Eight home kitchens finished with tactile brick floors

This lookbook showcases eight kitchens featuring exposed concrete surfaces, highlighting concrete's increasing use in residential interiors despite its ubiquitous presence in architecture. The article posits concrete as an ideal surface material for cooking and food preparation due to its durability and impermeability, while its raw aesthetic provides a striking backdrop for dining and entertaining spaces. Each example demonstrates various ways concrete is integrated into kitchen design, from minimalist apartments to brutalist holiday homes, offering a diverse range of visual and tactile experiences. The first example is the House in Jiyugaoka, Japan, by Airhouse Design Office, where a renovated apartment for a fashion enthusiast features a kitchen with stripped-back concrete walls, floor, and ceiling. Some areas retain chipped edges and plaster, while others are polished for a smooth finish, creating a varied texture. Luciano Kruk's Casa H3 in Argentina presents an open-plan kitchen and dining room within a holiday home, where concrete shelving and counters seamlessly blend with the structural elements, complemented by industrial lighting and wireframe chairs. Casa Alférez in Mexico, designed by Ludwig Godefroy, features a brutalist, cube-shaped home constructed with in-situ cast concrete, extending to the kitchen's shelving and worktops. The raw concrete finishes are intentionally juxtaposed with delicate ceramics and Danish Wishbone chairs to soften the industrial aesthetic. In Flower House, Portugal, by Ezzo, the sunken kitchen's concrete worktops double as the dining room floor. Hand-poured on-site and coated for waterproofing, the surfaces offer a polished look, with wood-fronted cabinets integrated beneath. Toad's House in Mexico, by Espacio 18 Arquitectura, uses an unfinished and exposed concrete structure throughout its minimalist design. The bar-style kitchen features board-marked walls, paired with glass ornaments, woven baskets, and a wooden countertop on the central island, creating a rustic yet refined ambiance. Suppose Design Office's House T in Japan features a deliberately dark and cave-like concrete kitchen, with tactile walls and worktops set against large stone floor tiles and wooden furnishings. Hollybrook Road in Ireland, by TOB Architect, includes a concrete kitchen extension cast in situ as a single geometric form to evoke a seamless, cavernous feel. The material palette is intentionally restrained, combining terrazzo, walnut, and Accoya wood to emphasize the concrete's texture. Finally, Casa Golf in Argentina, another project by Luciano Kruk, features dark-grey concrete surfaces in its kitchen, paired with black cabinets and extractor ducting. These elements add texture without distracting from the expansive outward views framed by the home's various windows. These projects collectively illustrate concrete's versatility as a design element in kitchens, capable of creating both robust and refined spaces. Its intrinsic properties—durability, impermeability, and raw aesthetic—make it a functional and visually compelling choice for modern residential interiors, challenging conventional perceptions of kitchen materials. #ConcreteKitchens #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #TactileSurfaces #ModernKitchens #HomeInteriors #ArchitecturalConcrete #BrutalistDesign #MaterialityInDesign

Banquette seating, traditionally found in cafes and restaurants, has emerged as a functional and aesthetically pleasing element in residential kitchens. Originating from medieval European taverns to optimize space and circulation, banquettes became a hallmark of Parisian bistros by the late 19th century, often upholstered in luxurious materials like leather or velvet to create intimate booths. In contemporary home design, architects and designers are increasingly incorporating banquettes into renovation projects to address challenging floor plans, maximize space, and introduce visual interest to kitchen and dining areas. This lookbook showcases eight examples of residential kitchens across different regions, including Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK, where banquette seating has been strategically integrated. These examples illustrate diverse applications and styles, demonstrating how banquettes can be customized to complement various interior aesthetics and functional requirements. For instance, in 'Sunday' by Architecture Architecture in Melbourne, a kitchen island cleverly doubles as a banquette with a cantilevered seat, saving space in an open-plan layout. The seating is upholstered in a muted textile and paired with a slender timber table and wooden chairs, reflecting a minimalist yet functional approach. Alexander & Co's 'Pacific House' in Sydney features a cozy breakfast nook with a curved banquette positioned against a gridded concave window. The seating, clad in smooth timber and topped with powdery grey cushions, harmonizes with the neutral tones of the jagged-edged marble flooring, creating a sophisticated oceanside retreat. Similarly, DAB Studio's renovation of a Zwaag house in the Netherlands incorporates floor-to-ceiling oak and Afromosia wood, with a large, rounded banquette base made of Afromosia contrasting with a bespoke geometric Arebaescato Orobico marble table. Angelucci Architects' 'Nido House' in Melbourne integrates an L-shaped banquette upholstered in green leather, complementing a ceramic-tiled dining table topped with marble. This design provides maximum space for entertaining while aligning with the home's decorative slate tile-clad extension. In the '10 Fold House' by Timmins + Whyte, a Melbourne residence, a timber corner banquette with peach-hued upholstery and ribbed wooden cabinetry enhances the "considered and crafted" feel of the light-filled, open-plan kitchen, incorporating mid-century style elements. YSG's 'Budge Over Dover' project in Sydney addresses an unusual kitchen floor plan with a curved wall by installing a bespoke banquette upholstered in brown and wine-colored cushioning, creating a snug breakfast nook illuminated by an oversized white lantern. In London, Echlin's mews house renovation includes a plush green banquette in the dining space, nestled behind floor-to-ceiling timber shelving and paired with rattan-accented chairs and a coal-colored table. Finally, Office S&M;'s 'Valetta House,' also in London, features a vibrant purple fabric-clad banquette that adds a pop of color to a white-hued room, complemented by plywood finger pulls on the cabinets for varied texture. These projects collectively demonstrate the versatility of banquette seating in enhancing residential kitchens through clever design and material choices. #BanquetteSeating #ResidentialKitchens #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SpaceSavingSolutions #Renovations #KitchenDesign #AustralianHouses #DutchDesign

