The owners of this kitchen had spent the money to upgrade the finishes in their kitchen upon building the home 12 years ago, but after living in the space for several years they realized how nonfunctional the layout really was. The (then) two preschool aged children had grown into busy, hungry teenagers with many friends who also liked to hang out at the house. So the family needed a more functional kitchen with better traffic flow, space for daily activities revolving around the kitchen at different times of day, and a kitchen that could accommodate cooking for and serving large groups. Furthermore, the dark, traditional finishes no longer reflected the homeowners’ style. They requested a brighter, more relaxed, coastal style that reflected their love of the seaside cities they like to visit. Originally, the kitchen was U-shaped with a narrow island in the middle. The island created narrow aisles that bottle-necked at the dishwasher, refrigerator, and cooktop areas. There was a pass-through from the foyer into the kitchen, but the owners never liked that the pass-through was also located so close to the powder room. The awkward proximity was unappealing and made guests feel uncomfortable. The kitchen’s storage was made up of lots of narrow cabinets, apothecary drawers, clipped corner units, and very few drawers. It lacked useful storage for the larger items the family used on a daily basis. And the kitchen’s only pantry was small closet that had only builder-grade, narrow shelving with no illumination to be able to see the contents inside. Overall, the kitchen’s lighting plan was poorly executed. Only six recessed cans illuminated the entire kitchen and nook areas. The under cabinet lighting was not evenly distributed either. In fact, the builder had mis-placed the under cabinet lighting around the decorative pilasters which made for choppy, dark cubbies. Further, the builder didn’t include any lighting over the sink or the bar area, which meant whoever was doing the dishes was always in their own shadow. That, coupled with the steep overhang of the game room above made the bar area feel like a dim, cavernous space that wasn’t inviting or task oriented. The kitchen looked out into the main living space, but the raised bar and a narrow wall (which held the only large cabinet in the kitchen) created more of a barrier than a relationship to the living room or breakfast nook. In fact, one couldn’t even see the breakfast nook from the cooktop or sink areas due to its orientation. The raised bar top was too narrow to comfortably sit to either dine at or chat from due to the lack of knee space. The the homeowners confided that the kitchen felt more like a dark, dirty prison than place where the family, or their guests, wanted to gather and commune. The clients' needs and desires were: ➢ to create a kitchen that would be a space the family loved to be in; to relate to the adjacent spaces all around, and to have better flow for entertaining large groups ➢ to remove the walls between the breakfast nook and living area and to be able to utilize the natural light from the windows in both those areas ➢ to incorporate a functional chopping block for prepping fresh food for home cooked meals, an island with a large sink and drain board, 2 pull out trash cans, and seating for at least the 2 teens to eat or do homework ➢ to design a kitchen and breakfast nook with an airy, coastal, relaxed vibe that blended with the rest of the house's coastal theme ➢ to integrate a layered lighting plan which would include ample general illumination, specific task lighting, decorative lighting, and lots of illuminated storage ➢ to design a kitchen with not only more storage for all the husband’s kitchen gadgets and collection of oils and spices, but smart storage, including a coffee/breakfast bar and a place to store and conceal the toaster oven and microwave ➢ to find a way to utilize the large open space between the kitchen, pantry area, and breakfast nook Twelve Stones Designs achieved the owner's goals by: ➢ removing the walls between the kitchen and living room to allow the natural light to filter in from the adjacent rooms and to create a connection between the kitchen, nook, and living spaces for a sense of unity and communion ➢ removing the existing pantry and designing 3 large pantry style cabinets with LED tape lights and rollout drawers to house lots of kitchen appliances, gadgets, and tons of groceries. We also took the cabinets all the way up to the 9’ ceiling for additional storage for seasonal items and bulk storage. ➢ designing 2 islands - 1 with a gorgeous black walnut chopping block that houses a drawer for chopping and carving knives and a custom double pull out trash unit for point of use utilization - and 1 that houses the dishwasher, a large Blanco Gourmet sink with integrated drain board, woven baskets for fresh root vegetables and kitchen towels, plenty of drawer storage for kitchen items, and bar seating for up to 4 diners. ➢ closing off the space between the kitchen and the powder room to create a beautiful new private alcove for the powder room as well as adding some decorative storage. This also gave us space to include more tall storage near the new range for precision placement of the husband’s extensive oil and spice collection as well as a location for a combo-steam oven the wife wanted for baking and cooking healthy meals. The project is enhanced functionally by: ➢ incorporated USB and standard receptacles for the kids’ laptops and phone charging in the large island ➢ designing the small island to include additional open shelving for items used on a daily basis such as a variety of bowls, plates, and colanders. This set up also works well for the husband who prefers to “plate” his dinners in restaurant-style fashion before presenting them