Traditional Kitchen Contemporary Kitchen, Portland Maine

The family wanted a kitchen that could work for just them or 20 friends without having to change a thing. Crestin designed it with spacious walkways so people can work at the counter, lean against the cabinetry, chat and snack all at once. The wide space created a big work triangle, but the separate zones prevent people from running into one another. Range, hood: Viking, Mint Julep; interior millwork: Dunn Builders; cabinetry: Dunn Builders, Dagtone Woodworks

Plan a pleasing cabinet and appliance color combination. In this rustic Maine camp kitchen, interior designer Kristina Crestin combined greenish-yellow cabinets and a mint julep range from Viking. The combination is fresh and inspired by the camp’s natural surroundings. Viking, an American manufacturer that brought commercial quality ranges to residential kitchens, offers a wide range of colors in ranges and other appliances. By the way, avocado is making a comeback, but with a fresh name, Wasabi. I can’t wait to see how designers modernize this color.Cabinet paint: La Fonda Olive, Valspar; range, hood: Viking, in Mint JulepSee the rest of this kitchen

Coloring in. Imagine if the cabinetry in this kitchen were white and the stove were stainless steel. This lovely duck-egg-blue stove and range hood serve as a reminder that not all appliances have to be white or stainless steel. Two well-chosen shades can add life and personality to otherwise standard cabinetry and appliances and show that you don’t have to go crazy with color to make a statement.More:Kitchen Charisma: 10 Ways to Give Yours a LiftThink Like a Designer: 5 Steps to a Well-Planned KitchenTell us: What do you think of these kitchens? Do you prefer character-filled kitchens, or do you love the modern white and streamlined look?

We are looking for kitchen perfection: A great material mix, genius ideas and a high-functioning layout. Some examples: Interior designer Kristina Crestin was asked to make a kitchen that would work whether two or 20 people were cooking. She answered the challenge by crafting a space that has separate zones that keep cooks (or would-be cooks) from colliding.

Coordinating ColorsNot a fan of all this material mixing? Then perhaps a hood coordinating with the range is a better choice, such as this range and hood pairing showcasing a soft powder blue finish.