Rear extension to create a large kitchen dining living space with sliding doors to terrace
Photo of a mid-sized eclectic single-wall open plan kitchen in Kent with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Inspiration for a mid-sized country galley open plan kitchen in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Toronto with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, white appliances, porcelain floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

The angle of the kitchen shows off the center island, more of the beautifully crafted cabinets, and the low hanging lights!
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped kitchen pantry in Atlanta with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, blue cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, slate floors, with island, white floor and white benchtop.

A rounded corner with open storage softened the end of the kitchen and allowed for an easier passage into the living room.
This is an example of a small galley eat-in kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, orange splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, no island and white benchtop.

Transitional u-shaped kitchen in Portland with shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, porcelain splashback, light hardwood floors and a peninsula.

In this Tschida Construction project we did not one, but TWO two-story additions. The other phase was the butler's pantry, laundry room, mudroom, and massive storage closet. This second addition off of the previous kitchen double the kitchen's footprint, added an extremely large dining area, and a new deck that has an awesome indoor/outdoor window connection. Another cool feature is the double dishwashers anchored by a beautiful farmhouse ceramic sink. A under cabinet beverage fridge, huge windows overlooking the wetlands, and statement backsplash also make this space functional and unique. We also continued the lvp throughout the main level, refinished their fireplace built in wall and got all new furnishings. Talk about a transformation!

Design ideas for a large country l-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Gulf Building recently completed the “ New Orleans Chic” custom Estate in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The aptly named estate stays true to inspiration rooted from New Orleans, Louisiana. The stately entrance is fueled by the column’s, welcoming any guest to the future of custom estates that integrate modern features while keeping one foot in the past. The lamps hanging from the ceiling along the kitchen of the interior is a chic twist of the antique, tying in with the exposed brick overlaying the exterior. These staple fixtures of New Orleans style, transport you to an era bursting with life along the French founded streets. This two-story single-family residence includes five bedrooms, six and a half baths, and is approximately 8,210 square feet in size. The one of a kind three car garage fits his and her vehicles with ample room for a collector car as well. The kitchen is beautifully appointed with white and grey cabinets that are overlaid with white marble countertops which in turn are contrasted by the cool earth tones of the wood floors. The coffered ceilings, Armoire style refrigerator and a custom gunmetal hood lend sophistication to the kitchen. The high ceilings in the living room are accentuated by deep brown high beams that complement the cool tones of the living area. An antique wooden barn door tucked in the corner of the living room leads to a mancave with a bespoke bar and a lounge area, reminiscent of a speakeasy from another era. In a nod to the modern practicality that is desired by families with young kids, a massive laundry room also functions as a mudroom with locker style cubbies and a homework and crafts area for kids. The custom staircase leads to another vintage barn door on the 2nd floor that opens to reveal provides a wonderful family loft with another hidden gem: a secret attic playroom for kids! Rounding out the exterior, massive balconies with French patterned railing overlook a huge backyard with a custom pool and spa that is secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. All in all, this estate captures the perfect modern interpretation of New Orleans French traditional design. Welcome to New Orleans Chic of Fort Lauderdale, Florida!

Kitchens Unlimited
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, brown floor and white benchtop.

Beautiful contemporary open plan family kitchen brought up to date with kitchen island, pendant lighting, herringbone tiles, stunning spot-lit shelves and cabinets. Wooden flooring adds warmth and sliding doors and roof lights bring in the natural light. David Bleeker Photography

Full kitchen remodel with expanded eat-in island, larger footprint, targeted storage, and all new finishes and cabinetry.
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Denver with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, beige benchtop and vaulted.

This is an example of a large transitional kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors and white benchtop.

www.genevacabinet.com . . . Geneva Cabinet Company, Lake Geneva WI, second kitchen located on upper level of home featuring Medallion cabinetry, uppers painted in White Icing, Lowers Celeste

Transitional home with a light, bright aesthetic.
This is an example of a large transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, laminate benchtops, grey splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, no island, grey floor and brown benchtop.

Gorgeous all blue kitchen cabinetry featuring brass and gold accents on hood, pendant lights and cabinetry hardware. The stunning intracoastal waterway views and sparkling turquoise water add more beauty to this fabulous kitchen.

David Verdugo
This is an example of a large mediterranean l-shaped open plan kitchen in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, quartz benchtops, blue splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors and with island.