Timeless details define a new kitchen and breakfast nook in Ladue.

Jessica Alken and her husband, Ash, embarked on a new build project near Padstow, Cornwall, following the sale of their family's Grade II*-listed Harlyn House. The endeavor involved demolishing an existing red-brick bungalow with sea views and constructing a contemporary beach house in its place. Ash, a bespoke-home builder, collaborated with Totnes-based architects Harrison Sutton Partnership on the architectural designs for their new residence. A key priority for Jessica, who grew up in historic homes, was to incorporate reclaimed materials to prevent the new house from feeling overly modern. This commitment to sustainability and character included utilizing reclaimed slate for the roof. The decision to build from the ground up provided the couple with complete creative freedom to design an open-plan kitchen, which was a central element of their vision. They intentionally opted to forgo additional upstairs bedrooms to allow for a vaulted ceiling in the kitchen area, a choice that significantly enhances the room's natural light and sense of spaciousness. The kitchen's aesthetic is characterized by a neutral color scheme. The cabinetry, sourced from Neptune's Henley range, is finished in a Snow paint color, contributing to the airy and bright atmosphere. A prominent feature of the kitchen is a large island, designed by Jessica to be free of sinks or appliances. This intentional design choice positions the island as a central gathering point for family and friends, fostering social interaction within the open-plan space. The ceiling in the kitchen is clad with whitewashed boards, further amplifying the room's light and coastal feel. For the flooring, the couple chose reclaimed wood from an old school, which was acquired from Bert & May. This selection adds a layer of history and warmth to the contemporary design. Additionally, some bricks salvaged from the original bungalow were repurposed as the splashback behind the Aga, creating a direct link to the property's past. Jessica expressed a preference for homes that acknowledge and integrate their previous lives, blending old and new elements seamlessly. She drew inspiration from designer Judy Hutson's effortless approach to combining disparate styles, aiming to create a design that would resist dating. Many of the smaller details, such as the pendant lights, were discovered on Pinterest and subsequently shipped from Copper + Pink, an interiors store based in New Zealand. The bar stools complementing the island are Neptune's Ludlow design. Further details on this project can be obtained by contacting Alkenby Bespoke Homes. #KitchenDesign #OpenPlanLiving #ReclaimedMaterials #CoastalHome #InteriorDesign #NeptuneKitchens #SustainableDesign #CornwallProperty

The new owners of a post-and-beam home in Peabody undertook a kitchen remodel to enhance functionality and aesthetics while preserving the distinctive structural elements of their home. Enthusiastic cooks, the homeowners desired a modern kitchen design and enlisted McGuire + Co. Kitchen & Bath for the project. The renovation involved a complete overhaul, including replacing the existing floor tiles with wood planks to create a more cohesive and contemporary look. A key improvement was the removal of an obstructive peninsula, which was replaced by a central island, significantly improving the kitchen's flow and making the space more accessible and efficient for cooking and entertaining. A central design challenge involved integrating the new kitchen elements with the home's original post-and-beam structure. The design team successfully worked around these architectural features, ensuring they remained exposed and highlighted, rather than concealed. This approach maintained the character of the home while introducing modern updates. The selection of materials and finishes was carefully considered to complement both the existing structure and the homeowners' modern aesthetic preferences. Streamlined Shaker-style cabinets were chosen and painted in Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter, a neutral shade that appears light and warm, benefiting from the ample natural light in the kitchen. This color choice was a deliberate departure from stark white or beige, aiming for a sophisticated yet inviting feel. Practical considerations also guided the design. To gain more space for storage, the coat closet in the entry was sacrificed to create a pantry adjacent to the refrigerator. The entire refrigerator and bar wall was brought forward to establish a uniform plane, but this adjustment was made without compromising the visibility of a corner post, which was intentionally left exposed between the upper cabinets and floating shelves. This detail underscores the commitment to showcasing the home's unique construction. Lighting played a crucial role in enhancing the kitchen's ambiance and functionality. A lighting designer friend of the couple recommended installing a Kable Lite system from Visual Comfort & Co. This system was discreetly placed between the beams, offering a more refined and less intrusive lighting solution compared to the previous clunky track lights that were mounted directly on the beams. This change not only improved illumination but also contributed to the overall streamlined aesthetic. Furthermore, the design incorporated a dedicated bar area, featuring upper cabinets and a countertop. Metal-mesh inserts in these cabinets were chosen to echo other flat-black accents throughout the space, such as the faucet, sconces, and hardware, creating a cohesive visual theme. White oak shelves were installed to complement the exposed beams and provide additional storage and display space, balancing the presence of the range hood and offering a sense of openness. For the backsplash, elongated subway tiles were stacked vertically for a modern touch and extended all the way to the window, with the window casing omitted to achieve a cleaner, more minimalist look. Finally, a quartz drip edge was integrated below the fireclay apron-front sink to offer practical protection against water damage to the surrounding cabinetry and flooring, combining functionality with elegant design. #KitchenRemodel #HomeDesign #PostAndBeam #InteriorDesign #ModernAesthetic #Cabinetry #LightingDesign #ArchitecturalPreservation

