This dated 'dungeon-like' 1980s kitchen has been transformed into a bright, inviting space – it's a lesson in mixing contemporary design with original Spanish Colonial features

This article highlights the transformation of a previously dark and disconnected kitchen into a spacious, light, and open room, as showcased during the ASID Designer Kitchen Tour. Interior designer Kate Roos spearheaded this significant remodel, noting the dramatic increase in light and usable space. Before the renovation, the kitchen featured a cramped layout with the sink, fridge, and range confined to a single wall, offering limited counter space. The updated design now provides ample room for multiple individuals to work simultaneously. A key design element in the redesigned kitchen is the tile from Winchester Tile Co., chosen by the clients for its light-reflecting qualities. Unlike flat glazed tiles, these tiles offer a unique effect, and their square shape was installed in a classic subway tile pattern. The selection of a honed marble countertop created a visual contrast with the glossy backsplash tiles. Extensive discussions between the designer and clients led to the choice of a specific shade of gray for the cabinetry, carefully selected to be warm and bright, avoiding the coldness often associated with some gray tones. The cast bronze hardware, with its living finish, was an intuitive choice, seamlessly integrating with the home’s existing hardware. An unexpected yet impactful addition to the design was a standalone oak hutch, incorporated later in the process. Crafted from quartersawn white oak, the hutch complements the character of the original turn-of-the-century Victorian-era home. A gray stain was applied to prevent the piece from appearing too heavy within the newly brightened space. Designer Kate Roos emphasizes that her design inspiration often comes directly from client wishes and the existing elements of a home, such as colorful cookware or views from a window. For homeowners seeking to define their design style, Roos typically starts by discussing the home's architectural style, then explores how to blend that with the client's preferences without creating a discordant look. She recommends under-cabinet lighting as a single, impactful change for homeowners looking to refresh their kitchen without a full overhaul, highlighting its transformative effect on both aesthetics and functionality. Roos also advocates for incorporating cabinetry that resembles freestanding furniture, as it adds character, allows for unique details and colors, and creates a focal point. For those intimidated by hiring a professional, Roos assures that a good designer can guide clients through the decision-making process, connect them with skilled craftspeople, and help avoid costly mistakes, ensuring a timeless and functional space that aligns with the home’s architecture. The ultimate goal is to translate the client's vision into a cherished space. #KitchenRemodel #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #KateRoosDesign #ASIDDesignerKitchenTour #KitchenLighting #CabinetryDesign #VictorianHome

The article discusses various elements within a kitchen that can contribute to a dated appearance, based on insights from design experts. With design trends evolving rapidly, kitchens can quickly fall behind current styles, and even minor details can significantly impact the overall aesthetic. The discussion begins with the gray color palette, which was once popular but is now considered outdated. Designers suggest refreshing gray kitchens by introducing vibrant wall colors like yellow, orange, teal, or purple, or by incorporating statement backsplashes or flooring to break up monotony. Another common issue is the placement of microwaves over the range, which creates a disproportionate and old-fashioned look. A recommended solution is to install a built-in microwave drawer or hide the appliance in a pantry. This allows for the installation of a more contemporary range hood or open shelving. Similarly, stainless steel range hoods are no longer considered stylish. Modern kitchens utilize hoods crafted from materials such as millwork, brass, plaster, or stone to achieve a more cohesive and sophisticated design. Short, 4-inch backsplashes, popular in the early 2000s, also contribute to a dated feel. Contemporary design favors open-height backsplashes that extend up to the ceiling, creating a cleaner and bolder look. Built-in diamond-shaped wine racks, once a symbol of luxury, are now considered a thing of the past. A more modern alternative is to integrate a wine fridge into base cabinets. Kitchen islands with raised bar levels are also out of style; current designs feature single, flat surfaces for better functionality and an open feel. Lighting choices are also crucial. White lighting covers tend to yellow over time, making them appear old. The article recommends timeless silhouettes with metallic accents and crystals for a fresh, long-lasting look. Additionally, harsh fluorescent lighting is identified as a dated feature, with suggestions to replace it with warmer overhead lighting and add sconces for a cozier ambiance. Countertops are another significant factor. Speckled patterns, whether terrazzo or 1990s granite, immediately indicate an older kitchen. The current trend favors marble countertops with unique, bold veining, emphasizing natural stone over man-made alternatives. Tiled countertops, prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s, are also outdated due to their appearance and the hygiene concerns associated with porous grout. More modern and affordable options include butcher block or concrete countertops. Finally, external ice makers on refrigerators are identified as a dated feature. Newer appliance models offer internal water dispensers and ice makers for a sleeker, integrated appearance. For a truly seamless look, panel appliances that blend into the kitchen cabinetry are suggested as an investment that will remain current for years to come. By addressing these specific elements, homeowners can update their kitchens to reflect modern design sensibilities without necessarily undertaking a full renovation. #KitchenDesign #HomeImprovement #InteriorDecorating #KitchenRemodel #DesignTrends #DatedKitchen #ModernKitchen #HomeDecor

