Chip and I moved into our first house just after we returned home from our honeymoon. I can remember the hours I spent unpacking all of our wedding gifts and putting them away. Most of them were cooking utensils, and I spent a good deal of time choosing the perfect home for them within our bare kitchen cabinets. Before we got married, I didn’t have much cooking experience at all. I picked up some things from my mom over the years, and thank goodness, because those few dishes are what got us through the first couple months of marriage. That season of life was memorable for a lot of reasons. We were newly married and living in our first home together. I had spent several months decorating each room to look just right. Back then, our kitchen was just another space to style. I really didn’t feel any sort of deep connection to it. Both the room itself and all of the cooking tools that filled it felt pretty foreign to me. Part of the reason for this was because at the time, I was only cooking on a need-to basis, and on most nights just for Chip and me. I was far more interested in making this space look pretty than I was in actually using it. It wasn’t until I realized the importance of what food actually meant to the two of us that I began to see the kitchen differently. Recipes that had been a part of each of our families were a comfort to us both during this new, uncharted phase of our lives. So slowly, I began to spend more time in our tiny kitchen, less by obligation and more by choice—messing with ingredients and practicing using new tools and recipes until I started to feel like I actually belonged in that space.
One of my first instincts about our kitchen involved a beautiful domed, glass cake stand we had received as a wedding gift. It’s definitely no surprise to me that my first emotional connection to our kitchen involved dessert. Initially, I set the cake stand out on my counter because I thought it was pretty and worth showing off, but soon it wasn’t enough that it was nice to look at. I didn’t like seeing it empty. I had this desire to fill it with something good and sweet. Part of this might have been because I had an unrelenting sweet tooth—and still do—but it was also the way Chip’s face would light up when he’d walk into the kitchen and see freshly baked cookies or a lemon pie waiting on the counter. Or if neighbors dropped by, they would more likely feel genuinely encouraged to stay awhile if I had something sweet to offer them. For me, that cake stand symbolized my hope that people would feel welcomed in our home. At a time when I was still learning my way around the kitchen, I understood the significance of this small act of hospitality.
When we’d have people over for a meal, I really enjoyed having them hang out with me in the kitchen while I finished cooking or prepared drinks. There wasn’t enough room in there for an island, so instead I found a 3' × 3' cart with a butcher-block surface that I’d just roll in as needed. It was an awkward addition as the room really wasn’t large enough for anything extra. Nonetheless, I would place it right in the middle and soon enough, people would be gathered around it eating an appetizer or resting their drinks on there. I was fascinated even then by how people innately looked for places to gather and how this quirky spot became the backdrop for the beginning of our small community of friends. Rather unexpectedly, our little kitchen became my very favorite place to be. Somewhere between the new neighbor leaning against the kitchen counter as we talked and laughed and ate pie, and those nights huddled with friends around that tiny butcher-block cart, our kitchen became the heartbeat of our home.
Once we started flipping houses, we were moving so often that I never stayed in one kitchen for too long. But from then on, my cake stand remained full of something sweet, and over the next few years, no matter the house we were living in, I continued to pull out that same 3' × 3' cart for dinner parties. These two inanimate objects came to symbolize ideals of anticipating hospitality and creating spaces for gathering that have continued to guide my overall design philosophy through the years.
When I was working on making design plans for the kitchens in the first few houses that we flipped, I was determined to make them look beautiful despite the very limited budgets I was working within. I approached these renovations thinking about the space only from a cosmetic standpoint and I dreamed about what I could add to make them really stand out. My primary focus was making these kitchens aesthetically pleasing, and if I got lucky, functional as well. In those early days, functionality just never seemed to me a worthwhile enough priority. As I became more proficient in my own kitchen, it started to alter my design approach. Now with any kitchen design, there are two things I always consider before I begin: the functionality of the space and how to make it inspiring for the people who use it every day.