Brutalism, an architectural style characterized by raw concrete and utilitarian designs, is presented as a compelling aesthetic for contemporary kitchens. This lookbook compiles eight recent examples where brutalist principles are applied, ranging from newly constructed houses to apartments within 1970s high-rises. These kitchens demonstrate diverse interpretations of the brutalist style, embracing its industrial tendencies while incorporating elements that soften or contrast with its inherent starkness. The featured examples begin with "Bruj" in Canada, an apartment designed by Jean Verville, which pushes brutalism to extremes with raw concrete walls, exposed services, and stainless-steel commercial restaurant furniture. The space is punctuated by bright-yellow, wall-mounted adjustable lamps, creating a functional yet stark environment. Next, the "House of Seven Floors" in the Czech Republic by Malý Chmel integrates matte grey units with concrete floors, walls, and ceilings in its kitchen, conceived as a "vertical cave." This design maintains a cohesive, minimalist brutalist aesthetic throughout the multi-level family home. In Cologne, Germany, the "Kier" apartment by Demo Working Group contrasts heavy concrete walls with cool tones and reflective surfaces. The kitchen incorporates a mirrored backsplash, a lab-style green plastic countertop, glossy white tiles, and frosted-glass partition walls, providing subtle relief from the concrete's mass. "Casa 1736" in Barcelona, Spain, by H Arquitectes features a large timber storage unit that softens the rough-hewn gravelly concrete walls and steel kitchen island. The kitchen opens onto a triple-height atrium and a large walled garden, allowing natural elements to interact with the brutalist interior. A flat in London's iconic Trellick Tower, renovated by Archmongers, emphasizes the building's brutalist character. The kitchen combines speckled brown-and-cream terrazzo with brushed stainless-steel counters, white cabinets, and matte-black linoleum flooring, creating a refined yet industrial space. "Pearls on Swine" in Bengaluru, India, by Multitude of Sins, introduces whimsy into brutalist design. While grey dominates the kitchen's floors, walls, ceilings, and worktop, a blue oven, pink knee-height units, and a railed ladder add playful accents. In "Putney Riverside," a Victorian terraced house extension in the UK by VATRAA, a "brutal-yet-gentle" approach is taken. Polished concrete floors, a waterfall countertop, and a kitchen island are balanced with pale plaster walls and stained oak cupboards, resulting in a serene, contemporary space that hints at brutalist elements without being overtly industrial. Finally, "Villain House" in Barcelona, Spain, by Architecture Office Claudia Raurell, showcases a collision of textures. A sleek metal island contrasts with a roughly furrowed concrete wall and spongey ceiling panels in this split-level concrete home, demonstrating how varied materials can coexist within a brutalist framework. This collection of kitchens illustrates the versatility and enduring appeal of brutalist design in residential interiors, highlighting different methods of integrating this often-divisive style into functional living spaces. #BrutalistKitchens #ConcreteDesign #KitchenInteriors #ArchitecturalStyle #HomeDesign #InteriorDesignTrends #ModernKitchens #ResidentialArchitecture #Lookbook

This article showcases six distinct kitchen designs, each highlighting unique aesthetic and functional choices, along with the professionals and materials involved in their creation. The first kitchen, designed by Penny Francis of Eclectic Home, features Eclipse maple wood veneer and painted island cabinets from Mattix Cabinet Works. It includes large format porcelain flooring, quartz countertops from Triton Stone, ceramic tile backsplash, Brizo plumbing fixtures, and Emtek cabinet hardware. Appliances are a mix of existing JennAir and new Thermador, GE Monogram, Bosch, and Kohler, with a custom-fabricated quartz hood. The second kitchen, a palatial design by Susan C Scheinuk of SCS Designs, LLC, incorporates Urban Effect cabinets from Marchand Creative Kitchens and porcelain wood plank flooring. Palatial Stone & Tile provided the countertops and backsplash, while Kohler fixtures, Hinkley Lighting, and Restoration Hardware cabinet hardware add elegant touches. Appliances include Sub-Zero, Asko, Wolf, and Kohler Prolific, with notable art pieces from Potsalot Pottery and Julie Silvers. The third kitchen, a collaboration between Titan Construction LLC and Élan Studio's Heather Silbernagel-Somers and Casey Weisler, features Showplace cabinets from Jim Owens and Medallion Collection La Jolla engineered hardwood from ProSource. Quartzite countertops from Crescent City Countertops and tile backsplash complete the surfaces, with Elan Lighting and Davis Hardware fixtures. Bar stools from Restoration Hardware are also part of the design. Moving on, a kitchen by JLV Construction with design by Sam Levin and architecture by Mark Schroeder Architects presents shaker-style dark gray cabinets and Northridge Oak flooring from New Orleans Flooring. Lava black quartz from Home Décor Kitchen & Bath serves as the main countertop, complemented by an Ocean White polished marble tile backsplash from Floor and Décor and a custom walnut island countertop. Fixtures include a Broderick champagne bronze faucet by Delta and brass bar foot rail from KegWorks, with West Elm and Hinkley lighting, and appliances from Luxart, Frigidaire, Forno, and Sharp. The fifth kitchen, designed by Amanda Powell Design for Protocol Construction, boasts reclaimed pine floors from Acadian Cypress & Hardwoods and cabinets by a local fabricator, with a custom island by Doorman Designs. Calacatta Gold countertops are fabricated by Palo All, and Sylvia T. Designs applied a lime-based Venetian marmorino plaster finish to the walls and stove hood. High-end plumbing fixtures like Perrin and Rowe and Newport Brass are featured, alongside Circa Lighting/Visual Comfort and Emtek and Rejuvenation hardware. Thermador, Fisher and Paykel, and Kohler appliances are integrated into this design. Finally, a kitchen by Precision Builders, with architecture by Patrick Melancon and design by Monica Melancon of MOD Design Group, showcases Cabico Cabinets Elmwood Series from Classic Cupboards. The cabinets feature a Bregenz door style in white oak with Haze and Cabico Black finishes, paired with Top Knobs Hillmont hardware in Honey Bronze. A custom-designed hood by Classic Cupboards and marble countertops are also included, along with Bosch and stainless steel apron-front sink appliances. Each kitchen exemplifies a blend of specific materials, professional expertise, and functional considerations, offering diverse styles from eclectic to palatial and classic, catering to various tastes and needs. #KitchenDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Cabinetry #Countertops #Flooring #ApplianceSelection #LightingFixtures #NewOrleansHomes

