[Note: this is an updated post.] Everyone has the perfect kitchen in mind: from one that's a performance venue to one that offers simple display space. Browse these kitchens' special features to help you whip up your own dream design.
Some kitchens are dramatic spaces where cooking becomes a theatrical event: that's the effect of the kitchen in Plan 449-22 by David Cox, shown above. The kitchen/dining area is at one end of the great room. Helping to define it is a four-part groin vault in brick. This Old World idea creates a tent-like space, giving it special character and visually separating it from the family area under a flat ceiling at the other end of the
room. The warmth of the brick contrasts with the white walls and cabinetry and complements the wood of the floor and island countertop. Clerestory windows brighten the room. The sleek cabinetry -- which also hides the refrigerator -- keeps the room uncluttered.
In Plan 901-120 the kitchen combines open shelving over the sink area with enclosed cabinetry elsewhere so that favorite objects can be put on display.
The white subway tile backsplash over the sink and behind the range help unify the design, giving the kitchen a spare look.
One of the benefits of the big kitchen island in Green Living Plan 497-46 is that it divides into two distinct areas: solid surface for food preparation and wood counter for casual dining.
The range is framed in veneer stone as a focal point. In Plan 464-15 by Allison Ramsay Architects, Inc. a
wall of windows incorporates the water view for a striking backsplash -- figuratively, and literally speaking! Also the raised level of the dining side hides clutter from the living area. Alcoves with built-in seating are a special amenity that give a
kitchen extra flexibility, as shown in the honey-toned breakfast bay at one end of the kitchen in Plan 454-11 by architect Sarah Susanka, and the modern step-up booth in Plan 451-15, below.
The kitchen in Plan 132-207 is all about an Old World look, which is created with the dark beamed ceiling,
turned legs on the island and flanking the cooktop, and in the tapered hood.
The large central skylight over the island kitchen in Plan 888-17 puts daylight where it's needed most. The
view from other end of the great room shows how the skylight acts as a giant "light canopy" that works with the island to define the kitchen within the larger space.
Some kitchens are dramatic spaces where cooking becomes a theatrical event: that's the effect of the kitchen in Plan 449-22 by David Cox, shown above. The kitchen/dining area is at one end of the great room. Helping to define it is a four-part groin vault in brick. This Old World idea creates a tent-like space, giving it special character and visually separating it from the family area under a flat ceiling at the other end of the
room. The warmth of the brick contrasts with the white walls and cabinetry and complements the wood of the floor and island countertop. Clerestory windows brighten the room. The sleek cabinetry -- which also hides the refrigerator -- keeps the room uncluttered.
In Plan 901-120 the kitchen combines open shelving over the sink area with enclosed cabinetry elsewhere so that favorite objects can be put on display.
The white subway tile backsplash over the sink and behind the range help unify the design, giving the kitchen a spare look.
One of the benefits of the big kitchen island in Green Living Plan 497-46 is that it divides into two distinct areas: solid surface for food preparation and wood counter for casual dining.
The range is framed in veneer stone as a focal point. In Plan 464-15 by Allison Ramsay Architects, Inc. a
wall of windows incorporates the water view for a striking backsplash -- figuratively, and literally speaking! Also the raised level of the dining side hides clutter from the living area. Alcoves with built-in seating are a special amenity that give a
kitchen extra flexibility, as shown in the honey-toned breakfast bay at one end of the kitchen in Plan 454-11 by architect Sarah Susanka, and the modern step-up booth in Plan 451-15, below.
The kitchen in Plan 132-207 is all about an Old World look, which is created with the dark beamed ceiling,
turned legs on the island and flanking the cooktop, and in the tapered hood.
The large central skylight over the island kitchen in Plan 888-17 puts daylight where it's needed most. The
view from other end of the great room shows how the skylight acts as a giant "light canopy" that works with the island to define the kitchen within the larger space.
