This contemporary kitchen balances the lightness of white countertops with the dark chocolate stained rift oak cabinets and a granite slab island that pulls it all together. The clients’ wanted a working kitchen that allows a cook and separate prep cook to work together without interference while keeping the clean lines of the entire space. Upon a closer look it has hidden gems enhancing its efficiency and functionality. The glass tile backsplash not only adds a touch of luster but it easy to clean. Just across the range top is a six inch deep cabinet within reach containing all the necessary spices and oils. Hidden right next to the pantry is a cork board and ironing board making this space both beautiful and mult-ifunctional. The island is a divider to the main living space, a place to store cookbooks and wine bottles, and also provides enough space for guests and a prep area. The bar area boasts a second sink, chilled wine refrigerator and a built in coffee machine so that anyone can obtain their favorite beverage without interfering with the rest of the space. With all of this in view from the main living area it was important that it still maintains the feel of a living space and not just a kitchen. Incorporating cabinets that show the collection of colorful dishes behind reeded glass along with a display shelf above the sink not only prove to be useful but draws the eye to the beauty of the space. This kitchen that is both functional with every square inch and maintains the clients’ desires for honest clean lines creates stunning first impression while also creating an inviting environment.

Modern Ikea Kitchen, Open Floorplan

photography by Rob Karosis

Stacy Curran, South Shore Decorating, http://www.southshoredecorating.com

Interior Design: Sara Gilbane Interiors Architecture: Newport Collaborative Architects Custom Cabinetry: Woodmeister Master Builders Photography: Gary Sloan Studios

Before and After photos from various projects. Professional photos by Lauren Rubinstein, Emily Followell, and Sarah Dorio.

Winner of five awards in the Rough Hollow Parade of Homes, this 6,778 square foot home is an exquisite addition to the prestigious Lakeway neighborhood. The Santa Barbara style home features a welcoming colonnade, lush courtyard, beautiful casita, spacious master suite with a private outdoor covered terrace, and a unique Koi pond beginning underneath the wine room glass floor and continuing to the outdoor living area. In addition, the views of Lake Travis are unmatched throughout the home. Photography by Coles Hairston

Chpper Hatter Photo 10ft ceiling heights in this new home design help expand the overall space and provide enough height to include the stone hood design. The Blackberry stained cherry cabinetry for the main cabinetry provides the contrast for the natural stone hood. The island cabinetry is Straw color on Alder wood. This light color helps the overall space stay light. The custom desk is in the kitchen for easy access to recipes and school schedules.

Karin Payson A+D, Staprans Design, Matthew Millman Photography

The original doors to the outdoor courtyard were very plain being that it was originally a servants kitchen. You can see out the far right kitchen window the roofline of the conservatory which had a triple set of arched stained glass transom windows. My client wanted a uniformed appearance when viewing the house from the courtyard so we had the new doors designed to match the ones in the conservatory.

Contemporary artist Gustav Klimpt’s “The Kiss” was the inspiration for this 1950’s ranch remodel. The existing living room, dining, kitchen and family room were independent rooms completely separate from each other. Our goal was to create an open grand-room design to accommodate the needs of a couple who love to entertain on a large scale and whose parties revolve around theater and the latest in gourmet cuisine. The kitchen was moved to the end wall so that it became the “stage” for all of the client’s entertaining and daily life’s “productions”. The custom tile mosaic, both at the fireplace and kitchen, inspired by Klimpt, took first place as the focal point. Because of this, we chose the Best by Broan K4236SS for its minimal design, power to vent the 30” Wolf Cooktop and that it offered a seamless flue for the 10’6” high ceiling. The client enjoys the convenient controls and halogen lighting system that the hood offers and cleaning the professional baffle filter system is a breeze since they fit right in the Bosch dishwasher. Finishes & Products:  Beech Slab-Style cabinets with Espresso stained alder accents.  Custom slate and tile mosaic backsplash  Kitchenaid Refrigerator  Dacor wall oven and convection/microwave  Wolf 30” cooktop top  Bamboo Flooring  Custom radius copper eating bar