This is a small but functional kitchen in an inner city villa. There is a small study nook opposite the kitchen. Mixed use of materials - white low cabinetry and walnut veneer high cabinetry. Long island bench with a cantilevered end for seating. Island bench is white engineered stone and the back wall is stainless steel.

Family members enter this kitchen from the mud room where they are right at home in this friendly space. The Kitchens central banquette island seats six on cozy upholstered benches with another two diners at the ends. There is table seating for EIGHT plus the back side boasts raised seating for four more on swiveling bar stools. The show-stopping coffered ceiling was custom designed and features beaded paneling, recessed can lighting and dramatic crown molding. The counters are made of Labradorite which is often associated with jewels. It's iridescent sparkle adds glamour without being too loud. The wood paneled backsplash allows the cabinetry to blend in. There is glazed subway tile behind the range. This lovely home features an open concept space with the kitchen at the heart. Built in the late 1990's the prior kitchen was cherry, but dark, and the new family needed a fresh update. This great space was a collaboration between many talented folks including but not limited to the team at Delicious Kitchens & Interiors, LLC, L. Newman and Associates/Paul Mansback, Inc with Leslie Rifkin and Emily Shakra. Additional contributions from the homeowners and Belisle Granite. John C. Hession Photographer

Interior Design by Martha O'Hara Interiors; Build by REFINED, LLC; Photography by Troy Thies Photography; Styling by Shannon Gale
Beach style eat-in kitchen in Minneapolis with shaker cabinets, grey cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

This is a small but functional kitchen in an inner city villa. There is a small study nook opposite the kitchen. Mixed use of materials - white low cabinetry and walnut veneer high cabinetry. Long island bench with a cantilevered end for seating. Island bench is white engineered stone and the back wall is stainless steel.

Tim Turner Photography.
Traditional l-shaped kitchen in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, beige splashback, subway tile splashback and panelled appliances.

The work side of the kitchen allows you to see the recycled timber bench top which is laid higher than the dark stone bench top. It maintains the industrial feel combined with the look of the rest of the house. The long line of the island bench create enormous work space and an impressive piece of furniture. Photography by Sue Murray - imagineit.net.au

The nearly 10’ island is an ideal place for food prep, a quick bite, buffet set-up, or sharing a glass of wine with friends. 2.5” thick marble countertop on the island gives substance and a professional feel.