to the table. ➢ the integration of specific storage units, such as double stacked cutlery drawers, a custom spice pull-out, a Kuerig coffee and tea pod drawer, and custom double stacked utensil drawers ➢ moving the refrigerator to the old oven location - this eliminated the bottle neck as well as created a better relationship to the eating table. It also utilizes the floor space between the pantry, nook, and kitchen ➢ creating a banquet style breakfast nook - this banquette seating not only doubles the amount of seating for large gatherings but it better utilizes the odd space between the kitchen and the previous nook area. It also helps to create a distinct pathway from the mudroom room through the pantry area, kitchen, nook, and living room. ➢ the coffee/breakfast bar area which includes the perfect location for the concealed microwave and toaster oven, convenient storage for the coffee pods and tea accoutrements. Roll-out drawers below also house the smoothie maker, hot water kettle, and a plethora of smoothie-making ingredients such as protein powders, smoothie additives, etc. Furthermore, the drawers below the Keurig house measuring utensil, cutlery, baking supplies and tupperware storage. ➢ incorporating lots of wide drawers and pullouts to accommodate large cookware. ➢ utilizing as much vertical space as possible by building storage to the ceiling which accommodates the family’s abundant amount of serving platters, baking sheets, bakeware, casserole dishes, and additional cutting boards. The project is enhanced aesthetically by: ➢ new 5-piece Versailles pattern porcelain tile that now seamlessly joins the entire down stairs area together creating a bright, cohesiveness feeling instead of choppy separated spaces - it also adds a coastal feeling ➢ designing a cabinet to conceal the microwave and toaster oven ➢ the coastal influenced light fixtures over the nook table and island ➢ the sandy colors of the Langdon Cambria countertops. The swirling pattern and sparkling quartz pieces remind the homeowner of black-and-tan sandy beaches ➢ the striped banquet seating whose creamy white background and blue-green stripes were the inspiration for the cabinet and wall colors. ➢ All the interior doors were painted black to coordinate with the blacks and grays in the backsplash tile and countertop. This also adds a hint of tailored formality to an otherwise casual space. ➢ the use of WAC's Oculux small aperture LED units for the overhead lighting complimented with Diode LED strips for task lighting under the cabinets and inside the pantry and glass wall cabinets. All of the lighting applications are on separate dimmer switches. Innovative uses of materials or construction methods by Realty Restoration LLC: ➢ Each 1-1/2” x 3” block of reclaimed end-grain black walnut that makes up the center island chopping block was hand milled and built in the shop. It was designed to look substantial and proportional to the surrounding elements, executed by creating the 4 inch tall top with a solid wood chamfered edge band. ➢ The metal doors on either side of the vent hood were also custom designed for this project and built in the Realty Restoration LLC shop. They are made 1x2, 11-gauge mild steel with ribbed glass. Weighing 60 lbs a piece, heavy duty cabinet hinges were added to support the weight of the door and keep them from sagging. ➢ Under-cabinet receptacles were added along the range wall in order to have a clean, uninterrupted backsplash. Design obstacles to overcome: ➢ Because we were removing the demising walls between the kitchen and living room, we had to find a way to plumb and vent the new island. We did this by tunneling through the slab (the slab had post tension cables which prevented us from just trenching) to run a new wet vent through a nearby structural wall. We pulled the existing hot and cold lines between upper floor joists and ran them down the structural wall as well and up through a conduit in the tunnel. ➢ Since we were converting from wall overs to a gas range it allowed us to utilize the 220 feed for the wall ovens to provide a new sub panel for all the new kitchen circuits ➢ Due to framing deficiencies inherited from the original build there was a 1-1/2” differential in the floor-to-ceiling height over a 20 foot span; by utilizing the process of cutting and furring coupled with the crown moulding details on the cabinet elevations we were able to mask the problem and provide seamless transitions between the cabinet components. Evidence of superior craftsmanship: ➢ uniquely designed, one-of-a-kind metal “X” end panels on the large island. The end panels were custom made in the Realty Restoration LLC shop and fitted to the exact dimensions of the island. The welding seams are completely indistinguishable - the posts look like they are cut from a single sheet of metal ➢ square metal posts on the small island were also custom made and designed to compliment and carry through the metal element s throughout the kitchen ➢ the beautiful, oversized end panels on the pantry cabinets which give the breakfast nook a tailored look ➢ integrating a large format 5 piece Versailles tile pattern to seamlessly flow from the existing spaces into the new kitchen space ➢ By constructing a custom cabinet that jogged around a corner we could not remodel (housing the entry way coat closet) we were able to camouflage the adjacent wall offset within the upper and lower cabinets. By designing around the existing jog in the structural walls we accomplished a few things: we were able to find the space to house, and hide, the microwave and toaster oven yet still have a clean cohesive appearance from the kitchen side. Additionally, the owners were able to keep their much needed coat closet and we didn’t have to increase the budget with unnecessary structural work.

