Design ideas for a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Minneapolis with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, grey floor and multi-coloured benchtop.

Small contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Seattle with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, solid surface benchtops, blue splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, a peninsula, beige floor and grey benchtop.

Modern farmhouse kitchen with antique brass accents, mainly lighting fixtures. Stone subway tile, gray LG Viatera quartz counter tops and black Dewils cabinetry. Stainless steel appliances and hardware.

Design ideas for an industrial u-shaped kitchen with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, red splashback, brick splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and white benchtop.

The white cabinets work well with all the natural daylight that pours into this kitchen. Everything is open and bright making for an amazing gourmet kitchen.

Inspiration for a large contemporary u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Seattle with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, green splashback, glass tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in San Diego with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

1920s Farmhouse Kitchen - modernized for a 1920s house in Orlando, Florida.
Inspiration for a mid-sized country u-shaped separate kitchen in Tampa with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood floors, no island, brown floor and white benchtop.

Exklusive, schwarze Wohnküche mit Holzakzenten für die ganze Familie in Erlangen. Zu einer gelungenen Küchenplanung tragen nicht nur hochwertige Materialien, sondern auch eine durchdachte Linienführung bei den Fronten und ein Beleuchtungskonzept bei.

Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Denver with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, quartz benchtops, metal splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, grey floor, black cabinets, metallic splashback and multiple islands.

Darren Sinnett
This is an example of a large contemporary u-shaped kitchen in Cleveland with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, panelled appliances, light hardwood floors, with island and beige floor.

Mid-sized industrial u-shaped separate kitchen in New York with a farmhouse sink, black cabinets, concrete benchtops, white splashback, subway tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, no island, beige floor and flat-panel cabinets.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional u-shaped separate kitchen in Miami with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, matchstick tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and white floor.

Custom Built Home by Werschay Homes. 2nd Kitchen with Amazing Custom Cabinets and Petrified Wood Granite Amazing Colorado Lodge Style Custom Built Home in Eagles Landing Neighborhood of Saint Augusta, Mn - Build by Werschay Homes. -James Gray Photography

This is an example of a mid-sized modern u-shaped separate kitchen in Atlanta with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, grey splashback, stone tile splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, with island and white floor.

This is an example of a large traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in Atlanta with shaker cabinets, black cabinets, marble benchtops, multi-coloured splashback, mosaic tile splashback, stainless steel appliances and with island.

Photo by: Lucas Finlay A successful entrepreneur and self-proclaimed bachelor, the owner of this 1,100-square-foot Yaletown property sought a complete renovation in time for Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. The goal: make it party central and keep the neighbours happy. For the latter, we added acoustical insulation to walls, ceilings, floors and doors. For the former, we designed the kitchen to provide ample catering space and keep guests oriented around the bar top and living area. Concrete counters, stainless steel cabinets, tin doors and concrete floors were chosen for durability and easy cleaning. The black, high-gloss lacquered pantry cabinets reflect light from the single window, and amplify the industrial space’s masculinity. To add depth and highlight the history of the 100-year-old garment factory building, the original brick and concrete walls were exposed. In the living room, a drywall ceiling and steel beams were clad in Douglas Fir to reference the old, original post and beam structure. We juxtaposed these raw elements with clean lines and bold statements with a nod to overnight guests. In the ensuite, the sculptural Spoon XL tub provides room for two; the vanity has a pop-up make-up mirror and extra storage; and, LED lighting in the steam shower to shift the mood from refreshing to sensual.

Mid-sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz benchtops, black splashback, porcelain splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood floors, a peninsula, brown floor and black benchtop.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)