This article highlights four regional architects who renovated five outdated kitchens in Pittsburgh, transforming them from functional spaces into designer areas. The architectural projects emphasize improved layouts, increased natural light, and enhanced aesthetics, focusing on the kitchen as the central hub of the home. Architect Mary Cerrone undertook two kitchen renovations. In Squirrel Hill, a 320-square-foot kitchen and deck addition aimed to improve the home's functional layout and views. The design incorporated durable materials such as linoleum over radiant floor heat, stainless steel, engineered stone countertops, stained maple cabinets, and porcelain tiles. A new deck connected to the kitchen expanded views and natural light. Cerrone maximized space by combining the kitchen with a small pantry, building out over the basement stair for a recessed refrigerator, and using a sliding screen door to eliminate door swings. In Upper Saint Clair, Cerrone transformed a 1,000-square-foot first-floor kitchen from a builder-style design into a streamlined, contemporary space. This involved redefining connections between the kitchen, eating area, laundry, and family room by adding windows and reorienting the kitchen workspace. The project featured end-matched walnut cabinets, aluminum and glass elements, Cambria countertops, and cork flooring. Storage was maximized by trading wall cabinet space for windows and installing an 8-foot length of full-height cabinets. The formal dining room was converted to a living room, and a generous eat-in area was created to accommodate twelve people. Fred M. Fargotstein focused on renovating a 1920s Pittsburgh home, changing its 1970s modern kitchen to a traditional style that aligned with the house's overall character. The renovation increased the kitchen size by 36 square feet by removing a servants’ stair. A colorful cast iron English import range became a focal point, featuring five commercial-style burners, two convection ovens, and a separate broiling compartment. Fargotstein improved efficiency by eliminating the problematic servants’ stair traffic pattern, creating a contiguous countertop work area, and ensuring the dishwasher did not obstruct access. A separate, fully functional work zone was incorporated in the pantry, complete with a prep sink and hot beverage station. Storage capacity was significantly increased by extending wall cabinets to the ceiling and incorporating glass doors for a sense of openness. Custom modifications included specialized storage for cookbooks and a nook for pet food bowls. Paul J. Levine revamped his own 1920s French Tudor home's kitchen in Point Breeze. His goals included aligning the kitchen with the home’s style, complementing existing Mexican Saltillo tile floors, increasing home value, and creating an eco-friendly space. The small kitchen, measuring 8 by 15 feet, was designed in a Craftsman style. He maximized island cabinet space and countertop surface for a bar-type eating area, using frameless cabinet construction to enhance interior space. Custom features included extending wall cabinets to the ceiling, using drawers instead of roll-out shelves, and a specific drawer for flatware. Levine self-performed the construction, using low VOC paint, water-saving fixtures, and Energy Star-rated appliances. He replaced a drafty back door with an energy-efficient wood door and restored a transom window. Gerald Lee Morosco led a kitchen remodel in Shadyside as part of a rehabilitation of a Dutch Colonial-style home. The existing kitchen, remodeled in the 1980s, lacked historical details. Morosco’s design aimed to reintegrate functionality with the home’s classic style. The kitchen was arranged into functional areas: a primary cooking area with a range and island, a cleanup area with dual dishwashers, a pantry with storage for a freezer and wine cabinet, and a breakfast space. Cabinet and drawer contents were meticulously planned for efficiency, with pull-out trays for pots and pans, and individual bins for garbage and recyclables. The island's non-working side included pull-up stools for guests, allowing them to engage without obstructing the cooking process. #KitchenRenovation #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #SpaceMaximization #SustainableDesign #FunctionalKitchens #PittsburghHomes #HomeImprovements