European inspired kitchen design is known to have an open kitchen space, to provide extra space for food preparation and storage. Classic farm-style sinks are also a stylish element often featured in Victorian kitchens. Furniture is often antique or antique-looking, to match the casual but still Old-World feel.

Greg West
Design ideas for a mid-sized traditional u-shaped kitchen pantry in Portland Maine with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, an undermount sink, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, no island, multi-coloured floor and white benchtop.

Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with an integrated sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, glass sheet splashback, panelled appliances, ceramic floors, with island and grey floor.

This Tuscan-inspired kitchen pantry feature a variety of pull-out storage options, from classic drawers to shelves and baskets. A dedicated wall for wine storage and a cigar humidor adds sophistication to the space.

Eric P Photography
Photo of a mid-sized modern l-shaped kitchen in Edmonton with glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite benchtops, an undermount sink, beige splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, with island and beige floor.

Start your morning off right by pulling out your coffee machine from Wood-Mode's hidden cabinet.
Inspiration for a traditional kitchen in Houston with a drop-in sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, wood benchtops, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances and ceramic floors.

Stove view.
Mid-sized arts and crafts l-shaped separate kitchen in Other with a single-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, medium wood cabinets, granite benchtops, green splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and a peninsula.

Medley of Photography
Mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Austin with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and with island.

silver metallic lacquer glass upper cabinets
Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Miami with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, multiple islands, a single-bowl sink, solid surface benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, panelled appliances and ceramic floors.

Вадим Крутов
Inspiration for a mid-sized country l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Moscow with a double-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, grey cabinets, granite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors and no island.

Photo of a small modern galley separate kitchen in New York with glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, no island, an undermount sink, granite benchtops and beige splashback.

Des touches de bois et de laiton et du marbre pour un rendu chic et chaleureux
Mid-sized contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Paris with a single-bowl sink, glass-front cabinets, grey cabinets, laminate benchtops, black splashback, black appliances, ceramic floors, with island, grey floor and black benchtop.

This is an example of a mid-sized transitional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Boston with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic floors, a peninsula, beige floor and white benchtop.

For this small cottage near Bush Park in Salem, we redesigned the kitchen, pantry and laundry room configuration to provide more efficient storage and workspace while keeping the integrity and historical accuracy of the home. In the bathroom we improved the skylight in the shower, installed custom glass doors and set the tile in a herringbone pattern to create an expansive feel that continues to reflect the home’s era. In addition to the kitchen and bathroom remodel, we updated the furnace, created a vibrant custom fireplace mantel in the living room, and rebuilt the front steps and porch overhang.

Фасад кухни содержит элементы классики. Пожеланием супруга было сделать современное освещение в зоне столовой, потому что здесь же расположен большой раздвижной стол для семейных завтраков и ужинов с гостями. Стена у окна целиком в декоративной штукатурке, которая вырисовывает мрамор как природную фактуру. Фартук выполнен из тонкого листа керамогранита, а столешница из кварцита. Пол – керамогранит с рисунком. Что касается системы хранения, напротив кухни стоит большой шкаф вдоль коридора, в котором можно организовать все технические вещи, такие как гладильная доска или ящик под сигнализацию.

We reconfigured several spaces in this home to create one very large kitchen area. A herringbone backsplash detail gave just the right amount of interest in this neutral space.

Manufacturer of custom recycled glass counter tops and landscape glass aggregate. The countertops are individually handcrafted and customized, using 100% recycled glass and diverting tons of glass from our landfills. The epoxy used is Low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and emits no off gassing. The newest product base is a high density, UV protected concrete. We now have indoor and outdoor options. As with the resin, the concrete offer the same creative aspects through glass choices. "Colleen Green" contributed her own Grolsch bottles. We added Bombay Sapphire gin bottles and oysters and other green wine bottles.

This is an example of a large traditional single-wall eat-in kitchen in Charleston with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, recycled glass benchtops, panelled appliances, ceramic floors and with island.