DESIGN STATEMENT: GOLD COAST KITCHEN Interior Designer: Darren James www.interiorsbydarrenjames.com.au Precision, attention to detail and an appreciation for the finer things in life are qualities often associated with the German culture. So when the German owners engaged Interiors by Darren James to design and build their dream kitchen they wanted premium quality in every detail: design, materials, workmanship and finish. This project clearly demonstrates what is possible when you combine good design, the latest technical mechanisms, quality materials and handcraft production techniques – a project that exceeds every expectation. Whilst the clients requested an ultramodern design they still wanted it to suit their Australian lifestyle. Central to the brief was the need to satisfy an enthusiastic and demanding gourmand by creating a kitchen that “feels like home” yet still packs a punch visually and supports the entertaining of family and friends. The result is a free flowing functional kitchen design that makes the best possible use of the available space in this long and narrow room. The existing space The original kitchen was small, cramped and non-functional. To pave the way for a larger space highly sought after by the clients, the diving wall that separated the previous kitchen and an unused sitting room was bought down – a concept the clients hadn’t considered until now. The resulting space was a larger room, approximately 7.5 x 3.2m. Starting from scratch we were now able to square set all the walls, ceilings and windows. The existing windows and sliding doors were also removed and replaced with new double glazed windows. Hidden work space hides the mess and reduced visual depth To shorten the visual depth in such a long room, a scullery focused purely on function is placed at the rear of the room to hide the mess when entertaining and ensures the kitchen is kept clutter free. Housing a large side by side Miele Fridge-Freezer and providing storage for food and everyday bulky appliances, the scullery also acts as an out of the way prep zone. A stainless steel benchtop provides the ultimate surface in terms of hygiene, heat resistant and food preparation for this home chef who avidly enjoys cooking. Wall Oven feature & room divider A strategically placed wall oven feature surrounded by LED strip lighting is suspended 300mm off the floor and 300mm off the ceiling creating a unique floating look and provides access either side to the cleverly hidden scullery. Metal supports and bracing was incorporated into the construction of the wall and thicker timber framing was also used to ensure structural integrity. A selected range of stainless steel Miele appliances included in the feature wall further enhance the cutting edge look whilst providing all the functional requirements of the clients’ healthy cooking style. The black glass finish on the feature door and drawer fronts complement the ‘piano finish’ of the surrounding ‘Ebony Maccassar’natural veneer. In keeping with the desired minimalist look, all the black glass fronts are handless and open electronically using Blums ‘Servo drive’ mechanisms. Thanks to this technology with the simple press of the button the wall oven feature easily transforms from a stunning furniture piece to a fully functional storage space. To complete the high class finish, black ‘intivo’ drawers, black internals and 10mm glass shelves are incorporated ensuring this feature wall remains a showpiece whether open or closed. It is important to note that due to the clients’ sensitivity to formaldehyde all the board that was used throughout the kitchen both internal and external was ‘EO’ class substrate. Functional cooking and cleaning zones A number of work zones within the kitchen ensure the space operates efficiently at all times. The cooking zone includes an induction cooktop for efficient cooking whilst the Neff rangehood is cleverly concealed in the piano finish ‘Ebony Maccassar’ natural veneer which is highlighted by LED strip lighting. To enhance the overall look the veneer work on the rangehood feature box is grain matched and mitred to create a superior and seamless finish. The sink area consists of a large single bowl ‘professional series’ Oliveri sink and a water efficient KWC Inox vege spray mixer ensures even bulky baking items and trays are easy to clean. A three bin system is placed at the bottom of the sink cupboard on a servo drive mechanism allowing the client to easily open without the need of any hands. A zip hydro boil with its own font and drain unit is also incorporated into the sink area. Due to its placement above the dishwasher a thicker benchtop was required to handle the drain depth that extends from the bottom of the zip font. For this reason the benchtop is 100mm thick and to create visual impact the ‘Metero’ Staron benchtop reduces to 20mm over and into the cooktop area. Practical Island Bench that packs a punch…. The visually stunning island bench serves dual function purposes. Staron ‘ solid surface was selected for its contemporary appearance as well as for its durability and has been raised 20mm to define a casual seating and dining area. The client has a passion for baking, making her own pastry, pasta and breads. Like many a pastry chef she prefers working on natural stone. Therefore a 20mm piece of ‘Calacutta’ marble was selected and inlayed into the 100mm Staron ‘Metero’ benchtop. The gorgeous showpiece slab gives the impression of elegance, adds visual character and complements the other natural elements perfectly. Piano finish natural veneer open-shelves supported with steel rods to eliminate the need for visible gables are located either side of the island to house the clients loved collection of frequently used cookbooks. A custom made stainless steel light rack provides functional task lighting, bottle glass storage and further enhances the professional look of this ‘home chef’ style kitchen. Again, supports are positioned between the trusses in the ceiling to provide appropriate support. Storage Storage has been well considered in this kitchen with a scullery providing ample space for groceries as well as specific areas that have been custom designed to house items such as recipe books, small appliances and cutting boards. Every storage item has been thoughtfully located in terms of function and frequency of use. Storage space has been optimized with the use of easy access drawers using Blum’s slow motion drawers. Again the kitchen has been fitted out with the full range of Blum organizational accessories including plate racks, spice racks, knife racks as well as ‘orgaline’ for cutlery and utensil. Luxurious quality finishes One of the main requests of the owners was to include luxurious quality finishes to create maximum visual impact. A combination of different textures and finishes were incorporated to ensure high esthetic qualities as well as top performance. This was created by creatively combining an array of high end materials and textures: The piano finish ‘Ebony Macassar’ natural veneer, black painted glass, automotive high gloss grey lacquer, stainless steel, Calacutta Oro marble and Staron Tempest all combine to create a sophisticated and visually stunning space. The incorporation of the mirror splash back not only adds to the sense of space but ensures nothing is taken away the sophisticated simplicity that this kitchen already boasts. Light it up LED stip lighting is thoughtfully placed for both ambient, feature and practical purposes. It particularly highlights the stunning design of cabinetry features seen throughout this kitchen. Natural lighting is maximised with the inclusion of a sliding door in the scullery which conveniently opens out to the alfresco area. LED Downlights have been thoughtfully placed throughout the kitchen to illuminate task areas and work surfaces.