This article showcases eight different kitchens from the Dezeen archive that prominently feature marble. Marble, a metamorphic stone formed under heat and pressure in the Earth's crust, is characterized by its streaky, swirly patterns. This versatile material can be applied to various surfaces including walls, floors, countertops, and even integrated into furniture. In larger kitchen designs, marble serves effectively as a robust material for islands, breakfast bars, or dining tables, providing both functionality and a luxurious aesthetic. For more compact kitchens, it can be utilized as a practical and easy-to-clean splashback or a durable countertop for food preparation. The featured projects highlight the diverse applications and aesthetic qualities of marble in contemporary kitchen design. The first example is Apartment 207 in Brazil by Belotto Scopel Tanaka, where a simple material palette combines glossy, dark wooden cabinetry with black and white marble surfaces. Here, a marble breakfast bar serves as both a dining area and a storage unit with integrated drawers. Next, the Deknudt Nelis office in Belgium, designed by Arjaan de Freyter, demonstrates marble's use beyond residential spaces, incorporating deep-green marble slabs for a striking kitchen island and shelving, chosen to convey decisiveness and professionalism. The Brunswick Apartment in Australia, a collaboration by Murray Barker and Esther Stewart, features an L-shaped kitchen that draws inspiration from 1960s design, utilizing Rosa Alicante marble on its custom-made steel frame table and long countertops. This choice harmonizes with the apartment's pistachio green tones and speckled terrazzo flooring. In the Brooklyn Loft in the US by Dean Works, a multi-functional plywood unit in the kitchen incorporates a grey and white marble countertop, providing essential storage and a practical work surface with an in-built sink and hob. A Belgian Apartment designed by Carmine Van Der Linden and Thomas Geldof features a kitchen that acts as a focal point with seaweed-colored joinery and streaky Alga Marina marble surfaces, creating a contrast with birchwood cabinets. For the Beaconsfield Residence in Canada, StudioAC renovated a Victorian townhouse, introducing a black marble-covered kitchen island to provide a darker, contrasting element within a clean white and wooden interior. The Cottage on the Point in Canada by Paul Bernier Architecte showcases a sun-drenched kitchen in a lakeside house extension, where pale marble surfaces on tables, shelves, and countertops reflect light from large glass windows, blending with the natural surroundings. Lastly, the Barwon Heads House in Australia by Adam Kane Architects features an open-plan kitchen and dining area divided by a large marble dining table, with matching travertine marble slabs used for countertops and coffee tables throughout the barn-style extension, reinforcing a monochrome aesthetic. These projects illustrate the adaptability of marble in creating varied kitchen aesthetics, from minimalist and modern to retro-inspired and luxurious, emphasizing its enduring appeal and functional benefits in diverse interior settings. The use of marble adds a touch of elegance and durability to each kitchen design, demonstrating its continued relevance in contemporary architecture and interior design. #KitchenDesign #MarbleInteriors #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #LuxuryMaterials #ArchitecturalProjects #ModernKitchens #DesignInspiration

This lookbook compiles eight homes that feature terracotta floors, highlighting their decorative and practical qualities. Terracotta, a reddish-brown earthenware clay fired at low temperatures, has a rich history dating back to 3,000 BCE for sculptures and has experienced a resurgence in interior design for flooring and walls in various spaces, from kitchens to balconies. The material is valued for its warm, rustic aesthetic, as well as its durability and low maintenance. One example is Hacienda Granada in Los Angeles, where Working Holiday Studio infused a midcentury home with a Mexican hacienda style. The designers, Carlos Naude and Whitney Brown, aimed for a neutral, earthy, and warm interior with accent pops. Handmade terracotta tiles laid in a herringbone pattern feature prominently in the kitchen, contributing to the home's distinct character. Another featured home is Duane House in the US, designed by OWIU. This California residence, once owned by Swiss architect Pierre de Meuron, draws inspiration from Japanese ryokans, traditional inns. The original brick floors were preserved, complemented by Japanese design elements such as shoji screens and sculptural Akari lamps by Isamu Noguchi, creating a blend of cultural aesthetics. In Spain, Atelier du Pont transformed an old Menorcan farmhouse into a summer retreat, Estancia San José. The traditional stone barn was converted into a light-filled living room featuring a tactile terracotta floor. A palette of natural materials enhances the flooring, echoing the building's historical context. YSG's Budge Over Dover in Sydney, Australia, showcases a vibrant color scheme of rosy, pale pink, purple, and green. Terracotta bricks, aubergine-colored plaster, and aged brass were used to craft the interiors. The main living space is elevated on a platform of handmade terracotta tiles, which extend to the garden patio. Elemental House in London, UK, by Archmongers, is a revamped 1970s house where a terracotta floor seamlessly connects the kitchen to an outdoor terrace, fostering an indoor-outdoor feel and expanding the perception of space. Architect Johan Hybschmann selected terracotta along with concrete, galvanized steel, and softwood timber to ensure the home's robust construction. Hygge Studio in São Paulo, Brazil, by designer Melina Romano, features terracotta flooring throughout the entire apartment, including the bathroom, where a sculptural terracotta sink also stands out. Romano notes that the terracotta imparts a "rustic charm" to the space, with its red hues contrasting with a forest-green wall and abundant plant life. Farley Farmhouse in Wiltshire, UK, by Emil Eve Architects, incorporates terracotta tiles both inside and out. The exterior is clad in terracotta arrowhead tiles, while the interior boasts terracotta-brick flooring in the kitchen and dining room. Complementary clay pendant lights further integrate the material into the design. Finally, Checkmate in Byron Bay, Australia, another project by YSG, is a seaside home with 1970s-inspired retro interiors. The dining room features terracotta pavers arranged in a geometric grid, which influenced the project's name. Vintage Italian dining chairs and a colorful lounge chair contribute to the home's relaxed, surfer-style ambiance. This collection of homes demonstrates the versatility and enduring appeal of terracotta as a design element. #TerracottaFloors #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RusticCharm #DurableFlooring #Lookbook #ResidentialDesign #ArchitecturalInteriors #MaterialHighlight