This blog post highlights a remarkable kitchen renovation undertaken by Danielle Herrett, which transformed a dark, outdated 1980s kitchen into a bright, charming, and highly functional space. The original kitchen, located in a 1985 house, was characterized by dark oak cabinetry, a bulky island, yellow countertops, a corner sink, and an overall gloomy aesthetic. Danielle and her husband aimed to create a kitchen that felt open, airy, and inviting, while also incorporating practical updates to enhance usability. The renovation began with a comprehensive demolition of the existing features, including the removal of the soffits to increase ceiling height and the relocation of the electrical panel. Key structural changes involved moving the refrigerator and range to improve the kitchen's flow and functionality. One of the most significant design choices was the introduction of a green and white color palette. Danielle opted for Sage Green by Behr for the lower cabinets and island, paired with white upper cabinets, to create a fresh and sophisticated look. This color scheme was a deliberate departure from the previous dark tones and significantly contributed to the kitchen's new bright and spacious feel. To maximize storage and counter space, the kitchen features a custom-built island that now includes a microwave drawer, a trash pull-out, and deep drawers for pots and pans. This island serves as a central hub for food preparation and casual dining. The countertops were upgraded to white quartz with subtle gray veining, adding a touch of elegance and durability. A particularly innovative feature is the custom wood vent hood, designed to conceal the range hood mechanism while adding a rustic, farmhouse-inspired element to the modern design. The aesthetic appeal was further enhanced by the installation of faux wood beams on the ceiling, made from lightweight polyurethane, and stained to resemble walnut and light oak. This detail adds architectural interest and warmth to the space. The existing corner sink was replaced with a more functional and aesthetically pleasing sink, and new black hardware and lighting fixtures were introduced to complement the green and white scheme. These elements contribute to the overall cohesive and stylish design of the remodeled kitchen. The renovation project also addressed less visible but equally important aspects, such as updating the electrical and plumbing systems to accommodate the new layout and appliances. The choice of materials, from the easy-to-clean quartz countertops to the durable cabinet finishes, reflects a focus on both aesthetics and practicality. The finished kitchen is a testament to thoughtful design and careful execution, achieving a dramatic transformation that makes the space unrecognizable from its 1980s predecessor, embodying a charming and modern farmhouse style. #KitchenRemodel #80sRenovation #HomeImprovement #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #DIY #HomeTransformation

Selecting a kitchen design style can be challenging, even for those with a clear personal fashion sense. To assist homeowners embarking on a kitchen renovation, five popular kitchen styles are outlined, aiming to streamline discussions with designers and contractors and simplify the selection of appliances and finishes. Understanding these distinct styles can help homeowners identify their preferences and make informed choices. Transitional kitchens represent the top-trending style, blending traditional and modern elements for a minimalistic yet relaxed aesthetic. This style is highly favored by young families due to its combination of high functionality and low maintenance. Key features include simple cabinetry, such as Shaker style, paired with durable, low-maintenance quartz countertops. The color palette typically involves clean, neutral tones like whites, greens, grays, beiges, and blues, contributing to a calm and inviting atmosphere. Contemporary kitchens are characterized by a more refined and edited aesthetic compared to transitional designs. They emphasize sleek, simple finishes and meticulously planned lighting schemes. The color scheme often revolves around basic black and white, accented by grays and beiges, creating a sophisticated and modern look. Defining features include abundant natural light from expansive windows and glass walls, large-format tiles made of porcelain or natural stone, and extensive drawer storage and armoire-style cabinetry to discreetly conceal appliances. These kitchens also incorporate a high degree of technology, such as smart lighting controls, to enhance convenience and efficiency. Farmhouse design is a timeless style distinguished by specific features that make a statement. This style often incorporates found objects like reclaimed barn doors or vintage lighting. Its resurgence is often credited to figures like Chip and Joanna Gaines. Characteristic elements include shiplap walls and ceilings, apron-front sinks, and pendant lighting. Shaker cabinets in white and gray tones are common, and a high contrast between countertop materials and cabinetry, such as butcher block tops with white cabinets, is a signature look. Industrial kitchens convey a minimalistic yet energetic feeling, particularly popular in urban environments and loft spaces within renovated commercial buildings. This style utilizes edgy materials such as stained concrete countertops and reclaimed wood floors. Mixed metal finishes are prevalent, along with commercial-style appliances, sinks, and faucets. Exposed-bulb light fixtures, often featuring Edison bulbs for a vintage appeal, are a defining characteristic, contributing to the raw and authentic industrial aesthetic. Mid-century modern design emerged post-World War II and remained popular into the late 1970s, maintaining a timeless appeal due to its enduring principles. This style is praised for its clean lines, simple finishes, organic curves, mix-and-match materials, and multifunctional designs. Key features include simple, well-designed objects and floor plans that prioritize functionality and aesthetic balance. An emphasis on organic and geometric forms, along with more textured fabrics and furnishings, adds depth. The color palette often features clean, bold colors, including bronzes and browns, mixed with whites, reflecting the vibrant and optimistic spirit of the era. #KitchenRemodel #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #TransitionalKitchen #ContemporaryKitchen #FarmhouseKitchen #IndustrialKitchen #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesignTrends