Free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   My husband and I had the opportunity to completely gut and remodel a very tired 1950’s Garrison colonial. We knew that the idea of a semi-open floor plan would be ideal for our family. Space saving solutions started with the design of a banquet in the kitchen. The banquet’s focal point is the two stained glass windows on either end that help to capture daylight from the adjoining spaces. Material selections for the kitchen were driven by the desire for a bright, casual and uncomplicated look. The plan began with 3 large windows centered over a white farmhouse sink and overlooking the backyard. A large island acts as the kitchen’s work center and rounds out seating options in the room. White inset cabinetry is offset with a mix of materials including soapstone, cherry butcher block, stainless appliances, oak flooring and rustic white tiles that rise to the ceiling creating a dramatic backdrop for an arched range hood. Multiple mullioned glass doors keep the kitchen open, bright and airy. A palette of grayish greens and blues throughout the house helps to meld the white kitchen and trim detail with existing furnishings. In-cabinet lighting as well as task and undercabinet lighting complements the recessed can lights and help to complete the light and airy look of the space. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Dining room features custom light fixture large in scale to define the dining area. The round dining table is 72" in diameter and seats 8-10 people. It has a lazy susan in the center!

Warren Jagger

Built, designed & furnished by Spinnaker Development, Newport Beach Interior Design by Details a Design Firm Photography by Bowman Group Photography

Elegant Dining Room

Francis Smith

Kitchen | Photo Credit: Miro Dvorscak

The homeowner of this ranch style home in Orange Park Acres wanted the Kitchen Breakfast Nook to become a large informal Dining Room that was an extension of the new Great Room. A new painted limestone effect on the used brick fireplace sets the tone for a lighter, more open and airy space. Using a bench for part of the seating helps to eliminate crowding and give a place for the grandkids to sit that can handle sticky hands. Custom designed dining chairs in a heavy duty velvet add to the luxurious feeling of the room and can be used in the adjacent Great Room for additional seating. A heavy dark iron chandelier was replaced with the lovely fixture that was hanging in another room; it's pale tones perfect for the new scheme. The window seat cushions were updated in a serviceable ostrich print taupe vinyl enhanced by rich cut velvet brocade and metallic woven pillows, making it a perfect place to sit and enjoy the outdoors. Photo by Anthony Gomez.

Greg Premru

Photo by Bob Greenspan

Soft grass bordering aged flagstone adds to the romance of this Georgian-style setting. The palette is consistently cool; even the tableware echoes the blue waters of the pool.

Our major goal was to have the ‘kitchen addition’, keep the authentic Spanish Revival style in this 1929 home.

Trent Teigen