Kitchen
5. Easy access. With a 2-year-old and a baby on the way, these homeowners wanted a stylish kitchen that was also practical. The cooktop is on the island so the parents can keep an eye on the little ones while cooking. Pullouts on both sides of the cooktop provide space for storing oils on one side and utensils on the other. Hardware: Schaub & Co.
6. End-of-island storage. Having a kitchen island with a bar refrigerator built right into it is a design decision that stands out from the pack. Since this picture was among the most saved images of the year, Houzzers seem to agree. While the fridge here is full of adult beverages, it would also come in handy for juice boxes and other kid-friendly drinks, allowing the little ones to serve themselves.
17. Fish-scale pattern backsplash. If you’ve grown bored of subway tile but still want something simple and classic, check out a scalloped or fish-scale pattern. The look offers more movement, and a bit more interest, than rectangular tile but is still versatile enough to work with almost any kitchen style.See more photos of fish-scale tile in design
4. Natural selection. The heart of this Dallas kitchen is the island-breakfast bar, which features rich materials and a double waterfall structure. The raised breakfast bar is made of warm walnut, while the island top is white marble with gray veining. Homeowner and builder Chris Dauwe covered the space beneath the breakfast bar in reclaimed wood, sourced from a barn in North Carolina. Using natural-looking materials helped Dauwe achieve his goal of “a contemporary home with an industrial twist,” he says. Island and kitchen countertops: Mountain White marble; leather stools: Halo Styles
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