modern house

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Arts and Crafts Kitchens

The efficient working kitchen is an exercise in minimalist composition. The maple bar is cantilevered from an exposed structural column. The counter is brushed stainless steel with micro-peened (similar to sandblasted) stainless steel on the wall above.

The cabinetry in this award-winning contemporary kitchen is warm and glowing. The view of ponderosa pines is complemented with nature-inspired fabric on the valance.

Foot traffic flows smoothly around the angled island. The raised bar top helps to conceal the cooktop from the adjacent room.

This kitchen feautres a grand 8' x 8' island. The unique color on the birch cabinets features a hand-applied painted sheen, which allows a hint of the natural wood grain to peek through the soft gray tone. Intricate moldings and corbels give the cabinets a high-end furniture look.

This butler's pantry is used for decorative storage and an auxiliary cooking center. The narrow countertop is the perfect size for resting hot dishes right out of the oven.

The warmth of the wood floor, which is repeated in the selection of granite for the countertop, is a nice balance to the white cabinetry in this traditional kitchen. The large antique pine table is the center gathering spot in the household. Photo by Sharon Yob.

A functional island in stainless steel and Carrara marble is the central work area of this kitchen. Stainless steel countertops were chosen to mimic industrial elements, while a deep brown Wengue finish was used for the cabinetry in order to create a brilliant contrast with the lighter cork floor.

Glazed French country cabinetry graces this large gourmet kitchen. The butcher block and granite island is an eye-catching element that melds form with function. The stone flooring adds a dynamic dimension to the space.

This kitchen design is a fine example of my FusionDesign philosophy in practice. It subtly blends contemporary European elements with soothing Asian accents like the glass shoji screen doors and Zen water feature, while offering increased functionality for the American lifestyle.

Suspended over the kitchen table is a vintage Moroccan light fixture. The Moroccan influence continues with the fretwork in the cabinet doors. All the tiles in the backsplash were handmade especially for this kitchen.

Mediterranean Kitchens

The dramatic stainless steel range hood accentuates the high ceilings in this contemporary kitchen.

Removing existing walls and opening up this kitchen to the adjacent living areas maximized the space and allows for gracious entertaining.

Creative handling of the woods -- from the large floor pattern to the cabinetry -- gives a great sense of space to this small kitchen. Photo by Rusty Reniers.

This kitchen was fastidiously laid out following the requirements of a chef--movement from the storage area to the prep to cooking and cleaning, all with careful consideration of the ergonomics involved.

Sleek and contemporary cabinet designs were selected to enhance the already modern atmosphere of this kitchen, located in a former home of the late Julia Child.

A butcher-block island, complete with wine storage, is the centerpiece of this small but functional French country kitchen. The worn pine floors, painted cabinetry and tile countertops add to the charm.

Drastically changing the configuration of this area transformed it from a dark, rectilinear space into a warm, inviting one that revolves around the circular center island and outer workspace.

A built-in banquette maximizes the seating area in this Victorian kitchen renovation. Cabinetry detailing and historic reproduction lighting help the new addition feel like part of the original historic home.

A peninsula and a maple top island (foreground) provide abundant counter space in this efficient and roomy kitchen. Expansive windows along the back of the house lead to the garden and bluestone patio

Contemporary Kitchens

A combination of arts and crafts design elements with a contemporary flair gives this kitchen a modern feel in a traditional home.

Two islands allow for efficient circulation in this kitchen and make smart use of the available space. Photo by Rick Brazil.

Inspired by the circus painting on the left, this kitchen nook is transformed into a colorful display of fun and whimsical shapes. Photo by David Duncan Livingston.

Both husband and wife wanted different things for this kitchen. She wanted a kitchen that reflected her Japanese heritage; he wanted a comfortable island to read the morning paper. The result: a successful marriage of simple, clean design with traditional Japanese design. Photo by David Duncan Livingston.

This large contemporary kitchen with two islands is reflective of a daring, artful client. The different woods featured are Australian lacewood, curly maple and faux finish MDF. The chartreuse and cherry stains create great visual appeal. Photo by David Duncan Livingston.

With the combination of stained exotic woods and handpainted combed faux finishes for the custom cabinetry, this kitchen reflects the tastes of the homeowners, who are contemporary art aficionados. Photo by David Duncan Livingston.

The kitchen is inspired by arts and crafts design, combining modern stainless equipment with hand-crafted tiles, art glass lights and warm wood tones.

This contemporary kitchen is a true example of how to mix a variety of materials and colors. Concrete and granite tiles are used for the countertops, mosaic tiles run along the backsplash, and the floor is covered with slate tiles.

Special features such as custom ironwork paired with a one-of-a-kind nook table set this designer kitchen--fit for a professional chef--apart from the rest. Photo by David Duncan Livingston.

A unique pairing of interesting hardware and colorful cabinetry create visual delight in this contemporary kitchen. Photo by David Duncan Livingston.

Cottage Kitchens

A kitchen for a serious cook who entertains casually and formally requires a space that is both efficient and comfortable. Bulthaup cabinets, high-end appliances and a scrutinized layout provide efficiency while treasured heirlooms and antique French tiles make this space an inviting center of the home.

The kitchen in this vintage Chicago apartment is a study in finely honed contrasts. The warm tones and texture of the antique French floor tiles starkly contrast with the polished minimalism of the stainless steel cabinetry. Photograph by Hyunjung Bay.

Reeded glass cabinets, Ann Sacks Luxor backsplash tiles and Mitchell Gold barstools are special elements that make this kitchen feel luxurious.

This kitchen features built-in stainless-steel appliances and custom wood cabinetry. A café table and bar stools in the breakfast nook provide a comfortable area for quick meals. The bar area utilizes the same leather bar stools for flexibility in seating arrangements. Photograph by Daniel Newcomb Architectural Photography.

Riverfront views are maximized with wall-to-wall windows in this family-friendly kitchen. Photograph by George Lambros of Lambros Photography.

The perimeter of this space includes a variety of stations including a baking area, a prep area with additional sink, a plate staging area where all dishes are garnished, a family breakfast area (with coffee and self-serve cereal stations) and a banquet seating area for children. Photograph by George Lambros of Lambros Photography.

Photograph by Janet Mesic Mackie.

The incredible central cooking space includes two professional-grade stoves with six gas burners each. An adjacent workspace with built-in shelving corrals cookbooks and frequently-used office essentials. Photograph by George Lambros of Lambros Photography.

While stainless steel is certainly a high-style look, too much of it can make a kitchen feel cold and uninviting. Here, the plethora of metal is warmed up with dark wood cabinetry.

The use of hand-painted black base cabinets with painted white upper cabinets allow for a more open, vast feeling in this kitchen. Topped with white statuary marble, the island allows for seating, display cabinets and even an inset for the family dog's food and water dishes.

Old World Kitchens

This Hamptons-inspired kitchen features a vintage light fixture complemented by custom-designed cabinets.

Polished tongue-and-groove ceilings crown this European-inspired kitchen with Old World antiques. Neutral hued cabinetry supports a walnut island top. Ornate hand-carved accents appear in the hearth and island areas.

We used the pot rack for inspiration in this kitchen. The curves were taken to form the curves in the countertop and also in the transition in the floor from tile to wood. Photo by Tim Murphy.

The original farmhouse sink was salvaged and reused in this kitchen renovation. The use of new wide plank flooring and beadboard details helps to maintain the retro style.

This kitchen features a beautiful, hand-hammered copper sink and distressed black cabinetry.

This contemporary kitchen is a unique balance of concrete and granite countertops and maple and cherry woods. The banquette is concealed by the wall of angled cabinetry.