Houzz Logo Print

Kitchen with Glass-front Cabinets and multiple Islands Design Ideas

2021 NARI CotY National Winner
2021 NARI CotY National Winner
Twelve Stones Designs, LLCTwelve Stones Designs, LLC
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.
Palmer Residence
Palmer Residence
Jeffrey King InteriorsJeffrey King Interiors
Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped kitchen pantry in Detroit with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, coloured appliances, light hardwood floors, multiple islands, grey floor and white benchtop.
Elegant Simplicity
Elegant Simplicity
Raw Urth DesignsRaw Urth Designs
Design: Montrose Range Hood Finish: Brushed Steel with Burnished Brass details Handcrafted Range Hood by Raw Urth Designs in collaboration with D'amore Interiors and Kirella Homes. Photography by Timothy Gormley, www.tgimage.com.
Old Naples Courtyard
Old Naples Courtyard
A. Vernon Allen BuilderA. Vernon Allen Builder
Venjhamin Reyes
Design ideas for a mediterranean kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and multiple islands.
Custom Luxury Kitchens
Custom Luxury Kitchens
Fratantoni Luxury Estates Design/Build/RemodelingFratantoni Luxury Estates Design/Build/Remodeling
This beautiful kitchen was designed and built by Fratantoni Luxury Estates. No detail was overlooked. Check out our Facebook Fan Page at www.Facebook.com/FratantoniLuxuryEstates
Traditional Kitchen
Traditional Kitchen
Expansive traditional eat-in kitchen in Portland with glass-front cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite benchtops, a single-bowl sink, white cabinets, white splashback, ceramic splashback, dark hardwood floors and multiple islands.
Luxury Kitchen  in Southpark
Luxury Kitchen in Southpark
Karen Kettler DesignKaren Kettler Design
Dustin Peck Photography
Large traditional kitchen in Charlotte with a farmhouse sink, marble benchtops, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, glass-front cabinets, white splashback, multiple islands and dark hardwood floors.
The Illusionist
The Illusionist
House of LHouse of L
The "Illusionist" kitchen is a 2nd place winner in the prestigious Subzero and Wolf kitchen design contest in the state of Ohio. This tremendous house, which is situated on the lake, boasts a main kitchen and a prep kitchen. Its name was generated from the complete invisibility of the main kitchen's working components, whereas all of the appliances were completely concealed to provide a seamless look allowing for an unconventional look that is streamlined yet completely functional. The goal of the homeowners in the design stages were to simplify a more conventional house layout. A more predictable formal dining room was eliminated creating a merge of the main kitchen with a central eating area. The combining of these two spaces helped to develop the concept that the kitchen was an 'illusion'; accessible when necessary but unnoticed in every other way so there was less of a feel of being in a kitchen and more of a sense of being in a gathering area for family and friends to enjoy. The main kitchen boasts three ovens, a 36" Subzero refrigerator and a 36" Subzero freezer, all of which are paneled with white glass, providing a perfect reflective surface for the lake in the backdrop. The island is dual purposed, housing a sink and a 36" induction Wolf cooktop on one side and providing seating for 10 in a custom built banquette. The light fixture above the custom glass and stainless steel table is the "Etoile" from Terzanni while the massive light fixture over the island is the "Sospesa" from Fabbian and boasts a 2" sheet of glass with inset halogen lighting that is nearly invisible suspended from the 10' ceiling that features a drop ceiling with cove lighting. The prep kitchen, which was the 'workhorse' for everyday use is also a fully functional space, featuring additional 36" Subzero refrigerator and freezer, a 36" oven, microwave, two prep sinks (one in the island and one to the left of the freezer) and a concealed barstool which pulls out from the island and 'disappears' when not in use. A built-in dog feeding station allows for conveniences for all family members of this modern household.
French Industrial
French Industrial
Custom Cabinet Source IncCustom Cabinet Source Inc
JxP Multimedia
Inspiration for a large modern u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Chicago with glass-front cabinets, black cabinets, granite benchtops, white splashback, brick splashback, multiple islands and black benchtop.
Double Island Kitchen
Double Island Kitchen
Fratantoni Design / Residential ArchitectsFratantoni Design / Residential Architects
This all-white, marble kitchen has extra cabinet space with double islands.
This is an example of an expansive modern u-shaped kitchen in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, marble benchtops, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble floors, multiple islands, grey floor and white benchtop.
Expansive Traditional in Scarsdale
Expansive Traditional in Scarsdale
Bilotta Kitchen & HomeBilotta Kitchen & Home
