10 Inspiring Kitchens and Cabinets
When real-life use informs beautiful design, the synthesis works for a range of styles and materials.
One current trend in kitchen design focuses on a common-sense approach to how people actually live in a house. How do they cook? How do they entertain? Do they use the kitchen as a place to fold laundry, play board games, or do homework? This design approach focuses on sensible ways that functional and beautiful materials and fixtures fit both style and real-life use.
For the cabinet builder, that means using foundational wood for the box, or carcase, such as prefinished maple plywood. Style can range from Euro-modern to traditional overlay to a custom creation, but as the examples in the slideshow below demonstrate, this philosophy does not mean that aesthetics need to be compromised. Check out these ten kitchens to get ideas for your own designs, or just to enjoy seeing other successful approaches.
Here are a few other kitchen slideshows you may enjoy:
And please click the Launch Slideshow button below:
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This example of “sensible style” follows the principle that a new kitchen should complement the home in which it is being installed. For example, the tones of the waterfall countertops tie the color palette of the entire space together by reflecting the grey hues of all the fixtures and appliances, the tiled backsplash, the floors and the beams overhead.
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SPONSORED SLIDE: This Contemporary design, by Crown Point Cabinetry, demonstrates the power and beauty of the dark and dramatic, with sleek, sophisticated lines and graceful curves. For more information, visit www.crown-point.com.
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A new floor plan allowed for a dramatic change to the function of this kitchen. New counter and wall space was added on either side of the range. Though not seen in this image, the opening to the dining room became larger and more visually open. Open shelving and minimal upper cabinets help this narrow kitchen feel far larger than it actually is.
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While it is essential to identify a general aesthetic the client likes, you still want to carefully evaluate the quality of the cabinetry’s construction and mechanical function. For example, don’t judge a cabinet solely by the intricacy of its doors and drawers, such as those on display in this kitchen. It can be tempting to see handsome doors and ignore the hardware and box construction. Without a sturdy box and strong hardware, those good-looking features will wear out fast.
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This precise, incisive retro remodel project replaced a double wall oven; however, the original ovens were 27 in. wide, 3 in. smaller than most wall ovens are made today. The originals were set in a wall in the middle of a run of countertop and cabinets. Widening the space with a new custom cabinet built to blend into the existing kitchen cabinets shows how savvy design can be leveraged to make old kitchens function like new.
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SPONSORED SLIDE: This Victorian kitchen by Crown Point Cabinetry offers excellent examples of doors with glass, doors without glass, and a generally carefree design aesthetic, all in handcrafted custom cabinets. For more information, visit www.crown-point.com.
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Inset doors and drawers offer a custom look in this classic kitchen. But the real show stopper is the alcove surrounding the Wolf range. Tying the range hood seamlessly into the flanking cabinetry, which rest directly on the granite countertops, make the entire wall read as a highly functional built-in stepped-back hutch.
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This savvy storage solution is a detail worth replicating when designing or building hardworking kitchens. This unique combination appliance pantry and spice rack was designed to house small appliances and up to 100 spices in one compact space. It is the perfect cabinet for homeowners who love to cook.
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This galley kitchen is deceptively simple. A lot of planning goes into a space that flows seamlessly from beginning to end. The cathedral ceilings keeps the space from feeling cramped and white paint and subway tile allow natural light to filter throughout the area, making the tiny footprint feel larger. Well-thought-out storage on the left side provides everything that’s needed for a gourmet kitchen. The library ladder is both an aesthetic bonus and practical solution for storage access.
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This complete remodel features cherry wood cabinets, an island, wood appliance doors, wine cooler surround and dry bar cabinets. The cabinets and wood trim were made with FAS cherry and received a toned and glazed finish. Cherry was used for the dovetailed drawers throughout the kitchen as well. The columns flanking the refrigerator and the legs of the island were fluted by hand using special jigs.
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I really like those cabinets! And countertop just fit perfectly with them! Is it from Fomica? It look this this one : http://www.formica.com/en/ca/products/formica-laminate-home/06272