This article explores four diverse kitchen renovation projects, each reflecting unique styles and addressing specific homeowner needs, ranging from modern functionality in historic homes to vibrant, family-friendly designs. Each kitchen is presented with details on its design philosophy, key features, and the challenges overcome during the renovation process. The first kitchen, located in a 1920s Friendship Heights home, underwent a modern revamp emphasizing efficiency and clutter-free living. The homeowners, Bridget and Mike Morris, who purchased the home from Bridget's parents, sought a modern aesthetic while honoring the house's history. Interior designer Melissa Cooley of Case Architects & Remodelers incorporated "appliance cubbies" for small appliances, pullout drawers for storage, and a utility cabinet, ensuring a sleek, organized space. The refrigerator is concealed with panels matching the white cabinetry, contributing to the crisp lines. Warm wood tones from the existing reclaimed wood ceilings, originally installed by Bridget’s father, and a new driftwood-stained range hood by Crystal Cabinet Works provide visual interest. Gold and marble backsplash, Sutton Place champagne-finish cabinet pulls by Atlas Homewares, and a gleaming gold light fixture add sophistication. The unexpected green high-top bar chairs introduce a cool, beachy vibe, making the space feel like a daily vacation. The second kitchen, part of a two-story addition to a 1952 colonial in Bethesda’s Wyngate neighborhood, was designed for Becky Feinberg and her two children. Driven by the need for more space and a personalized touch, Feinberg worked with principal architect Michael Rouse of MPR Architecture and Michael Thiede of Bethesda Contracting. The design is centered around a vibrant, custom stove backsplash made from handmade zellige tiles in dark blue, light blue, and orange hues, sourced from Mosaic House. These colorful tiles are balanced by neutral elements such as dark quartz countertops, satin nickel pendants, whitewashed oak cabinets, and floating shelves. A circular hood softens the kitchen's harder edges, allowing the tile to be the focal point. A crucial addition was a large island that serves as the primary dining area, and a pass-through window connects the kitchen to a screened porch, facilitating outdoor serving for the family. The original kitchen space was repurposed into a powder room. The third project involved the kitchen of Barbara Winnik's circa-1892 home in Chevy Chase Village, one of the area's first houses. Winnik, who moved into the home in 1994, initiated the renovation when her black-and-white-checked floor began to crack. She enlisted Matt Covell of Structure and interior designer Gerald Smith to update the kitchen while preserving its historic character. Walls were removed to optimize the floor plan, and design-forward elements were introduced, including a custom rolled-steel hood over a BlueStar range, a departure from Winnik's initial preference for white. The monochromatic scheme features white Wood-Mode cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a quartzite oven backsplash. A custom island with a curved, built-in banquette, upholstered in a gray-and-reddish-orange pattern, adds both color and softness. Three midcentury elongated bubble pendants from Design Within Reach hang above the island, enhancing the design. Functionality is key, with easy-to-clean counters and organized storage for a self-proclaimed "messy cook." A coffee bar with dedicated drawers and refrigerator/freezer drawers for accessories adds convenience. A new bay window was installed over one sink, and an original stained-glass door was retrofitted for the pantry, blending modern updates with historical reverence. Finally, the fourth kitchen, belonging to Adam and Amy Eisner in Bethesda's Bradley Park neighborhood, focused on simplicity and order amidst a busy family life with three teenagers. Aiming for a contemporary, light, and airy space, the Eisners worked with Bethesda-based interior designer Julie Geyer. Rather than a complete overhaul, many original elements were retained and updated. The wood cabinetry received a fresh coat of white paint and new hardware from Mark Amero of Ovation Renovations, giving it a modern lift. The red-oak floors were sanded and re-stained to a deep brown. The eat-in island's country aesthetic was transformed into a streamlined design with a quartz countertop and dove-gray paint. While the original appliances remained, sleek white subway tiles were added to the walls for brightness, complemented by circular pendants and sconces in polished nickel and black tones. To prevent a sterile feel, Geyer incorporated warm-toned furniture, including a dining table with a wood herringbone top and an iron base from Moe’s Home Collection, paired with leather West Elm chairs. The result is a minimal yet lived-in space that is welcoming and highly usable for entertaining, offering the Eisners a new, personalized design that still feels familiar. #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ModernKitchen #HistoricHomeRenovation #FamilyFriendlyDesign #KitchenAppliances #TileDesign #Cabinetry

Zellige tiles are gaining popularity in kitchen design due to their handcrafted beauty, depth, texture, and movement. While often used for backsplashes, designers are exploring innovative applications that go beyond traditional usage. These five design ideas showcase how zellige tiles can transform a kitchen space. One approach involves extending zellige tiles beyond the typical backsplash area, such as onto the cooker hood. This method, demonstrated by designer Gillian Segal, aims to emphasize the tile's natural variations in tone that might be overlooked in smaller applications. By covering larger surfaces like the hood fan, backsplash, and sconces with the same material, the design creates a cohesive and visually quieter area, allowing other key kitchen elements like lighting and bold stone accents to stand out. This technique streamlines the kitchen's aesthetic, adding richness and an organic feel through the tiles' texture. Another innovative idea is color-matching zellige tile backsplashes to cabinets, particularly in two-tone kitchens. MeetWest studio implemented this by extending sage green zellige tiles to match the upper cabinets and backsplash. This strategy not only breaks the visual weight of darker lower cabinets but also connects the indoor space with the natural elements outside, creating a sense of spaciousness and lightness, especially when paired with darker countertops and terracotta flooring. This design choice highlights the tiles' unique, earthy glaze and dimensional qualities, making each tile distinctive. A third concept focuses on creating impact through mixed-color zellige tile backsplashes. In a century-old property, architectural designer Britney Groneck used five different hues of green, deep brown, and maroon zellige tiles to create a random, impactful pattern in a kitchen backsplash, particularly in an area with abundant natural light. This method adds significant depth and movement to the space, elevating it with a modern yet timeless look. The handcrafted nature and unique sheen of the tiles make them a focal point, perfectly suiting the home's character. A fourth idea challenges conventional tiling boundaries by extending zellige tiles across an entire wall, from counter to ceiling and even onto adjoining walls and above cabinets. Liljencrantz Design showcased this in a white kitchen, using off-white zellige tiles to go beyond the practical function of a backsplash. This unconventional application transforms a simple kitchen into an incredibly special space, emphasizing the tiles' aesthetic contribution rather than just their protective role. Finally, chunky grouting with zellige tiles introduces a new trend that highlights the irregular beauty of the tiles. This approach creates a secondary, graphic pattern that adds a bold feature to the splashback. Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs notes that oversized grouting is surprisingly practical and easier to clean than fine grout lines. This design choice offers a different visual aesthetic, allowing for creative exploration of tile layouts and emphasizing the unique character of zellige tiles in kitchen design. #KitchenDesign #ZelligeTiles #HomeRemodel #InteriorDesign #TileBacksplash #KitchenInspiration #ModernKitchens #DesignTrends

The kitchen, often considered the heart of the home, demands flooring that skillfully combines aesthetic appeal, practical functionality, and enduring comfort. Given the significant foot traffic and potential for spills, selecting the right kitchen flooring is crucial for both style and durability. This article compiles 30 inspiring kitchen flooring ideas, ranging from classic hardwood to contemporary tile and budget-friendly laminate, catering to diverse design preferences and lifestyle needs. One prominent approach is to incorporate interest with mosaics, as seen in a Spanish revival home where custom-designed mosaic tiles, inspired by train station aesthetics, create a breathtaking subtle flower motif. Another option is the sleek and modern terrazzo tile, which, with its glossy finish and neutral tones, pairs elegantly with darker countertops, offering a sophisticated midcentury modern vibe. For those seeking a classic yet aged look, old-world inspired checkerboard patterns can be used, combining traditional designs with modern materials like Calacatta marble to evoke a cozy and elegant atmosphere. Rustic charm can be achieved through brick flooring, particularly terracotta-colored bricks, which infuse warmth and a sense of Mexican heritage into a modern hacienda setting. Rich limestone flooring is another durable and intentional choice for high-traffic areas, blending seamlessly with adjacent living spaces. For timeless appeal, hardwood floors remain a classic, offering a versatile foundation that allows other design elements to stand out, especially in open-plan homes where mid-tone wood coordinates well with cabinetry. Adding drama with geometric tiles is ideal for smaller kitchens where every design decision has a magnified impact. Bold, three-toned marble tiles can create an almost 3D effect, complementing other audacious elements like tiled ceilings. A timeless pattern like the classic checkerboard, often in gray and white, adds sophistication to rustic spaces. Further warmth can be introduced with worn terracotta tile floors, which, when paired with inky black cabinetry, create a dynamic yet lived-in feel. To evoke a bygone era, vintage-inspired penny tiles offer a charming and subtle pattern that acts as a time capsule. For a unique twist on hardwood, tinted stains can be used to incorporate low-key accent colors while allowing the wood grain to show through. Embracing rustic patina through reclaimed flooring with original nail holes adds an air of history and texture, proving particularly effective in high-traffic kitchens as wear and tear blend seamlessly with the material's inherent character. For highly durable options, polished concrete floors, often found in professional kitchens, provide a subtle shine and robust resilience. Alternatively, existing worn floors can be revitalized with paint, offering a protective seal against further damage and introducing playful color and country charm. Large-scale tiles minimize grout lines, making for easier cleaning and a more minimalistic aesthetic. Mixing up layouts, such as pairing two shades of tumbled marble in a checkerboard pattern framed by other tiles, adds dimension to expansive kitchens. Injecting a pop of color with shimmery zellige mosaic tiles grounds a room in verdant green, creating a cohesive yet vibrant look when combined with various finishes like marble, terrazzo, and wood. Herringbone patterns offer an understated way to add visual interest, effectively differentiating areas in an open floor plan without jarring transitions. For new builds or renovations, intentionally adding age with graphic blue and white tiles that show signs of wear can offset crisp white cabinetry, ensuring the space doesn't feel too new. Finally, switching up tile sizing, such as using a randomized layout of slate tiles, creates a collected and visually interesting focal point in smaller spaces. #KitchenFlooring #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #TileDesign #HardwoodFlooring #TerrazzoTile #MosaicTiles #RusticDesign #ModernKitchens

This lookbook compiles ten interior design projects from Dezeen's archive that incorporate exposed brickwork, offering visual inspiration for designers and enthusiasts. The selected projects showcase how exposed brick can add a rustic and comforting feel to interiors, moving away from traditional painted or wallpapered walls to highlight the original construction material. This design choice often imparts an industrial quality to the spaces. The lookbook includes examples from various international locations, including the UK, Brazil, Belgium, and Spain, demonstrating the versatility and global appeal of this design trend. One featured project is a Victorian terraced house in York, UK, by Studio Ben Allen, where handmade bricks form barrel vaults, echoing the city's historical brick architecture. Another example from the UK is an extension to a house in Weybridge by Soup Architects, which uses light grey exposed brick walls both externally and internally, creating texture that complements sleek modern furniture and artworks. Duggan Morris Architects' Old Bearhurst project, a converted 19th-century farm, showcases the restoration of a brickwork oast house with rugged red-brick walls contrasting with smooth concrete floors, a blend of traditional and modern elements that was shortlisted for a RIBA House of the Year award. From Brazil, Arquipélago Arquitetos designed a rammed-earth house in Cunha with straw-coloured bricks from a local pottery studio lining the interior walls, including a walk-in shower room, enhancing the house's overall simplicity. Melina Romano's Hygge Studio in São Paulo features peachy-brown brick tiles, blending a modern aesthetic with bucolic touches to create a cozy and content atmosphere. BLAF Architecten's GjG House in Ghent, Belgium, is constructed entirely from reclaimed bricks, featuring an irregular shape reflected in its curvaceous interior spaces where warm red bricks contrast with wooden beams and eclectic furniture, emphasizing waste reduction. In Argentina, Lalo Carillo, Colombo and Serboli Architecture, and SY Arquitectos designed the El Quicho guesthouse with chunky exposed brick walls that mirror a traditional brick asador oven, incorporating other rustic elements like dark wooden furniture and worn rugs against a modernist backdrop. Space Popular's Brick Vault House in Valencia, Spain, utilizes Guastavino vaults, a type of Catalan vault made from light bricks, to introduce curved elements into an otherwise geometric house. Finally, Emil Eve Architects converted a London warehouse into an apartment, preserving its original brick walls and concrete columns to maintain an industrial aesthetic, highlighting the beautiful tones and textures of the raw materials. Studio Wet's Casa Borrero in Alosno, Spain, features curved terracotta bricks lining vaulted ceilings, continuing the brick theme from its ceramic-clad exterior and responding to a narrow plot. This collection is part of a broader series of Dezeen Lookbooks, which aim to provide visual inspiration, with previous editions covering themes such as cozy cabin bedrooms, Shaker-style interiors, and interiors inspired by Wes Anderson films. #InteriorDesign #ExposedBrickwork #RusticInteriors #IndustrialStyle #ArchitecturalRenovation #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #DesignInspiration #HomeDecor

This lookbook explores eight distinct kitchen designs that embrace open shelving as a functional and aesthetic element, challenging the traditional concealment of storage behind cupboard doors. The featured kitchens demonstrate how open shelving creates a sense of spaciousness, allows for easy access to kitchenware, and transforms everyday items into decorative displays. The first example, The Maker's Barn in the UK by Hutch Design, is a holiday home featuring natural and neutral-toned materials. Its kitchen incorporates a hanging rail, wood-lined niches, and a ceiling-suspended shelf above an island, all used to exhibit homemade ceramics and kitchenware. Punta Chilen in Chile, designed by Guillermo Acuña Arquitectos Asociados, showcases rows of open shelves that line the walls of a home extension. This design integrates an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, providing essential storage while maintaining unobstructed views of the sea and landscape through large windows. A rental studio flat in Budapest by Position Collective features a minimal interior with a functional and adaptable plywood storage unit in the kitchen. This unit includes detachable shelves and pegs, allowing for reconfigurable arrangements to suit temporary guests. Of Architecture's Woodbury Residence in north London, a renovated and extended property, includes a kitchen at the rear that opens to a garden. The kitchen utilizes a mix of storage solutions, combining wall-hung shelving with cabinets crafted from reclaimed elm floorboards from the home's previous extension. In Melbourne, Australia, Studio Edwards designed Microloft, a 24-square-meter micro-apartment. The remodelled kitchen features angular aluminum sheets for countertops and triangular shelves above the stove, maximizing the use of corner space for storage and a clutter-free interior. An apartment in London, self-designed by Alex Holloway of Holloway Li, centers around a stainless steel kitchen inspired by local fast-food establishments. A curved backsplash with a matching curved shelf provides practical space for cookbooks, sauces, glassware, and cookware, drawing inspiration from kebab and fish and chip shops. La Casa del Sapo, a concrete seafront home in Oaxaca, Mexico, by Espacio 18 Arquitectura, maintains a minimalist aesthetic. Its kitchen features two thick shelves extending from a concrete back wall, opening onto an outdoor patio. Finally, Vinyl House in the UK, a London home extension by Benjamin Wilkes, incorporates open cabinets above the kitchen countertop. This design, combined with closed oak cupboards, displays the owners' cherished kitchenware, cookbooks, and potted plants, catering to their hobbies of cooking and music. These examples collectively illustrate the versatility and visual appeal of open shelving in contemporary kitchen design, allowing for personalized display and efficient organization. #Kitchens #OpenShelving #HomeStorage #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #KitchenwareDisplay #FunctionalDesign #SpaceSaving #HomeDecoration

The provided content is a comprehensive collection of articles and ideas focused on kitchen design and decoration, catering to various styles, trends, and practical considerations. It aims to inspire readers with a wide array of options for their kitchens, ranging from aesthetic choices to functional layouts and product recommendations. Several articles delve into specific kitchen aesthetics and trends. For instance, there's a piece on achieving the 'concrete kitchen look,' exploring how this modern, Brutalist-inspired style can be made chic through various applications, from countertops to flooring. Another article discusses 'jigsaw kitchens,' highlighting an interior design trend that merges style, craftsmanship, and cost-effectiveness. The 'Japandi kitchen' trend, which combines Japanese craftsmanship with Scandinavian-inspired design, is also featured, offering ideas for achieving this harmonious blend. For those seeking a more traditional or rustic feel, there are articles on incorporating vintage-inspired pieces and identifying valuable items found in older kitchens. Beyond specific styles, the collection addresses practical aspects of kitchen design. There are numerous ideas for optimizing small kitchen spaces, providing solutions for functionality and personality in compact areas. Kitchen layout ideas are explored, guiding readers on arranging their space regardless of its shape or size. Storage solutions are a key focus, with an article dedicated to stylish larder and pantry ideas to enhance kitchen organization. The concept of 'dirty kitchens' is introduced as a luxury upgrade, referring to smaller, secondary kitchens designed for messy food preparation, allowing the main kitchen to remain pristine. The articles also cover renovation and decoration tips, including advice on painting techniques to avoid common mistakes that can detract from a kitchen's appearance. Color plays a significant role, with discussions on trending kitchen paint colors for upcoming years and various kitchen color combinations that are aesthetically pleasing and functional. Specific product recommendations are also integrated, such as a feature on the 'Our Place x Crocs butter yellow collection,' showcasing on-trend kitchenware, and articles on valuable vintage items or popular brands like Le Creuset. Furthermore, the content touches upon the human element of kitchen design. There's a piece on creating a 'sensory-friendly kitchen' for neurodiverse individuals, emphasizing a balance between characterful design and appropriate sensory stimulation. An article by Sophie Robinson shares insights on designing a bold and colorful kitchen with personality, encouraging readers to break traditional rules. Practical advice extends to hosting in small spaces, offering tips on rearranging, decluttering, and creative dining solutions. Important considerations for kitchen renovations, such as where to save and spend money, are also addressed to help readers make informed decisions. The collection also highlights potential health and safety concerns, as seen in an article discussing a potential ban on artificial stone worktops in the UK due to a rise in silicosis cases. This demonstrates a commitment to informing readers about significant industry developments that could impact their home design choices. Overall, the content provides a rich tapestry of inspiration, practical advice, and trend insights for anyone looking to design, renovate, or decorate their kitchen. #KitchenDesign #HomeDecoration #InteriorTrends #KitchenRenovation #SmallKitchenIdeas #KitchenStorage #ColorSchemes #KitchenAppliances #SustainableDesign

This article showcases nine luxury kitchen designs from leading Australian architects and interior designers, providing insight into their creative processes, material choices, and the inspirations behind their projects. Each featured kitchen highlights a distinct aesthetic and functional approach, demonstrating how design can blend seamlessly with existing architectural features while incorporating contemporary living needs. One featured project by Designer David Flack emphasizes empathy for existing 1970s architectural features while introducing a contemporary feel. The goal was to open up a previously dark kitchen to connect dining and living areas, making it more engaging for modern lifestyles. The design prioritizes uncompromised finishes, particularly a timber stain chosen to complement the 1970s heritage of the space. Designer David Hicks's project focuses on concealment and functionality, creating a family kitchen where messy areas are hidden in a butler's pantry, and the main island functions as a bar for entertaining. The material palette includes marble, stainless steel, and mirror, contributing to a sleek and sophisticated look. The luxury in this design lies in its concealed functionality, allowing the kitchen to function efficiently without overtly appearing as a utilitarian space, suitable for inner-city living. Kerry Phelan's design for a penthouse kitchen was driven by the client's desire for a distinctive space with a focus on color, form, and texture. Situated with stunning views, the kitchen incorporates a 'pop-art' experience by day with a vibrant blue color, transforming into a moody, Milanese apartment feel by night. Luxury items include curated 1980s Memphis lighting and ceramic pieces, along with intentionally less popular furniture to create a unique aesthetic. Jonathan Richards designed a kitchen to be elegantly simple, characterized by clean lines and perfect functionality, with an outstanding view of Sydney Harbour. The design aims for calm restraint, allowing the exterior view to be the primary focus. Luxury elements include lime-washed oak herringbone parquetry flooring, natural granite benches, dark stained timber joinery, and sculptural 'Copenhagen' pendant lights, all chosen to complement the Art Deco neighborhood. Designers Victoria Judge and Jenny Kim drew inspiration from the client's passion for modernist architecture and contemporary art. The kitchen, in an otherwise white room, is designed to command attention as an artwork itself. Subdued matte white cabinets allow an exquisite piece of New York marble to be the focal point. The island's bottleneck shape, finished in black gloss, adds vigor and echoes the architecture of Sydney's Horizon building. The New York marble was considered a non-negotiable luxury item. Alexandra Donohue and Lisa Medicke's project involved extending and opening up a dark section of a California-style bungalow. A full-height window was introduced to maximize sunlight, leading to an enlarged galley-style layout. The design emphasizes understated luxury through elements like a Calacatta marble splashback and benchtop, a Wolf ‘E-Series’ oven, and a feature pendant light imported from Urban Electric Co in the US. Kimberley Tan and Jeff Swinyard created a kitchen with a dramatic, theatrical personality, using rich shades and complex textures. The design was centered around the clients' love for entertaining. The material palette includes timber cabinetry, stunning granites, metallic accents, and feature lighting. The Kanagawa granite is highlighted as the hero, providing richness and movement, complemented by Tom Dixon ‘Beat Tall’ pendant lights, contributing to a timeless, luxurious contemporary kitchen. Sally Caroline's design focused on opening the kitchen to the dining room for lightness and entertaining. Calming finishes such as natural stone, white powder-coated metals, and satin two-pack are used throughout. Copper accents on fridge hardware and mixers add subtle vibrancy. Luxury elements include floating marble shelves with curved edges and white powder-coated legs for the island, chosen for their craftsmanship and visual appeal. Finally, Vince Squillace, Mabel Chow, and Gaby Cara designed a kitchen for a family in the hospitality industry who enjoy entertaining. The kitchen features highly customized Poliform elements to adapt to existing site conditions, including a custom table integrated into the island. High-end appliances like the Wolf fridge/freezer and LaCanche freestanding oven and cooktop, along with a stone splashback, provide both functionality and a luxurious aesthetic, catering to the clients' culinary passion and enhancing the overall texture of the space. #KitchenDesign #LuxuryKitchens #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #ModernistArchitecture #MaterialSelection #AustralianDesign #KitchenTrends

Selecting the right kitchen flooring is a critical decision due to the unique stresses and demands placed on this area of the home. Kitchen floors experience heavy foot traffic, potential spills, dropped items, and temperature fluctuations, requiring materials that offer durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance. This article, drawing on insights from interior designers and flooring specialists, highlights six flooring options that effectively combine aesthetic appeal with practical performance. Porcelain tiles are presented as a top choice for their class and exceptional durability. Experts like Elizabeth Ego, founder of Agape Design Group, note porcelain's density and hardness, which provide resistance to scratches, moisture, and stains, making them ideal for spill-prone zones. Mitra Shahi of Shahi Design Group and Sallie Lord of GreyHunt Interiors emphasize porcelain's versatility in mimicking various materials like wood and stone, making it adaptable to any kitchen design, from modern to traditional. Its long-term value stems from reduced maintenance needs and resistance to chipping and cracking. Engineered hardwood offers a balance between style and practicality. Elizabeth Ego explains that it provides the warmth and aesthetic appeal of natural wood while offering enhanced durability and better resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations than solid hardwood. This material is particularly suited for busy family kitchens, being both kid and pet friendly, and is available in a variety of wood species, finishes, and plank widths to complement diverse kitchen styles. Natural wood flooring, a classic choice, is admired for its beauty but requires more maintenance. Sallie Lord suggests that its versatility allows for repairs of dings and scratches, and patterns like herringbone can help hide imperfections. Species such as oak, maple, and hickory are recommended for their durability. Proper care, including avoiding wet mops and promptly cleaning spills, is crucial to maintain its appearance, with refinishing needed over time. Lord also mentions that a decoupling membrane can mitigate cracking by accommodating sub-flooring expansion and contraction. Terrazzo is highlighted as a high-end, ultra-resilient option, perfect for kitchens requiring maximum durability, often seen in commercial settings. Mitra Shahi describes it as a composite of stone chips and concrete/resin, praised for its high style and ability to withstand heavy traffic. While installation can be pricey, its exceptional durability means it rarely needs replacement, offering long-term value. Terrazzo also allows for customized designs with endless combinations of colors and patterns. Marble tiles are presented as a luxurious choice known for elegance and stunning visuals, making them popular for high-end kitchen designs. Elizabeth Ego notes their unique veining and luxurious appearance. However, marble demands significant maintenance due to its porous nature, susceptibility to scratches, etching from acidic substances, and slipperiness when wet. Regular sealing (once or twice a year) and cleaning with pH-neutral products are essential to preserve its finish. Despite these practical considerations, its unmatched beauty makes it a preferred option for those prioritizing aesthetics. Finally, terracotta tiles bring a warm, rustic charm and Mediterranean appeal to a kitchen with their earthy tones and natural texture. They create an inviting and cozy atmosphere. However, like marble, terracotta tiles are porous and require consistent care, including periodic resealing and the use of gentle cleaning products to maintain their finish. While not ideal for those seeking low-maintenance options, terracotta offers a unique aesthetic that distinguishes it from other flooring materials, contributing to a balanced design theme. Ultimately, the choice of flooring should align with an individual's lifestyle and priorities. #KitchenFlooring #HomeDesign #DurableFlooring #StylishKitchens #PorcelainTiles #EngineeredHardwood #NaturalWoodFlooring #Terrazzo #MarbleTiles #TerracottaTiles

This lookbook explores eight examples of homes where kitchen units are cleverly designed to function as partition walls, optimizing space and organizing living areas. This design strategy is presented as an efficient method for creating more functional and distinct zones within a home's floor plan. The article highlights how a wall of kitchen units can effectively differentiate lounge and dining areas, or separate these primary living spaces from entrances, staircases, and utility areas. The integration of bold colors and varied materials transforms these functional elements into visual focal points, while strategically placed recesses and voids ensure that surfaces are seamlessly incorporated into the overall volume of the design. The examples featured in the lookbook span various international locations, including Portugal, Italy, Sweden, and Canada, illustrating the global applicability and diverse interpretations of this architectural approach. The first example is Sebastião 123 in Lisbon, Portugal, by Alarquitectos, where a blue "kitchen box" transforms a former office into a home. This central kitchen and storage wall defines distinct lounge and dining areas within a linear living space, creating a circular route further emphasized by changes in flooring materials like timber and terrazzo. In Amsterdam, Netherlands, MAMM Design implemented a sunken kitchen in an apartment renovation. By lowering the kitchen's floor level, the designers created space for a new mezzanine above, with the kitchen counter acting as a natural divider between the main living areas and a hidden staircase. Fōntego Architettura's Fienile N in Italy showcases mint-green cabinets that serve multiple functions in a converted barn near Florence. These tall, free-standing units house the kitchen, storage, and a toilet, while also segmenting the living and dining spaces from the entrance and staircase, with the green color chosen to harmonize with the surrounding natural landscape. Lookofsky Architecture's "Function Walls" apartment in Stockholm, Sweden, features a seven-meter-long, multi-functional wall that integrates the kitchen, including an oven and sink, and a seating nook. The grey cabinets are accented with yellow highlights, emphasizing both the recessed areas and a deep doorway. In the Saltbox Passive House in Quebec, Canada, designed by L'Abri and Construction Rocket, a kitchen wall divides double-height living and dining areas from a concealed pantry. A staircase wrapping around the kitchen leads to a mezzanine office above the pantry, demonstrating efficient vertical space utilization. OODA's Lóios Recovery in Porto, Portugal, involved transforming disused commercial buildings into apartments using freestanding modular units. These monolithic black units incorporate not only kitchens but also bathrooms, pull-out beds, seating, and storage, offering a versatile solution for urban regeneration. Cavaa's Galla House in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain, features a kitchen island that integrates a screen wall and a storage bench, alongside other multi-functional furniture designed to maximize space in the two-bedroom apartment. Glazing above the splashback provides acoustic privacy without obstructing light. Finally, PSM21 in Castelldefels, Spain, by Raúl Sánchez Architects, showcases a vibrant blue "kitchen cube" that organizes the living spaces in a converted residence. This cube, featuring red onyx recesses, also includes a small storage room and a new staircase, highlighting the aesthetic and functional potential of using kitchen units as central architectural elements. The article concludes by positioning this lookbook within a broader series that explores diverse interior design themes, such as terrazzo bathrooms, Scandinavian summer houses, and minimalist bedrooms. #KitchenDesign #SpaceOptimization #PartitionWalls #InteriorArchitecture #HomeRenovation #ModularDesign #FunctionalLiving #ResidentialDesign #Lookbooks