For this project, the entire kitchen was designed around the “must-have” Lacanche range in the stunning French Blue with brass trim. That was the client’s dream and everything had to be built to complement it. Bilotta senior designer, Randy O’Kane, CKD worked with Paul Benowitz and Dipti Shah of Benowitz Shah Architects to contemporize the kitchen while staying true to the original house which was designed in 1928 by regionally noted architect Franklin P. Hammond. The clients purchased the home over two years ago from the original owner. While the house has a magnificent architectural presence from the street, the basic systems, appointments, and most importantly, the layout and flow were inappropriately suited to contemporary living. The new plan removed an outdated screened porch at the rear which was replaced with the new family room and moved the kitchen from a dark corner in the front of the house to the center. The visual connection from the kitchen through the family room is dramatic and gives direct access to the rear yard and patio. It was important that the island separating the kitchen from the family room have ample space to the left and right to facilitate traffic patterns, and interaction among family members. Hence vertical kitchen elements were placed primarily on existing interior walls. The cabinetry used was Bilotta’s private label, the Bilotta Collection – they selected beautiful, dramatic, yet subdued finishes for the meticulously handcrafted cabinetry. The double islands allow for the busy family to have a space for everything – the island closer to the range has seating and makes a perfect space for doing homework or crafts, or having breakfast or snacks. The second island has ample space for storage and books and acts as a staging area from the kitchen to the dinner table. The kitchen perimeter and both islands are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Paper White. The wall cabinets flanking the sink have wire mesh fronts in a statuary bronze – the insides of these cabinets are painted blue to match the range. The breakfast room cabinetry is Benjamin Moore’s Lampblack with the interiors of the glass cabinets painted in Paper White to match the kitchen. All countertops are Vermont White Quartzite from Eastern Stone. The backsplash is Artistic Tile’s Kyoto White and Kyoto Steel. The fireclay apron-front main sink is from Rohl while the smaller prep sink is from Linkasink. All faucets are from Waterstone in their antique pewter finish. The brass hardware is from Armac Martin and the pendants above the center island are from Circa Lighting. The appliances, aside from the range, are a mix of Sub-Zero, Thermador and Bosch with panels on everything.
Indian Hill Classic Traditional Kitchen
Indian Hill Classic Traditional Kitchen
Neal's Design RemodelNeal's Design Remodel
Robin Victor Goetz/RVGP
Inspiration for a large traditional l-shaped kitchen in Cincinnati with a farmhouse sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors and multiple islands.
Lakeside Living
Lakeside Living
REFINED LLCREFINED LLC
Inspiration for a transitional kitchen in Minneapolis with glass-front cabinets, stainless steel appliances and multiple islands.
Miami Beach Penthouse
Miami Beach Penthouse
DLT Interiors-Debbie TravinDLT Interiors-Debbie Travin
Complete Gut & Renovation Penthouse Located on Miami Beach
This is an example of a large beach style eat-in kitchen in Miami with white cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, marble splashback, multiple islands, white benchtop, glass-front cabinets and light hardwood floors.
Historic House in Pasadena
Historic House in Pasadena
JAMES V. COANE & ASSOCIATES, ARCHITECTSJAMES V. COANE & ASSOCIATES, ARCHITECTS
Traditional l-shaped kitchen in Los Angeles with glass-front cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands, brown floor and panelled appliances.
1930s Church Home Revival
1930s Church Home Revival
HSH InteriorsHSH Interiors
David Duncan Livingston
This is an example of a transitional u-shaped open plan kitchen in San Francisco with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, grey splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and multiple islands.
French Infused Estate
French Infused Estate
Dallas Design Group, InteriorsDallas Design Group, Interiors
Design Firm: Dallas Design Group, Interiors Designer: Tracy Rasor Photographer: Dan Piassick
Photo of a mediterranean kitchen in Dallas with glass-front cabinets, beige splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors and multiple islands.
Modern Farmhouse Project
Modern Farmhouse Project
House of Jade InteriorsHouse of Jade Interiors
House of Jade Interiors. Modern farmhouse kitchen.
Inspiration for a country u-shaped kitchen in Salt Lake City with glass-front cabinets, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors and multiple islands.
Palm Beach Gardens Kitchen & Bath
Palm Beach Gardens Kitchen & Bath
Planning and Building, IncPlanning and Building, Inc
Large traditional l-shaped separate kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, white cabinets, metallic splashback, metal splashback, panelled appliances, dark hardwood floors, multiple islands, marble benchtops and brown floor.
Custom Luxury Kitchens
Custom Luxury Kitchens
Fratantoni Luxury Estates Design/Build/RemodelingFratantoni Luxury Estates Design/Build/Remodeling
This beautiful kitchen was designed and built by Fratantoni Luxury Estates. No detail was overlooked. Check out our Facebook Fan Page at www.Facebook.com/FratantoniLuxuryEstates

Kitchen with Glass-front Cabinets and multiple Islands Design Ideas

1