Designer Jeff Andrews brought to life an open and inviting kitchen space. Gorgeous marble is used on both the backsplash and countertops while glass cabinets showcase a variety of dinnerware.

Dark meets light in this enthralling kitchen. Black cabinetry is brightened up with a gray tile backsplash and gold-toned hardware. Mirrors are carefully placed behind the shelves which help to soften the space up a bit. 

A daring plaid makes for an innovative backsplash in this one-of-a-kind kitchen. Scarlet cabinets correlate with the red knobs on the Wolf range. 

Jennifer Weiss was able to dramatically open up this kitchen by removing doors and reducing walls. She also visually heightened the room by installing new cabinets, a zinc hood enclosure that extends all the way up to the ceiling and a sculptural light by Aqua Creations.

Give character to new features. In this kitchen, the designers deliberately painted new ceilings and wall boards right away so that when the wood settled, the edges would be unfinished—a rustic effect that architect Ken Linsteadt developed specifically for this home.

Large subway tiles, stone slab countertops and Arclinea touch-latch stainless steel cabinets make for a kitchen with a sleek look.

This kitchen proves that clean lines and natural materials can still make for a warm space.

This modern kitchen is open to the rest of the home's living space. Light hues keep the space airy.

 

Cooking Light

Designed by Martha Angus

Designer Martha Angus installed glass-backed cabinets on either side of the refrigerator and feezer in this light and airy kitchen. The cabinets make for a great place to display the homeowner's collection of white pottery and are a way to add light to an otherwise windowless room.

 

Fade to Black

Designed by Elena Frampton and Delta Wright, Curated

This kitchen is situated in the corner of a large open floorplan. To give the space its own identity, designers Elena Frampton and Delta Wright of the Santa Monica-based firm Curated painted the space with Benjamin Moore's Wroght Iron.

 

The Price is Right

Designed by Touraine Richmond Architects

Designer Deborah Richmond knows how to take something inexpensive—like the Flakeboad seen here—and make it appear refined. Traditionally, Flakeboard is hidden under veneers, but after sanding it and sealing it with polyurethane, Richmond had a material that was textured and interesting.

 

Against the Grain

Designed by Vanessa De Vargas

In this kitchen, many of the appliances, and even the deep industrial sink, were scored secondhand from Craigslist and eBay. 

 

Hot Rod

Designed by Jon Staub

Dark woods and a rich color palette make this kitchen feel like a warm retreat.

 

Art Collective

Designed by Pae White

Color provides a dramatic backdrop for a collection of art. The charcoal gray walls in the kitchen make offset glossy cayenne-colored cabinets, a collection of Environmental Ceramics and serigraphs from the 1960s by Sister Mary Corita, Songs about the Greatness and I Love You.

 

Backsplashes, Blackboards and Bugs

Designed by Erin Martin

Antique mirrors make for an unexpected, but still functional backsplash in this Napa Valley kitchen. Exposed rafters and old-world-style sink fixtures are balanced by the modern lines of the counters and open shelving.

 

Symmetry Studies

Designed by Craig Schultz

Open ocean views keep this kitchen beautiful, while two islands keep it functional. One 12-inch-thick butcher block–topped prep-island holds sink and dishwasher, as well as storage and a bar-height counter. Another island, framed in cold-rolled steel, is centered around the cooking range. One side is for gourmet cooking, and the other side works like an old-fashioned service kitchen.

 

Clean and Bright

Gleaming in stainless steel, the Boffi kitchen keeps everything on hand but also out of sight. Stove: custom, Gaggenau, Dzine Cabinets and pantry: “Kitchen System 5,” Piero Lissoni, Boffi, Dzine Hood and fixtures: Boffi, Dzine.

 

Out with the Old

A splash of neon-green helps bring a muted grey-and-white kitchen to life. Trim paint: “White-01,” Benjamin Moore Green paint: “Lime Sorbet,” Dunn Edwards Gray paint: “Silverlined,” Dunn Edwards.

 

A Very Brady Remodel

Designed by Molly Luetkemeyer

Designer Molly Luetkemeyer created a kitchen that makes visitors feel as though they’re on a vacation. The space draws inspiration from the Greek Isles and the yellow-striped ceiling is meant to mimic a bright Italian awning.

 

Full House

Designed by Gillian Lefkowitz

Interior designer Gillian Lefkowitz and architect Cory Buckner to design a contemporary home that referenced the classic mid-century post-and-beam residences by A. Quincy Jones and Whitney R. Smith. In the kitchen, there are tons of surprises, from the pistachio green cabinets to the brown and white outdoor fabric on the breakfast banquette.

