Form and function reign supreme in kitchen design. First and foremost, the layout needs to easily accommodate cooking, cleaning, serving and gathering. Properly chosen and placed appliances, anchoring the flow, are certainly important. And when selecting just the right mix of fixtures and finishes, endless combinations await.
Will the countertops be quartz or marble — or both? How might custom carpentry introduce texture, tucked-away storage and one-of-a-kind details? Will the backsplash and hood become show-stoppers? Do you incorporate deeply dramatic hues, or go with easy breezy neutrals? The floors, the walls … and don’t forget the ceiling; which light fixtures win the day?
Such an important space, with a deluge of decisions. For inspiration as well as project management, we turn to the professionals. In the following pages, talented locals share their favorite kitchens. Notice how all the elements, each carefully considered and collected, come together to create one cohesive scene. With the right team pulling it all together, form and function align optimally — and we stand in awe.
Attention to Detail
“We wanted this kitchen to be an open concept in the heart of the home with luxurious and elegant finishes — a place in the home you don’t want to leave. It’s fully opened up to the cozy living room, with an open viewing area to the all-seasons room, steps from a second butler’s kitchen and pantry and an intimate dining room … Every single piece of this home is custom and hand-built with luxury and creativity in mind.” –Bryan Wilkerson and Blake Catanzano
Highlights
- Coffered wood ceiling creates depth and visual interest
- An arched Infinty Black Leather quartzite from Brazil defines the backsplash, offset by white zellige tile
- Brazilian Black Leather quartzite continues throughout the space; on the countertops, across the 13-foot waterfall island and framing the windows
- Custom-built cabinets in a natural white oak are punctuated by Atwell Collection hardware in honey bronze finish
Designed by Next Phase Homes
Let the Sun Shine
“The overall design goal was to make the space feel bigger and brighter without gaining much space. I also wanted to create a mix of relaxed elegance while staying true to the style of the home. The large arched window achieves this, along with the corner unit brass metal-and-glass shelves and glass hood. These elements allow light to travel through them. The dark cabinetry grounds the space, while not making it feel too dark or small.” –Melissa Fitzgerald
Highlights:
- Arched window over the sink reinforces the home’s Mediterranean design
- Custom cabinets, made in-house by Social Cabinetry in a black-stained white oak, include arches, rattan and scalloped details
- Pencombe Hang fixture by Urban Electric Co. with moss-colored accents
- Countertops and backsplash in Arabescatto Marble by Young Brothers Inc.
- Custom hood in a reeded glass
Wine-and-Dine Ready
“The design goal of the kitchen was to be open to the dining and living room for entertaining family and friends while maintaining peak functionality for the homeowners. Our inspiration came from mixing modern and classic elements to create a space full of clean lines and rich wood tones. The saturated hues of the overdyed rug under the dining table really ground this bright white space and add a layer of warmth to the light-filled modern home.” –Katelynn Henry and Steve Calonkey
Highlights
- Currey and Company linear chandelier over the dining table with a gold leaf finish, from Henry Home Interiors
- Dining room features Cynthia Rowley Parsons-style table and chairs in a burl wood and navy velvet, from Henry Home Interiors
- Visual Comfort lighting from Henry Home Interiors over quartz island from Classic Tile
- Custom barstools designed by the homeowner
- Walk-in wine cellar, built by Curtis McCarty, with adjoining bar for easy opening and pouring
Light and Lovely
“With a growing family, it was important to the clients to be able to have a kitchen space that would allow for different spots for the family to easily gather together — and fit! They also love to entertain, so it was important to have a space that would [accommodate] large gatherings. For instance, the space between the breakfast nook and kitchen island is wider than usual to allow for multiple people to gather and easily walk around the kitchen space. The butler’s pantry holds an extra oven, beverage stations and a prep space.” –Hanieh Pace
Highlights
- Serena and Lily Riviera rattan counterstools and Visual Comfort Goodman hanging light fixtures center the room
- Island painted in a soothing blue, Sherwin-Williams Krypton
- Countertops and backsplash in Unique Calacatta quartz from MetroQuartz, sourced through Architectural Surfaces
- Custom hood vent by Ivy House Interiors, made on site
- Corner-to-corner windows in the bump-out breakfast nook and large windows overlooking the backyard maximize natural light
