickly. Many sealers last more than 10 years before needing to be reapplied. When they do need to be reapplied, it is something that most homeowners can do on their own as the process is similar to cleaning. Darker granites are very dense and sometimes don’t even require a sealer. When it comes to pricing, there are a lot of variables such as edge profile, total square footage, backsplash, etc. Don’t be fooled by the stereotype that all granite is expensive. Lower-range granites will cost less than high-range laminate. Though granite countertops are not considered “low range” in pricing, there are a lot of affordable options. If you are looking for something truly unique, consider an exotic granite. Some quarries are not easily accessible and/or only able to be quarried for short periods of time throughout the year. If these circumstances exist in a quarry with gorgeous stone, the price will be driven upward You won’t find a lot of solid patterns or bright colors, but both do exist. Also, watch for a large range of color and pattern within the same color of stone. It’s always a good idea to view the exact slab(s) that will be fabricated for your kitchen to make sure they are what you expected to see from the sample. Another factor is that many exotic types of granite have huge flowing waves, and a small sample will not be an accurate representation of the whole slab. Granite countertops are very resistant to chemicals. Acids and bases will not harm the material.

Andrea Calo
Mid-sized 1960s galley brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Austin with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, quartz countertops and orange countertops

The Lullaby Nano is Aquatica’s take on creating a small deep bathtub that is ideal for a small and space conscious designed bathroom, yet still modern. Smaller than the original and the Lullaby Mini, this Lullaby Nano is the smallest version in our Lullaby series at only 51” inches. This model is a chic but small soaking tub that still has an extra deep interior, ideal for a full-body soak, and its ergonomic design is made to provide ultimate comfort. The solid matte surface of the Lullaby’s AquateX™ material is warm and velvety to the touch. Furthermore, this solid surface bathtub boasts excellent heat retention and durability as well as a chrome-plated drain. If you’re short on space but still want a small deep tub, then this Lullaby Nano is the ideal fit.

Island Formica Laminate Countertop installed for Central City Lumber in rural North Dakota (Photos by Alison Sund)
Example of a large cottage l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, laminate countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and white backsplash

8830 Elemental Concrete Formica® Laminate and 8840 Natural Ribbonwood IdealEdge. Order a free sample, now.
Transitional kitchen photo in Cincinnati

jeremy bittermann
Example of a trendy galley concrete floor open concept kitchen design in Portland with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, metallic backsplash, metal backsplash, stainless steel appliances and green countertops

After photo - front loading washer/dryer with continuous counter. "Fresh as soap" look, requested by client. Hanging rod suspended from ceiling.
Large elegant single-wall linoleum floor and multicolored floor dedicated laundry room photo in Portland with laminate countertops, a drop-in sink, white cabinets, shaker cabinets, blue walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Photography: Chris Zimmer Photography
Example of a large classic master white tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and gray floor bathroom design in DC Metro with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, gray walls, an integrated sink, solid surface countertops and a two-piece toilet

Over the course of six weeks we took their home from slightly outdated to stylishly modern. We began our work in the kitchen. Their existing space included oak raised panel cabinets and laminate countertops. We identified two problems right off the bat. First, the kitchen was home to an unfortunately placed island that broke up the room and made for horrible traffic flow. Second, the family was “oaked out,” with obviously dated oak cabinets abounding. The homeowners also requested that their countertops be replaced with a durable and low-maintenance material. To begin, we replaced the island and created a peninsula to open up the kitchen. We upgraded the cabinets with Showplace Wood cherry cabinets in a truffle finish that matched the home’s entertainment center in the adjacent living room. Next, we replaced the family’s door with a Showplace Wood Concord style for a more modern feel. Finally, we swapped the existing laminate counters with Cambria natural quartz countertops in the Canterbury finish for a beautiful, maintenance free work surface. Moving into the laundry room, we installed matching cabinets in this space as well. Last but not least, we installed new Wilsonart HD countertops and a Swanstone sink. With the remodel complete, we checked in with our homeowners and are happy to report pleased customers all around!

Our take on an updated traditional style kitchen with touches of farmhouse to add warmth and texture.
Large transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Raleigh with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, white countertops and recessed-panel cabinets

The kitchen cabinets were built with the house's original ship-lap wall sheathing that we removed from the walls when reconfiguring the space and updating the sheetrock. The main countertops are white Corian solid surface and the island was made from solid beech butcher block.

This midcentury modern bathroom retained the original cabinetry but used fun glass tile accents and a turquoise sink for this kid's bathroom. A very dramatic room and the solid surface counters are special as well.

Clean and fresh white contemporary transitional kitchen dining area stands the test of time. The space features marble backsplash, solid surface white kitchen countertop, white painted shaker style cabinets, custom-made dining chairs with contrast color welt and adjustable solid maple wood table. Blue/gray furniture and trims keep the classic white space in balance.

In this kitchen, Waypoint Maple 650F in Painted Linen with large crown molding was installed. Formica 180x Laminate Calcutta Marble was installed on the countertops. American Concepts Dalton Ridge in Hickkory laminate was installed on the floor.

In this kitchen, Waypoint Maple 650F in Painted Linen with large crown molding was installed. Formica 180x Laminate Calcutta Marble was installed on the countertops. American Concepts Dalton Ridge in Hickkory laminate was installed on the floor.

Clean and bright modern bathroom in a farmhouse in Mill Spring. The white countertops against the natural, warm wood tones makes a relaxing atmosphere. His and hers sinks, towel warmers, floating vanities, storage solutions and simple and sleek drawer pulls and faucets. Curbless shower, white shower tiles with zig zag tile floor. Photography by Todd Crawford.

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

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