Kitchen
One of the most common mistakes in kitchen lighting is to add overhead lights over floors rather than above workspaces like countertops, sinks and ranges. Recessed downlights, the workhorse of most kitchens, are too often placed in front of or behind countertops. This can create harsh shadows right where you might be working with sharp knives. Instead, consider locating recessed downlights directly above the center of countertops.
Lighten up a dark kitchen with glass cabinet doors. For a seamless look, extend a countertop material up the walls as a backsplash. Think about what you need handy while cooking and plan storage around the range accordingly. Make the most of corner cabinet space with Lazy Susans, half-moons or other cabinet pullouts. Talk to your designer about how to make a kitchen floor softer for your feet and legs. Consider including a well-placed beverage area when planning your kitchen renovation.
That's a great looking kitchen xx
If you’re remodeling your kitchen and plan to include wood cabinets, one question you may be considering is what type of wood to choose. The good news is that many different woods can work with many different kitchen styles. These kitchens are all transitional, a design style that marries traditional and contemporary looks and that is the most popular style for a remodeled kitchen, according to Houzz research. The spaces here show how five types of wood can work beautifully with one style of kitchen.
The appliance garage provides storage space for china, glassware, cookbooks, a rice cooker, an espresso maker and other small appliances. The door pulls down to conceal these items for an uncluttered view from the living room.
An opened-up galley kitchen has its pros and cons. On one hand, it tends to feel larger, enjoy more natural light and encourage socializing (and maybe even helping with the food prep). On the other, it means potentially losing a wall of upper cabinets and appliances. The upper cabinets that extend to the ceiling increase the room’s storage potential. And a counter-depth fridge keeps everything pleasingly streamlined.
This tight kitchen was jampacked with cabinetry, had an oppressively low ceiling and was painted in shades of beige. The designer raised the ceiling a foot and replaced overly ornate cabinetry and moldings with sleek alternatives, and also replaced a bulky refrigerator with a panel-front fridge and two freezer drawers. The induction cooktop has a pop-up downdraft, freeing the overhead space for storage. One part of the design that’s intentionally not so sleek: an antique table and chairs that add warmth and contrast in the contemporary kitchen. The family can post artwork, notes and messages on the magnetic glass panels. Square recessed lights and undercabinet lighting brighten up the once-dark space.
Using a counter-depth panel-front refrigerator keeps it from jutting into the traffic path. Extending the cabinetry to the ceiling maximizes storage. The designer also reserved the back of the room for a workspace and a cabinet with retractable doors that conceal the washer and dryer.
Even though galley kitchens tend to be small, remodeling them can be overwhelming. A design pro can help you create a kitchen that maximizes storage, functions well and suits your style. The bright backsplash tile is a big pick-me-up that’s complemented by a black-and-white cement tile floor. Light aqua cabinetry, carefully selected light fixtures and a vintage stove maintain a retro vibe.
There's a pantry hidden behind that blackboard..
The cabinets are classic Shaker style with a beaded inset. Glass doors on the upper cabinets lighten up the inky palette, and the interiors of the cabinets are stained oak, which adds warmth. Using inset cabinets (door and drawer fronts flush with the frames) with concealed hinges lends a clean look that lets the cabinet pulls stand out. These cabinets are painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Inkwell, a blackish-navy hue.
Dimmers are not very expensive, but they are worth their weight in gold and can help you get the right amount of light on your counters. A switch just gives you the choice of on or off; dimmers, such as the ones used in this kitchen, open up the possibility of setting a different mood after dinner and can help you relax while cleaning up.
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