Kitchens
Undersink drawer. Given the plumbing fixtures that must go beneath the kitchen sink and the fact that there isn’t much room in that space for storage, this area can feel like a dank mini-cave. This drawer has a clever cutout that gently surrounds the plumbing, making available the good, clean space while keeping the plumbing hidden.
A padded, upholstered swinging door has become one of the most talked-about features of the space. “People see it and always want it, because it breaks the predictability of demarcating every space with the same wood door,” Stuart says. Instead, silvered vinyl upholstery with a mirror in place of the more expected restaurant-style window feels like an English pantry door, and, indeed, it leads to the pantry.
15. Antique butcher block island. It’s likely that anyone who’s ever stepped foot in this Pennsylvania kitchen has never forgotten it, thanks to the early-1800s French butcher block from a butcher shop used as an island. The 8-inch-thick top has deep dips from years of hammering meat in the butcher shop. Now that’s a conversation-starter.
13. Chandeliers. Designer Christine Ramaekers and the owners of this Michigan home smartly steered away from going with typical shade pendents over the island. Instead, a pair of crystal chandeliers add just the right touch of sparkle to complete the space. “If we chose something too simple, the kitchen would just fade away,” Ramaekers says.
9. Two-tone cabinet color scheme. We’ve reported how two-tone cabinets are destined for stardom this year, and this California kitchen is a good example of why. Originally the homeowners wanted an all-white Shaker kitchen before their designer, Sabrina Alfin, advised against it for fear of its coming off as too sterile. A grayish-teal color on the lower cabinets brought just the right balance and sophistication.
2. Multipurpose table on wheels. Not crazy about having a full-time dining table taking up floor space, Richard and Linnaea Bursch in Portland, Oregon, tapped designer Pangaea to come up with a better solution. She delivered with a table on wheels that can be tucked under the large island to create a breakfast bar, and rolled out to accommodate more formal occasions when needed
10. Spring for a pullout drying rack. It doesn’t matter how many dishwashers you have; you’ll always be air-drying a few pieces in your kitchen. If you’ve got room in your budget for a little splurge, consider a pullout drying cart like the one shown in this Northern California kitchen. It takes the place of a cabinet right next to the sink and keeps the clutter off the countertop.
side cabinets
Sink: Vox, Kohler; faucet: Loure, Kohler
brass hardware
7. Pendant height. I wish I could tell you the ideal height for island pendants, but it doesn’t exist. Consider many factors, from the pendant itself to the sightline height of the kitchen’s users. In general, pendants should be 30 to 40 inches above the island countertop. Why measure from the top of the island’s counter instead of from the ceiling? Because ceiling heights differ.
An old wooden table with a rich patina warms up any kitchen but works especially well when the kitchen opens to a wider living space. Add a soft rug underfoot to boost the comfort factor even more.
island looks way too "chunky" for this kitchen?
note hardware placement on cabinets
note hardware placement on cabinets
like leg shape...yes/more traditional
note vertical removable dividers for pot lids
ship lap siding on cabinets, also note overhead exhaust fan on island cooktop, other photo
white oak cabinets
Q