The kitchen is made up of solid timber stained chocolate with calacutta marble to the island bench & backsplash. Black mirror is also highlighted as a backsplash under the island bench & buffet.

Originally a church and community centre, this Northside residence has been lovingly renovated by an enthusiastic young couple into a unique family home. The design brief for this kitchen design was to create a larger than life industrial style kitchen that would not look lost in the enormous 8.3meter wide “assembly hall” area of this unassuming 1950’s suburban home. The inclusion of a large island that was proportionate to the space was a must have for the family. The collation of different materials, textures and design features in this kitchen blend to create a functional, family-friendly, industrial style kitchen design that feels warm and inviting and entirely at home in its surroundings. The clients desire for dark charcoal colour cabinetry is softened with the use of the ‘Bluegrass’ colour cabinets under the rough finish solid wood island bench. The sleek black handles on the island contrast the Bluegrass cabinet colour while tying the island in with the handless charcoal colour cabinets on the back wall. With limited above bench wall space, the majority of storage is accommodated in 50-65kg capacity soft closing drawers under deep benchtops maximising the storage potential of the area. The 1meter wide appliance cabinet has ample storage for small appliances in tall deep drawers under bench height while a pair of pocket doors above bench level open to reveal bench space for a toaster and coffee machine with a microwave space and shelving above. This kitchen design earned our designer Anne Ellard, a spot in the final of KBDI’s 2017 Designer Awards. Award winners will be announced at a Gala event in Adelaide later this year. Now in its ninth year, the KBDi Designer Awards is a well-established and highly regarded national event on the Australian design calendar. The program recognises the professionalism and talent of Australian kitchen and bathroom designers. What the clients said: ” The end result of our experience with Anne and Kitchens by Kathie is a space that people walk into and everyone says “Wow!”. As well as being great to look at, it’s a pleasure to use, the space has both great form and function. Anne was extremely responsive to any issues or concerns that cropped up during the design/build process which made the whole process much smoother and enjoyable. Thanks again Anne, we’re extremely happy with the result.”

This kitchen uses long lines to ensure it feels as large as possible. the frame of the recycled timber against the dark stone bench top creates design elements that work together to bring an industrial style kitchen into a family home. Photography by Sue Murray - imagineit.net.au

Cooking for Two Location: Plymouth, MN, United States When this couple’s last child graduated from college they began the process of looking for a new home. After a lengthy search they decided to stay with the neighborhood they loved, saving money by remodeling rather than starting over. The top priorities on their wish list were adding character to their 1990’s era home with a classic white kitchen and a larger island while keeping within the existing footprint. With the intention of honing their cooking skills, they were also considering better appliances and two ovens. Challenges and Solutions Design a larger island with seating for at least two. The existing island was small and the area behind the seating was less than recommended clearances. To solve this challenge, the seating area of the island was extended out into the open area of the kitchen. This created a larger island with seating for three, extra storage and a bookshelf across from the range. The original kitchen had a range with microwave above, so adding another oven was a challenge with limited wall space. Because the adjoining dining room is used infrequently, the homeowner was open to placing the second oven and microwave in the walkway. This made room for the small buffet between the built in refrigerator and ovens, creating one of her favorite areas. The client requested a white painted kitchen but wanted to make sure it had warmth and character. To achieve this the following elements were chosen: 1) Cabinets painted with Benjamin Moore Capitol White, a luminous and warm shade of white. 2) The Range hood was painted with warm metallic shades to reflect the bronze of the Ashley Norton hardware. 3) Black Aqua Grantique granite was chosen for countertops because it looks like soapstone and adds contrast. 4) Walker Zanger Café tile in Latte was chosen for it’s handmade look with uneven edges. 5) The to-the-counter-cabinet with glass door shows off serving dishes and lends sophisticated charm. The result is a welcoming classic kitchen, where this couple enjoys cooking more often and sharpening their skills with gourmet appliances. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg Photography