 

Update What You Have

Forget boring white cabinets. Designer Ken Fulk added a coat of blue paint to the upper rows to add interest to this kitchen. Blue paint on cabinetry: “Churchill,” G & R Paint, SF Countertops: Honed black granite Stools: “Arborline Barstool,” C.J. Welch-North, SF Cabinets and cabinet hardware: homeowners’ own.

 

The Ins and Outs

A folding door means that this kitchen can open up to the dining room, but that a mess can be hidden from view in a pinch.

 

Family and Function

In an open kitchen and dining room, a long farm-style table serves as a family gathering spot and is surrounded by woven chairs, a bench and mid-century chairs upholstered with striped fabric. Countertops: Corian Wall color: “Gentle cream,” Benjamin Moore.

 

With a Retro Wink

Designed by De Lisle, Philpotts & Staub

Designer Charles De Lisle instilled a retro beachy vibe into this kitchen by using brown, gray and mustard-yellow Heath tiles and a low bar set with rattan stools covered in bright floral fabric.

 

Friends Only

Designed by Nic Ehr, Remick Associates

An open plan was the main focus for this modernized kitchen. Maple cabinets stand out in this demure space while the island features dark granite counters ideal for a party of friends

 

Behind Closed Doors

Minimalism can be hard to achieve when living in a compact space.  In this Sydney, Australia, kitchen and dining room, doors conceal all of the appliances and accessories.

 

Curtain Call

In homes with open layouts, it can be difficult to distinguish particular spaces even when furniture or built-in pieces are utilized. Italian designer Paola Novone incorporated airy white curtains in her Paris loft to separate the sleek, gray kitchen and dining area. Via Elle Décor. 

 

Swinging Sixties

Though most homeowners would renovate a dark and dated kitchen, Greg and Christina Strangman fully embraced the original travertine countertops and funky open shelves in their 1962 home. With the addition of modern appliances, the kitchen effortlessly transitions into the 21st century.

 

Beam Me Up

A warehouse-turned-apartment in Copenhagen incorporates the ruggedness of its exposed beams throughout the space.  Though the island and freestanding cabinets are modern additions, it seems as if they’ve been there for centuries.

 

Space of Enlightenment

Designed by Jonathan Feldman, Feldman Architecture

Monochromatic yellow-beige surfaces, appliances and accessories capture the natural light that streams into this Carmel Valley home, creating a warm and welcoming glow. 

 

Vertical Solutions

Designed by Darryl Carter

Designer Darryl Carter took advantage of his Washington DC home’s high ceilings to add more storage space. Dishware and serving platters are conveniently displayed on an antique Italian étagère.

 

Fill in the Blank

Designed by Steve Johnson

An entirely white kitchen may seem intimidating, but when subtle details are added, a clean—but not boring—vision can still be achieved.  Designer Steve Johnson incorporated smatterings of color in the backsplash, the cabinetry and dining area, alongside eye-catching accessories.

 

Bringing the Outdoors In

This breathtaking Napa kitchen instantly expands when sliding glass doors on either side are opened. The continuous hardwood floors, stone walls and rustic details enhance its connection to the outside spaces. 

 

Hidden Agenda

Designed by Craig Schultz

Clean surfaces conceal the appliances in this kitchen by Craig Schultz. The mix of materials, colors and textures prevents the space from becoming too one-dimensional.

 

Up in Flames

Traditional methods of cooking return with the inclusion of a rustic fireplace. However, in this New York home, a fireplace inhabits more of an aesthetic role and is used for making pizza rather than for boiling water.

 

Cool Contrast

Designed by Cari Berg

Dark brown cabinetry may scream “outdated” to some, but when paired with a stainless steel backsplash and appliances, it creates a streamlined contrast. Designer Cari Berg added an angular light fixture and stools to juxtapose with the kitchen’s simple lines.

 

Graphic Design

Designed by Steven Gambrel

Surfaces are the focal point—rather than the backdrop—in this kitchen by Steven Gambrel. French concrete floor tiles and glazed wall tiles pop alongside traditional white cabinetry and shelves.

 

Industrial Age

Designed by Allison Bloom

Though traditional and classic at first glance, Allison Bloom’s kitchen features quirky details when examined closely. Stainless steel countertops, salvaged street lamps and modern barstools create an industrial, space age feel. 

 

Two for One

Eating in the kitchen is encouraged in fashion designer Jenni Kayne's home. With the pantry and appliances pushed to opposite sides of the room, the large island at the center—decked out with an incorporated cook top—provides an area to prepare food and dine. 

 

Glass House

Maximize natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows on every wall. The kitchen in this London home seems to float away from the rest of the structure, creating a one-of-a-kind cooking experience.