Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   This large open concept kitchen and dining space was created by removing a load bearing wall between the old kitchen and a porch area. The new porch was insulated and incorporated into the overall space. The kitchen remodel was part of a whole house remodel so new quarter sawn oak flooring, a vaulted ceiling, windows and skylights were added. A large calcutta marble topped island takes center stage. It houses a 5’ galley workstation - a sink that provides a convenient spot for prepping, serving, entertaining and clean up. A 36” induction cooktop is located directly across from the island for easy access. Two appliance garages on either side of the cooktop house small appliances that are used on a daily basis. Honeycomb tile by Ann Sacks and open shelving along the cooktop wall add an interesting focal point to the room. Antique mirrored glass faces the storage unit housing dry goods and a beverage center. “I chose details for the space that had a bit of a mid-century vibe that would work well with what was originally a 1950s ranch. Along the way a previous owner added a 2nd floor making it more of a Cape Cod style home, a few eclectic details felt appropriate”, adds Klimala. The wall opposite the cooktop houses a full size fridge, freezer, double oven, coffee machine and microwave. “There is a lot of functionality going on along that wall”, adds Klimala. A small pull out countertop below the coffee machine provides a spot for hot items coming out of the ovens. The rooms creamy cabinetry is accented by quartersawn white oak at the island and wrapped ceiling beam. The golden tones are repeated in the antique brass light fixtures. “This is the second kitchen I’ve had the opportunity to design for myself. My taste has gotten a little less traditional over the years, and although I’m still a traditionalist at heart, I had some fun with this kitchen and took some chances. The kitchen is super functional, easy to keep clean and has lots of storage to tuck things away when I’m done using them. The casual dining room is fabulous and is proving to be a great spot to linger after dinner. We love it!” Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Great way to hide your microwave. Microwave cabinet designed by north of Boston kitchen designer Nancy Hanson owner of Heartwood Kitchens Danvers MA. Heartwood is the winner of North Shore Magazine's Readers Choice 2011 for best kitchens. Photo credit: Eric Roth Photography.

Designer: Teri Turan Photography: Sacha Griffin

Cooking essentials are all within reach for the serious chefs in this home! Faced with a cramped eat-in kitchen our job was to both maximize and open up the space. By relocating the refrigerator and surrounding it with pantry cabinets, we were able to create more counter space and allow space for two chefs. Warm stained-wood open corner shelving was installed to display the chefs’ favorite items and keep them right at an arm's reach. The breakfast table is now positioned at the window, giving diners a view of the beautiful backyard. The finishes (Executive Cabinetry - Putnam door style in Alabaster paint; Belgian Blue Satin quartz counters by Alleanza) blend seamlessly with the rest of the home.

Custom build xCustom Home xcustom kitchen xmarble backsplash xNashville xpot filler xThermador xwhite kitchen xstainless steel hood xcustom hood xinset cabinetry x

Stacey Goldberg

As the residence’s original kitchen was becoming dilapidated, the homeowners decided to knock it down and place it in a different part of the house prior to designing and building the gorgeous kitchen pictured. The homeowners love to entertain, so they requested the kitchen be the centrepiece of the entertaining area at the rear of the house. Large sliding doors were installed to allow the space to extend seamlessly out to the patio, garden, barbecue and pool at the rear of the home, forming one large entertaining area. Given the space’s importance within the home, it had to be aesthetically pleasing. With this in mind, gorgeous Ross Gardam pendants were selected to add an element of luxe to the space. Byron Blackbutt veneer, polyurethane in Domino and gorgeous quartz were chosen as the space’s main materials to add warmth to what is predominantly a very modern home.

Design By Lorraine Franklin Design interiors@lorrainefranklin.com Photography by Valerie Wilcox http://www.valeriewilcox.ca/

A hardwood shaker style kitchen. The built in cabinets and island are hand painted in Farrow and Ball, Pavilion Grey. The tall cabinetry is paired with a ladder for easy access to the taller cupboards. The large island has a Shaker 900 Perrin and Rowe sink and integrated storage. It has a breakfast bar at one end, with traditional wooden stools. Integrated larder unit includes a built in Miele microwave and mounted spice racks. It has Farrow and Ball painted frames with a natural wood interior finish.

Tucking the microwave into a wall cabinet gets it off the counter. The butcher block counter section works well as a prep area next to the refrigerator and with the toaster oven. Chandler Photography

This kitchenette is hidden behind doors and serves the adjacent wine cellar when entertaining. The microwave unit is retractable at the press of a button too! RossCo Advertising Photography

A double width integrated pantry in the kitchen provides extensive storage space, with fitted with sockets to hide unslightly appliances. A marble surface within provides an attractive work surface, complementing the beautiful natural wood finish of the shelving. Photographer: Nick Smith

Todd Stone