A PLACE TO GATHER Location: Eagan, MN, USA This family of five wanted an inviting space to gather with family and friends. Mom, the primary cook, wanted a large island with more organized storage – everything in its place – and a crisp white kitchen with the character of an older home. Challenges: Design an island that could accommodate this family of five for casual weeknight dinners. Create more usable storage within the existing kitchen footprint. Design a better transition between the upper cabinets on the 8-foot sink wall and the adjoining 9-foot cooktop wall. Make room for more counter space around the cooktop. It was poorly lit, cluttered with small appliances and confined by the tall oven cabinet. Solutions: A large island, that seats 5 comfortably, replaced the small island and kitchen table. This allowed for more storage including cookbook shelves, a heavy-duty roll out shelf for the mixer, a 2-bin recycling center and a bread drawer. Tall pantries with decorative grilles were placed between the kitchen and family room. These created ample storage and helped define each room, making each one feel larger, yet more intimate. A space intentionally separates the upper cabinets on the sink wall from those on the cooktop wall. This created symmetry on the sink wall and made room for an appliance garage, which keeps the countertops uncluttered. Moving the double ovens to the former pantry location made way for more usable counter space around the cooktop and a dramatic focal point with the hood, cabinets and marble backsplash. Special Features: Custom designed corbels and island legs lend character. Gilt open lanterns, antiqued nickel grilles on the pantries, and the soft linen shade at the kitchen sink add personality and charm. The unique bronze hardware with a living finish creates the patina of an older home. A walnut island countertop adds the warmth and feel of a kitchen table. This homeowner truly understood the idea of living with the patina of marble. Her grandmother’s marble-topped antique table inspired the Carrara countertops. The result is a highly organized kitchen with a light, open feel that invites you to stay a while. Liz Schupanitz Designs Photographed by: Andrea Rugg

This kitchen was designed at the end of an open plan living area. Exposed to the living and dining areas, the island bench was detailed to appear as a piece of furniture rather than a kitchen cabinet. The fridge and dishwasher are integrated into the cabinetry to minimise the appearance of appliances. The island bench is complimented by a walnut shelving tower which includes a hidden pull out pantry. Bench tops in Decton Zenith ceramic material featuring Abey Canale utensil dispenser. Recessed handles and push catches throughout. Wall size: 3.8m wide x 2.5m high x 0.7m deep Island size: 2.3m wide x 0.9m high x 1.0m deep Materials: Walnut veneer to island bench and shelving tower and internals of cabinets. White cabinetry painted 2 pac polyurethane lacquer 30% gloss Dulux Off White to match bench top. Splash back in Carrara marble. Bench tops in Decton Zenith ceramic material. Blum internal hardware throughout.

The kitchen, breakfast room and family room are all open to one another. The kitchen has a large twelve foot island topped with Calacatta marble and features a roll-out kneading table, and room to seat the whole family. The sunlight breakfast room opens onto the patio which has a built-in barbeque, and both bar top seating and a built in bench for outdoor dining. The large family room features a cozy fireplace, TV media, and a large built-in bookcase. The adjoining craft room is separated by a set of pocket french doors; where the kids can be visible from the family room as they do their homework.

This industrial inspired kitchen combines a timber island with recycled timber benchtop frame which has been set against a white sleek background. The island is in the middle of an open plan room yet it becomes part of the furniture with the use of timber. The white background with integrated fridge also disappears ensuring this space feels more like the rest of the house than the kitchen. The island houses concealed drawers and cupboards on one side and 2 ovens, a dishwasher, sink, microwave and storage on the other. Photography by Sue Murray - imagineit.net.au

Kitchen remodel with white inset cabinets by Crystal on the perimeter and custom color on custom island cabinets. Perimeter cabinets feature White Princess granite and the Island has Labrodite Jade stone with a custom edge. Paint color in kitchen is by Benjamin Moore #1556 Vapor Trails. The trim is Benjamin Moore OC-21. The perimeter cabinets are prefinished by the cabinet manufacturer, white with a pewter glaze. Designed by Julie Williams Design, photo by Eric Rorer Photography, Justin Construction.

This is a small but functional kitchen in an inner city villa. There is a small study nook opposite the kitchen. Mixed use of materials - white low cabinetry and walnut veneer high cabinetry. Long island bench with a cantilevered end for seating. Island bench is white engineered stone and the back wall is stainless steel.

A custom marble topped island. This design was a collaboration between the architect and the custom cabinet maker
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in San Francisco with white cabinets, marble benchtops, stainless steel appliances, white splashback, ceramic splashback, medium hardwood floors, with island, a farmhouse sink and shaker cabinets.