Kitchen Counters
Why the design works: “Demolishing most of the existing interior walls and adding the addition to the back of the house was the solution for all of our clients’ issues and gave us the space to design a beautiful and functional kitchen,” designer Gabriele Pizzale says. “Adding the island gave a large prep area and additional seating, while the full-wall cabinetry behind it creates a smooth traffic flow with lots of storage. Moving the sink to the island meant that the owners could wash their dishes and prepare meals on the island while continually facing forward, to keep an eye on the children or stay in conversation with their guests while they entertain.”Designer secret: “Using different countertop colors for the island and the perimeter, and having a variety of different hardware styles, helps set any kitchen apart,” Pizzale says. “It gives it the designer look while also adding interest.”Also on the team: Lenny DaSilva (contractor and millworker); Melissa Gorton (assistant designer); Mike Chajecki (photographer)Paint by Benjamin Moore: Wish (walls), Oxford White (trim), Dove Wing (cabinets) and Overcoat (island); island countertop: Britannicca, Cambria; perimeter countertop: Dev...
1. Transitional Designer: Gabriele PizzaleLocation: Etobicoke, Ontario, CanadaSize: 247 square feet (22.9 square meters); 21½ by 11½ feet (6.5 by 3.5 meters)Homeowners’ request: Transform a 1950s galley kitchen without upper cabinets by building an addition on the back of the home and creating an open-concept layout with lots of light.Gray and white: White Shaker-style cabinetry with custom molding. Charcoal gray painted island. Gray-and-white herringbone-patterned backsplash. Quartz countertop that resembles marble. Stainless steel sink and appliances. Oil-rubbed bronze pendants. Dark gray stools.Other special features: Skylights. Glass-paneled door to the backyard. Hardwood floors. Large-scale pendant lights.
1. Warm and industrialDesigner: Kristin Winn Weinrich of Four Brothers Location: Washington, D.C.Size: 216 square feet (20 square meters); 13½ by 16 feet (4.1 by 4.8 meters)Homeowners’ request: Expand a small, cut-off galley kitchen into a big, warm space that would feel more connected to the surrounding dining and living areas. Gray and white: Medium gray custom cabinets (Stonedust, Elmwood Fine Custom Cabinetry) help highlight and balance out the warm golden wood tones. Gray wall paint (London Fog, Benjamin Moore). White quartz countertop with subtle gray veining. White subway tile (Arctic White, Daltile). Painted white shiplap (Super White, Benjamin Moore). “I think almost every kitchen should have a clean, white element,” designer Kristin Winn Weinrich says. Other special features: Three-inch-thick maple butcher block island countertop. BlueStar range in vibrant Signal Yellow. Tall pantry with roll-outs. Panel-ready freezer drawers in island. Appliance garage. Island cabinets with hidden touch latches. Cast iron shelving brackets. Raw steel stools. Matte black cabinet pulls. Glossy black pendants.
Photos by Andrea Rugg PhotographyKitchen at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple of recent empty nesters Location: Maple Grove, MinnesotaDesigner: Liz Schupanitz DesignsAfter their last child graduated from college, these homeowners thought about downsizing and moving into a new home, but since they loved their neighborhood so much, they couldn’t bring themselves to leave. Instead, they decided to remodel. The biggest renovation project on their list was to create a classic white kitchen with a large island that would stay within the room’s existing footprint.
The Big Family KitchenThis kitchen begins with a large built-in refrigerator with an ice and water dispenser. A microwave and coffee maker come next before transitioning to the cooking center, which hosts a double oven and warming drawer, and a large professional-grade cooktop to the far right. The sink and dishwasher in the island complete the work triangle positioned comfortably between the cooking and refrigerator centers.Key Measurements to Help You Design Your KitchenThe 15 Most Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas on HouzzFind kitchen storage and organization products in the Shop section
AFTER: Tsang demolished the previous kitchen, pantry and laundry area to create a more efficient floor plan. Removing the peninsula and pony wall allowed him to extend the kitchen to the former breakfast nook and open it more to the living room. A new 10-foot wide center island includes a farmhouse sink with a brushed nickel pull-down faucet, wood-and-steel bar stools, and a microwave and dishwasher on the backside across from the cooking area. “The island had to be very functional,” he says. “As a space to prepare food, act as a divider between the kitchen and living room, and also be a place for eating.”The updated color palette includes light gray walls, a white ceiling and a beautiful tile backsplash in a soft sea-glass hue. The base of the island has a rich gray color that helps anchor the room. “We went with lighter tones to maximize and brighten the space, and used a darker gray on the island so the kitchen didn’t feel so washed out,” Tsang says. A wood-look porcelain tile floor offers durability and warm tones. The tile extends into the living room, which was previously carpeted.Paint: Repose Gray (walls), Pure White (ceiling) and Grizzle Gray (island base), Sherwin-William...
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