In our farmhouse, the kitchen is open to the living room as well as the dining room. This floor plan works well for us because these three rooms all exist within a relatively small footprint. This open flow, while not for everyone, is important to us because it really supports how our family actually functions day to day. We have a big family and everyone likes to gather around our island not only at mealtimes but also throughout the day just to hang out. I’m usually cooking dinner when the kids settle in at the island or dining table to do their homework, so it works well for us to have this space where we can talk to one another. We utilize our kitchen in a bunch of different ways, so it has naturally become the setting for many of the everyday moments we share as a family. We spend so much of our lives in this one spot that it needed to be comfortable and welcoming and thoughtfully laid out.
There’s an old adage about how the kitchen is the heart of the home, and as trite as that may sound, there’s obviously a reason it became a cliché in the first place. Food is our family’s love language, for Chip and me for sure, but for the kids even more so. I can already imagine that twenty years from now, our kitchen will be the first place they settle in when they come home for a visit, and that hours will pass by as we’re all gathered around that island, just as we do today. That’s my wish for this space.
If you feel drawn to this same idea of having those you love gathered in your kitchen, make that your priority in this space. Determine whether you can build in an island, and if you can’t, consider a movable cart like the one I used to roll in. It served us well for a lot of years, and even though I now have a good-size island like the one I wished for back then, the moments that we spent around that cart were just as rich as the ones we have now. Opening up my kitchen to family and friends is the best way I know how to show them that they are an important part of my life and that they are loved. Whether I’m alone and unhurried, playing with new recipes in a quiet kitchen or it’s noisy and full of the people I love, this room is a gift to me, and well, nothing else comes close to embodying just what I want from my home.
My priority in our kitchen is that it be incredibly functional for our family. The marble countertop on the island is practical for baking, and the concrete counters are durable, while also adding contrast to this primarily white space. The island is an antique piece that once sat in an old church and it’s now the primary focal point in our kitchen. The oversize subway tile backsplash keeps the space feeling bright and airy. The clean-lined metal open shelving is a modern element that balances the distressed textures of the room. The black metal draws your eyes up and offers a nice contrast to the white walls. Cookbooks and everyday ingredients are kept close by for easy reference on this baker’s rack. A few family heirlooms are on display, including my grandpa’s Syrian doughnut recipe. I love having this meaningful item in a place where I can see it every day.
KITCHENS: WHAT TO CONSIDER
The kitchen is typically where you’ll see the highest financial return on your investment. It’s often the most fundamental room in the house, so it’s understandable why most home-owners choose to invest their money and time here. Whether you’re considering simple updates or a complete remodel of your kitchen, you should approach this space in terms of making it not only highly functional, but also a beautiful, welcoming place to gather.
WHAT’S ON DISPLAY
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Notice how the spaces in this chapter display everyday items on countertops and shelves in a beautiful and practical way.
NEUTRAL PALETTE
[if !supportLists]· [endif]The kitchens featured in this chapter all boast a relatively neutral color palette, where textiles and accessories contribute subtle hints of color.
MIXED MATERIALS
[if !supportLists]· [endif]Notice the blend of materials in these kitchens, from metal open shelving to glass cabinets.
THE ELEMENTS
•CABINET UPGRADES•POT FILLER
•ATTRACTIVE BARSTOOLS•UPDATED HARDWARE
•CHOPPING BLOCK•COLORFUL COOKBOOKS
•OPEN SHELVING•PATTERNED BACKSPLASH
•ISLAND OR PENINSULA•SPICE JARS
•POTTED PLANTS•POT RACK
•TASK LIGHTING•DECORATIVE KITCHEN MAT
This kitchen, full of contrast and distinctive flooring, blends practicality and design well. The island is stocked full of key ingredients and supplies for easy accessibility. The homeowner has utilized trays to keep items that stay out on the countertops both organized and attractive. If you don’t have a built-in island, but you do have a few spare feet in your kitchen, consider adding a small table or cart to function as a working island and increase countertop space.
In order to blend the rustic and modern styles that these homeowners loved in this kitchen, I incorporated both wood tones as well as clean-lined elements. Instead of a typical tile backsplash, I chose a streamlined and modern marble stone slab with veining that makes an elevated statement. I’m a fan of open shelving but also have an appreciation for closed cabinets. This kitchen shows how to blend the best of both worlds. Pieces that serve a functional purpose like this simple wall-hanging pot rack can also make a strong design statement.
This homeowner converted two pre-existing spaces in what was formerly a duplex into one amazing kitchen. Rich colors and warm wood hues are blended within a more traditional white-and-black palette, creating both a classic and eclectic look. Despite the fusing of two homes into one, this space wasn’t taken down to its studs. Instead, the cabinetry and tile were updated to match each other. New upper cabinets were built with traditional glass doors, framing both sinks for a classic symmetrical look. The lower cabinets and island are painted a deep black, adding a nice contrast to the white upper cabinets and the island’s marble countertop.
This was at one time an empty corner that sat at the far end of the kitchen. If left alone, this would have been a few feet of unused space. But the homeowner wanted to utilize every inch of her kitchen, so she converted this bare corner into a coffee bar that now gets plenty of use every morning. The wooden bar and marble backsplash tie in seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen.
I wanted this kitchen at Hillcrest Estate to feel classic and warm. I intentionally mixed brass tones with cooler gray cabinets to give it a modern edge within a more traditional setting. This is a good-size kitchen, but because it’s most often used by vacationing families and needed to be functional for larger groups, I attached a peninsula to the brick wall framing out the stove to add additional seating and a serving area.
This kitchen design was inspired by the homeowners’ modern taste and love of brass elements. The black cabinets, waterfall island, and hardware offer a dramatic look. Because large windows provide a lot of natural light, the black cabinets don’t make the space feel too dark. I offset the moody color with light marble on both of the countertops and the backsplash. The nearby bartop offers additional seating and a great view of the beautiful wooded backyard.
This kitchen is in a tiny ranch house, so I incorporated mostly white materials, including the upper and lower cabinets and tile backsplash, to make the space feel bigger and blend seamlessly with the rest of the rooms in this open floor plan. To give the kitchen character, I added in natural textures with the irregular clay tiles used for the backsplash and the concrete counters. These handcrafted elements complement the modern style of the hardware, light fixture, and bold metal vent hood.
These homeowners chose to utilize one entire wall of their kitchen for large windows, which has made way for a ton of natural light to fill this room. Since this is a smaller space, the open shelving is functional and also makes the area appear more spacious. The unrefined elements of the kitchen—from the wood countertop to the industrial beams and exposed ductwork—reflect the urban lifestyle of the homeowners. The visible bike storage is yet another layer of personalization, showing that they’ve created a home that is tailored to their interests.
In this kitchen, high function meets sleek design. The vaulted wood-planked ceiling and similarly toned floor juxtapose the industrial cabinetry and utilitarian design, adding warmth to what could feel like a sterile space. The warm wood seats and metal legs of the bar stools also reflect this blend of styles. Stainless steel cabinetry and appliances offer a durable and utilitarian element to the kitchen, while also bringing in an industrial look.
The kitchen island, vaulted oak ceiling beams, and matching pocket doors create a cohesive look while the patterned tile backsplash provides a lot of visual interest within a relatively small setting. If there is a pricey material that you love but you can’t afford to use it generously, choose a small, high-impact spot like this to feature it without spending a lot. The built-in double-sided hutch adds another layer of personality, constructed with the same oak wood and cremone bolts used throughout the space. It also serves this room functionally as additional storage and serving space.
I wanted this kitchen to feel bold and classic—two characteristics that define the rest of this home. Raw wood is a simple way to add a casual, distinctive look to an otherwise traditional or modern space, and mixing these warm wood tones with the black cabinets and white-tiled backsplash laid in varying patterns creates a unique, eclectic style.
The stone walls with German Smear backsplash, a technique that involves applying wet mortar to stone or brick, give this kitchen an old-world feel, ideal for its rustic ranch setting. Concrete countertops and sleek wood cabinets add a modern edge, while the copper accents are a warm, classic addition. Oftentimes, dead space on the backside of an island can be an ideal area to display cookbooks. Look for other spots in your kitchen where additional storage can be carved out.
The overall design of this urban loft is industrial, allowing for the few significant style choices to really stand out. The use of black and white materials makes a bold statement, but when paired with light wood floors and brass hardware, the feeling of the room is transformed from high contrast and potentially sterile to warm and inviting. In order to ensure that the kitchen blends seamlessly with the rest of the space, I added industrial elements, including the metal vent hood, light fixtures, and a stainless-steel mobile island.
This kitchen strikes an ideal balance of texture and style. Painting just one wall in this otherwise neutral space makes a significant aesthetic statement, as does the simple beauty of antique cooking utensils hung beneath the vent hood.
From the collection of art hung on the wall to the unique cabinet design beneath the sink, these homeowners were intent on incorporating only the details they loved in their kitchen. This space is a great example of less is more—there is nothing displayed that isn’t serving a purpose or bringing joy to the people who use this space every day.
KITCHENS
TROUBLESHOOTING
NOT ENOUGH STORAGE
Free up valuable cabinet or drawer space by utilizing creative storage solutions such as utensil holders, wall hooks for kitchen textiles and tools, and pot racks.
LACKING COUNTER SPACE
If your kitchen feels cluttered or you prefer a minimal look, clear your counters of everything but the essentials. You can use trays or cutting boards to keep items that stay out on the countertops organized. If you have the space, add a small table that can function as a working island. This will increase valuable countertop space. You can purchase stainless steel work and storage tables from restaurant supply stores, or find an antique one.
INSUFFICIENT TASK LIGHTING
Sufficient light is essential in the kitchen. If your space is dark, hire an electrician to install a hanging pendant, chandelier, recessed cans, or under-cabinet task lighting.
EXPOSED APPLIANCES
Install your microwave into an island, or stash it away in the pantry or a cabinet along with any other small appliances that aren’t used every day. You may need an electrician to install an extra outlet in these spaces. Cabinets can also be customized to hide refrigerators or dishwashers.
OUTDATED KITCHEN
Changing the paint color or hardware on your cabinets are small updates that can make a huge difference in your kitchen. If you’re wanting a new style altogether, consider hiring a cabinetmaker to replace the doors and drawer fronts. Glass doors are also a beautiful choice in a kitchen. You can frame an area like the sink or the cooktop/range with these for a traditional look. You can also paint your lower cabinets, or island if you have one, a contrasting color and keep the uppers white for added visual interest. Updating the flooring or backsplash tile can also change the entire look and feel of a kitchen.
upgrading hardware
[if !supportLists]· [endif]For a simple replacement, like switching out handles, you can measure the length of the existing handle and shop around for new ones that match that size. If you want to change up the size and look of your handles completely, apply wood filler to the existing holes, and sand it down evenly once dry. Then, drill holes to your new measurements and lightly sand the whole door. To finish, add a fresh coat of paint for an updated look.
replacing cabinetry
[if !supportLists]· [endif]If you want to replace your cabinetry altogether, you have the flexibility to reimagine the layout and look of your entire kitchen.
open shelving
[if !supportLists]· [endif]If you love the look and ease of open shelving, tear out your existing upper cabinets to make space for this relatively easy upgrade. Choose from a range of styles, including wood, metal, or glass as well as the type of look you’d like, such as floating or bracketed shelves. With any style, be prepared to texture and paint the wall. Also make sure there is sufficient stud support to hold up the shelving.
