kitchens

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.

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8. Pretty and practical. For designer Sarah St. Amand’s own kitchen in Toronto, she selected a stunning quartz for the countertops and backsplash. “I knew I wanted to mimic marble, but marble isn’t the best choice for busy people and families in their kitchens because it’s porous and stains easily.” The quartz she selected gives her the best of both worlds.

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3. Use blackboard paint to turn the end of a cabinet into a calendar or communications board. This setup fits: People who need a shared calendar and memo board and don’t have much wall space. Tip: Use chalk pens to keep dust to a minimum.

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White perimeter wood island

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To do over doorway into laundry

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The look of short open shelves planking sink

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Siding as backsplash

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Cabinet combos

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Island seating

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