How a Designer Instantly Gave This Home’s White Shaker Kitchen Personality

This article highlights four regional architects who renovated five outdated kitchens in Pittsburgh, transforming them from functional spaces into designer areas.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 article highlights a kitchen renovation project by interior designer Andrea Granger, focusing on her unconventional yet successful choice of cabinet color. Granger, known for her bold design decisions, opted for Sherwin-Williams’ Plum Dandy, a rich purple hue, for the kitchen cabinets. This choice is described as “daring” but proved to be highly effective in moderating the impact of the existing dated countertops. The renovation demonstrates how a seemingly audacious color can be integrated harmoniously into a kitchen space, transforming its aesthetic without a complete overhaul of all elements. The initial state of the kitchen included dark, speckled granite countertops, which presented a challenge for the design. Instead of replacing these expensive yet dated features, Granger strategically used the cabinet color to complement and tone down their appearance. The deep purple of the cabinets works to absorb some of the visual weight of the dark countertops, creating a more cohesive and sophisticated look. This approach offers a valuable lesson in design: working with existing elements, even those considered less than ideal, can lead to innovative and cost-effective solutions. Beyond the cabinet color, the renovation involved several other key updates that contributed to the overall refreshed ambiance. New flooring was installed, providing a modern and clean base for the kitchen. A woven chandelier was introduced, adding texture and a touch of organic elegance, while stylish bar seating enhanced functionality and comfort. These elements, combined with the striking cabinet color, collectively updated the kitchen’s appearance, making it feel contemporary and inviting. Granger’s project serves as an inspiration for homeowners considering kitchen makeovers, particularly those grappling with existing features they might not wish to or cannot replace. It illustrates that a thoughtful and bold color choice can be a powerful tool in design, capable of transforming a space and minimizing the perceived shortcomings of other elements. The success of the purple cabinets in this context underscores the importance of considering how different colors interact within a room to achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing outcome. To further inspire readers with bold kitchen cabinet ideas, the article references other successful projects. These include a monochrome blue kitchen and a magenta kitchen, both of which utilize strong, single-color palettes to create distinct and impactful designs. These examples reinforce the idea that moving beyond traditional neutrals for kitchen cabinetry can result in unique and highly personalized spaces, encouraging readers to explore a wider spectrum of color possibilities for their own homes. The article suggests that with careful consideration and creative application, bold colors can elevate kitchen design to new levels of style and individuality. #KitchenMakeover #InteriorDesign #CabinetColors #HomeRenovation #BoldDesign #SherwinWilliams #AndreaGranger #DIYHomeImprovement

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

White kitchen cabinets remain a popular choice due to their versatility and ability to create a bright, clean, and spacious feel. While all-white kitchens can sometimes appear sterile, strategic design choices can introduce warmth, texture, and visual interest, making them a timeless and adaptable option for various aesthetics. Incorporating natural wood elements is an effective way to add warmth to a white kitchen. This can be achieved through wooden flooring, a wooden kitchen island, or open shelving made of natural wood. The contrast between the crisp white cabinets and the organic texture of wood creates a balanced and inviting atmosphere. Wood tones, ranging from light oak to rich walnut, can complement white cabinetry and prevent the space from feeling too stark. Adding splashes of color can also personalize a white kitchen without overwhelming it. This can be done through artwork, colorful small appliances, vibrant textiles, or a painted accent wall. Kitchenware, such as brightly colored stand mixers or kettles, can serve as decorative elements. Furthermore, incorporating plants and greenery introduces life and freshness, softening the clean lines of white cabinets and adding a touch of natural color. Another approach to enhancing white kitchens is to mix and match materials. Pairing white cabinets with a different color or material for the lower cabinets or a kitchen island can add depth and character. For instance, dark gray, navy blue, or even a different wood tone for the base cabinets can create a striking two-tone effect. This design choice breaks up the monochromatic scheme and allows for more personalized expression. Introducing different textures through tiles, countertops, and hardware is crucial for a dynamic white kitchen. Subway tiles or textured backsplashes can provide visual interest. Countertop materials like marble, granite, or quartz with subtle veining or speckles add depth and sophistication. Hardware, such as brass, matte black, or brushed nickel handles and pulls, can introduce a metallic element that contrasts with the white cabinets, enhancing the overall aesthetic. These details contribute significantly to the kitchen's personality and prevent it from appearing flat. Lighting plays a significant role in defining the mood and functionality of a white kitchen. Layering different types of lighting, such as ambient, task, and accent lighting, can highlight various features and create a warm ambiance. Pendant lights over an island or under-cabinet lighting can add both practicality and a decorative touch. Thoughtful lighting design ensures that the white cabinets are illuminated effectively, enhancing their clean appearance and the overall brightness of the space. Professional insights from designers such as Sarah Barnard emphasize the importance of blending the indoor environment with the outdoors to maximize the impact of white kitchens. Large windows or glass doors that offer views of nature can make the space feel more expansive and connected to the natural world. This integration of natural light and outdoor scenery enhances the serene and airy quality inherent in white kitchen designs, promoting a sense of calm and openness. #KitchenDesign #WhiteKitchens #CabinetryIdeas #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #KitchenRenovation #ModernKitchen #StylingTips