There’s a pull to play it safe and go with what’s current when designing our kitchens. This is one of the pricier spaces in our homes and return on investment is a serious consideration. But, factor in how much time is spent living and entertaining here and it makes sense to let these rooms reflect our styles. Here are the creations of people who let their personalities shine in the heart of their home. Some are subtle, some are daring. See if you have a favorite.
Embrace the aging process
While crisp new cabinetry, flooring and tile often take center stage in kitchens, these homeowners wanted a space to match the old-world style of the rest of their home. Repurposed barn wood covers the cathedral ceiling in the breakfast area. A 50-ton screw jack the couple found at a shipyard serves as a support for the table and 2,800 bricks, hand sanded by the homeowner, cover the walls. The result is a modern kitchen with a warm vintage feel.
RESOURCES Contractor Dave Fox Design-Build Remodelers Designers Homeowners, Dave Fox Design-Build Remodelers, Doug Myers Interiors Countertops Supplied by Stone Mart, fabricated by Konkus Marble & Granite Backsplash The Hamilton Parker Company
Plan on lifestyle rather than resale
After choosing this bold turquoise color for her kitchen, several people tried to change this homeowner’s mind. “But, I stuck to my guns,” she says. I couldn’t stand the idea of renovating my kitchen in such a way that it would be various shades of neutral. “I wanted to do something different, something happy and bold. Why can’t we make bold choices about our home and stop worrying about what colors and materials would be good for resale?” Bravo!
RESOURCES Contractor Hamilton Contractors Cabinetry Daso Custom Cabinetry Countertops Island in Brittanica Perimeter in Weybourne both in matte finish, from Cambria Backsplash Chevron Weave, Florida Tile Island fixtures Feiss, Panic Lighting
Skip the stools and claim your space
It’s hard not to immediately take notice of this kitchen’s hand-built, walnut and maple center island. But what you might not notice at first is the absence of barstools near the 9 by 4-foot structure. There’s a definite reason for that. The homeowner likes to cook and entertain crowds and would prefer her guests not cluster near the island and fence her in while she is cooking. She says, “I like to disperse the crowd so I can really function.”
RESOURCES Design and construction Kircher Design & Build Cabinetry Peters Custom Cabinetry Countertops LG Viatera and Caesarstone, fabricated by KBR Manufacturing Lighting Kichler from Lyons Lighting Backsplash tile Hamilton Parker Hearth room chairs, rug, dining table Hoffman & Albers Interiors
Play with interference
Needing to work around a support column after moving this kitchen to a new location in the home, designer Karen Bieszczak decided to embrace the obstacle by matching it up with a mate. While the first post is structural, the second serves to conceal electrical wires that connect to the ceiling lights and range hood above the 12-foot-long island. The posts are covered with weathered wood, adding a welcome rustic touch.
RESOURCES Contractor Legacy Custom Builders Architect Kenneth R. Bowerman, Architect, Inc. Kitchen designer Bzak Design Group Appliances The Appliance Loft
Keep it simple and stand out
While the current trend is to mix and match, two, three, or even more woods and finishes in the kitchen, sometimes it feels right to stick with one finish for a clean, uncluttered result. As an interior designer, this homeowner knew the countless options available, but chose a raw white oak for her perimeter cabinets, island and the floating shelves that flank the window above her sink. A custom glaze and wash was applied to preserve the wood’s natural coloring.
RESOURCES Contractor Next Stage Home Solutions Kitchen design Cabinet Creations, Inc. Interior design Luken Interiors Windows Marvin, Marsh Building Products Cabinetry Cabinetry by Provines Countertops and backsplash Honed Imperial Danby marble, Mees and The Stone Studio Faucet Waterstone Faucets, Carr Supply Hardwood flooring Tom Helwig Appliances Appliance Gallery
Opt for elegance
More than any other room in our home, the focus is on function in our kitchens. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t introduce a serious layer of elegance to this space. The standout here is a mirrored door refrigerator with an intersecting circle overlay that carries through to the custom-built glass front display cabinets. The pattern continues in the tile inset over the cooktop. All this grandeur is wrapped in a soothing sea of silvers, blues, grays and crystals.
RESOURCES Builder Zicka Homes Designers Homeowner and Katie Zicka Cabinetry Western Custom Cabinetry Woodwork C&W Woodworking Tile Florida Tile
By Molly Linch
Article originally appeared in November 2022