2008 kitchens
1. Architect: Rosanne McGrath, Studio M Architects
Designer: Cary McLean, Designs for Living
General Contractor: Jim Butler, Butler Construction
Sacrificing the distinctive Arts and Crafts features that defined their Gunderson home was not an option for these homeowners. Although a portion of the original dining room hutch was removed in order to relocate and open up the kitchen, it was replaced with stunning art glass pocket doors. The integrity of the house is preserved further in the scale and detail of the new space as well as the windows designed to match original windows in front of the house. The clean lines of the Shaker-style oak cabinets are repeated in the simple hand-crafted oak table, white subway tile backsplash and pendant lighting. Earth-toned granite counters in the large center island provide texture and contrast to this exceptional kitchen.
2.Designer: Christine Julian, Julian Kitchen Design
Architect: James Michael Vanderheyden
General Contractor: David Bosi, Bosi Construction
This handsome Prairie Style home with a distinctive octagonal dining area deserves nothing less than this exceptional kitchen with similar symmetrical elements and geometric design. One of the most eye-catching features is the "Fritza" limestone tile backsplash of small tiles in geometric patterns. Other features are oak woodwork, floors and lower cabinets, and rectangular Prairie Style pendant lighting. Textures for countertops range from a neutral stone that is a composite of quartz and resin to the darker shades of Zebra wood. Although thoroughly modern, several Arts & Crafts details were added for architectural context. The homeowner is an accomplished potter and collector, so open shelving above the counters for ease of use and display of her fantastic collection was also a "must-have" in this warm and inviting kitchen.
3. Designer: Anastasia Sowinski, Pamela Polvere Design
General Contractor: Peterson Construction Company, Inc.
Most of the space in this galley kitchen was not usable prior to the renovation. But today there's a place for everything with not an inch wasted in this compact and well-planned kitchen. The petite homeowner even used space under the cabinets to conceal a folding step ladder that provides easy access to the top most shelves. The color palette is a cool gray and white with white cabinets and a subway tile backsplash, gray granite counters and an arresting stucco range hood painted a metallic gray to match the small metallic squares in the backsplash above the range. The original maple floor was retained and rebuffed while a wall between the kitchen and dining area was removed for a more open feel in this sunny kitchen.
4. Designer: Cary McLean, Designs for Living
General Contractor: Mike Coppolino, Wessels Construction
These homeowners wanted a comfortable kitchen that would also showcase their collection of ethnic art and pottery. The result is an extremely functional space that makes it feel larger than it actually is. The kitchen has edgy industrial accents such as the rivets on the zinc range hood, heated slate flooring, and a center island with a soapstone counter that is contoured to meet the round glass table. Anigre, a beautiful grained African wood, was used for the cabinetry. Additional texture is found in the tumble marble mosaic backsplash, antique black granite counters and a small gas fireplace centered in a stone wall at the back of this warm and inviting kitchen.
5. Designer: Mark Menna, Mark Menna Designs
General Contractor: Tim Grams, Grams Construction
This formerly white kitchen was expanded by removing a wall between the kitchen and breakfast room and transformed into an expansive and family-friendly gathering space flooded with warmth and color. Cherry cabinets with magnificent hand carved crown molding blend beautifully with Bordeaux granite that is used in both perimeter counters and as a rounded tabletop. Variations of these shades are used in the harlequin-patterned wall, slate flooring and backsplash. The walk-in pantry is concealed behind reeded glass double doors. A home office and computer center centered between banks of cabinets is also an integral part of this very functional kitchen.
6. Designer:John Scott, Keevan Sadock Design
General Contractor: Kinnare Builders
Space in this traditional kitchen was expanded by removing a back staircase and pushing out a wall to create a formal yet extremely functional gathering space that is ideal for both family meals or entertaining a large crowd. Three separate work stations ensure that multiple chefs won't be jostling one another for space. A mirrored backsplash used with cherry cabinets around the perimeter make this large kitchen appear even bigger. Contrasting maple cabinets painted cream are paired with textured brown granite counters and backsplash. A crystal chandelier above the peninsula and breakfast bar and crystal drawer pulls add a touch of elegance to this impressive kitchen.
7. Designer:Jean Stoffer, Jean Stoffer Design
General Contractor: Melisande VanLiedekerke
This homeowner used a striking blend of decorative elements found in South America and Mexico to create a vintage Mexican kitchen with a warm, inviting ambiance. Wall cabinets were eschewed to achieve an open, light-filled experience. As backgrounds, the aged walls were created with an overglaze Intonachino plaster while saltillo floor tiles with electric radiant heat provide warmth. Argentinean granite counters, turquoise ceramic backsplash tiles, carved wood window valances, aged copper sinks and wrought iron light fixtures combine to enrich the space's artistry. The centerpiece of the kitchen is a 10-foot turquoise island with a sturdy black walnut countertop. The mix of hardware pieces provides rich accents to the knotty alder cabinetry, some of which is set into stone alcoves. All the various colors and textures combine to exude the feel of a hearth-centered space, rooted in the organic style of Mexico.
8. Designer: Mark Menna, Mark Menna Design
Architect: Rico Ramos, REM Architecture
Genreal Contractor: Joseph Svaton, Svaton Construction
This outstanding classic kitchen is just one portion of a complete home renovation. The centerpiece of this kitchen is the 9-foot island with a countertop of Iroko African hardwood. Warm oak floors and black soapstone perimeter counters provide contrasting texture to the pristine white cabinets and tile backsplash. Geometry makes its way into the kitchen through the circle design detail in the range’s tile backsplash and lined glass front cabinets and is subtly repeated throughout the space. Color accents of moss green and aqua are scattered throughout the kitchen in collectibles such as a distressed Mexican dough bowl and antique mason jars. But perhaps the most practical element of this kitchen is the custom black chalkboard refrigerator doors that keep the family’s schedule at a glance from any point within the room.
9. Designer: John Scott, Keevan Sadock Design
General Contractor: Astor Builders
This sleek and contemporary kitchen is characterized by clean lines and cutting edge technology. The cabinets are high gloss Thermofoil, a relatively new process that uses heat and pressure to bond thin PVC film to dense fiberboard. This lacquered cherry finish blends beautifully with gray and green granite counters.
A mirrored backsplash, linear cabinet pulls, recessed lighting and a sleek chrome faucet further enhance this minimalist look. The centerpiece of this well-designed kitchen is the large center island with comfortable upholstered chairs.
10. Designer: Pamela Polvere, Pamela Polvere Designs
Architect: Rosanne McGrath, Studio M Architects
General Contractor: Robert Carney
There was nothing wrong with the ho-hum kitchen in this nineties townhome if you didn't mind an inefficient floor plan and wall that separated it from the other living spaces. This homeowner removed the wall and relocated the laundry area to create a sunny and large kitchen that segues seamlessly into the rest of the house. The windows served as a template for the design of the beautifully detailed cream-colored painted cabinets with walnut beadboard backs. Calcatta marble counters are used for the center island and perimeter cabinets while a walnut countertop offers an interesting contrast for the desk/storage area. Even the soffit has been opened to create open shelving for display.