Designer Mark D. Stumer, co-founder of Mojo Stumer Associates and a judge for the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Kitchen Design Contest, offers expert insights into creating luxurious and functional kitchens. Drawing from 44 years of experience, Stumer emphasizes a modern approach to kitchen design, moving beyond traditional constraints to prioritize individual needs and integrate the kitchen seamlessly into contemporary living spaces. He critiques the outdated concept of the 'work triangle,' advocating instead for a design process that begins with understanding how a specific family or individual will utilize the kitchen, allowing the layout to evolve organically from their workflow. This personalized approach may lead to configurations like multiple islands, separating cooking areas from social spaces, to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Stumer stresses the importance of allowing the existing space to guide the aesthetic decisions, particularly in open-plan homes where the kitchen must harmonize with adjacent rooms. He suggests innovative solutions such as varied ceiling treatments to differentiate spaces without disrupting the overall aesthetic flow. For instance, lowering sections of the ceiling, integrating range hoods, and incorporating perimeter lighting can help define the kitchen area while still connecting it visually to other rooms like a family room, creating a cohesive yet functionally distinct environment. Appliance choices also play a role in aesthetic integration, with panel-ready options allowing for seamless blending with cabinetry. The article highlights Stumer's enthusiasm for modern materials and advanced appliances. He notes the significant improvements in man-made materials like porcelain tiles, which now offer realistic appearances and enhanced durability, contributing to cost-effective and visually appealing designs. Stumer also praises technological advancements in appliances, particularly those from Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove, citing features like Wolf steam ovens for their culinary benefits and vacuum seal drawers for their practicality in modern households. These innovations are presented as tools that can simplify daily tasks and elevate the cooking experience. Finally, Stumer champions the integration of natural light into kitchen design, recognizing its importance for starting the day positively. He encourages designers to think beyond conventional windows, suggesting more expansive solutions like retractable glass walls to create indoor-outdoor living spaces. While acknowledging that such ambitious features may not always be feasible due to constraints like space, budget, or climate, he proposes alternatives such as glass-walled breakfast rooms with skylights to maximize light infusion. Ultimately, Stumer concludes that the most successful kitchen designs are those that are tailored to the specific lifestyle and needs of their occupants, encouraging a departure from rigid standards in favor of personalized, functional, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. #kitchenDesign #luxuryKitchens #homeDesign #interiorDesign #modernKitchens #applianceInnovation #naturalLight #functionalLayouts #architecturalDesign

The kitchen and bath industry's annual trade shows consistently reveal emerging trends in home design. Manufacturers showcase a wide array of new products, from faucets and sinks to appliances, cabinetry, and surface materials. These exhibitions allow industry professionals and journalists to identify common themes in color, finish, materials, patterns, and specific design features like open shelving. The complexity of modern kitchen design, encompassing both aesthetic choices and functional requirements, often necessitates the expertise of a designer. These professionals guide clients through decisions ranging from appliance capabilities, such as high-BTU cooktops or steam/convection ovens, to practical considerations like pot fillers versus second dishwashers, instant hot/cold faucets, and optimal storage solutions (drawers vs. pull-outs). The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), with over five decades of tracking design directions, recently surveyed 450 members across the U.S. to understand current trends in new construction and remodeling. The survey indicated that nearly half of kitchen projects fall within the $20,000 to $49,000 range, with a third of clients being empty nesters and about 20% representing multi-generational households or families with teenagers. The top ten kitchen trends for 2016 identified by the NKBA include a preference for transitional styles characterized by clean lines and minimal ornamentation. A notable trend is the use of two or more cabinet colors or finishes within the same kitchen, frequently employing a light/dark combination. Practical storage solutions like pull-outs, tilt-outs, and tilt-ins for easy access to items and waste disposal systems are also popular. Wood flooring, whether actual wood or wood-look ceramic tile, is a dominant choice, and kitchens often feature different countertop materials and colors for islands versus perimeter surfaces. Outdoor kitchens are gaining popularity, especially in the Southeast, alongside built-in amenities such as coffee stations, wet bars, and wine refrigerators. Pocket doors are also trending, as are dedicated pet spaces including built-in feeding stations, food storage, and crates. Finally, docking and charging stations are increasingly integrated into kitchen designs. Modern aesthetics, emphasizing simplification, reduced visual clutter, and enhanced organization, are a consistent thread in interior design. This approach often involves mixing various materials like wood, stone, quartz, metal, porcelain, glass, or concrete tiles to create an effortless yet sophisticated look. A significant development is the increased input from men in kitchen design, driven by the need for kitchens to seamlessly integrate into open-plan living spaces, demanding more luxurious palettes and styles. Consumers are embracing combinations of two or more finishes, often using darker values to anchor islands. Quartz is gaining traction for countertops due to its aesthetic versatility, low maintenance, and resistance to heat, scratches, and stains. Countertop profiles vary widely, from very slim to several inches thick. Designers like Mark Williams emphasize breaking up spaces with textural changes, especially in neutral palettes, by combining elements perceived as masculine (dark colors, strong wood grains) with softer shapes and textured tiles. The interplay of rough and smooth textures, such as rugged stone with smooth marble and swirled glass, creates visual interest. Designers like Cheryl Kees Clendenon note a growing willingness among consumers to experiment with mixing cabinet colors. Gray tones are becoming a popular alternative to traditional cherry or espresso wood, offering versatility across various styles from country to coastal, with weathered, transitional, or modern finishes in matte or high-gloss paints. While white remains a classic, the trend is towards layering different textures and shades within white-toned spaces rather than a monolithic white-on-white approach. The contemporary philosophy eschews a one-size-fits-all approach, encouraging homeowners to personalize their kitchens. As designers like Julia Buckingham and Kelli Kaufer suggest, the goal is to create a unique kitchen that reflects individual tastes and needs, ensuring its appeal and functionality endure over time. #KitchenDesignTrends #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #KitchenCabinetry #CountertopMaterials #SmartKitchens #OpenShelving #TransitionalStyle #NKBA

Breakfast nooks are becoming a popular feature in modern homes, offering a dedicated space for morning meals and leisurely starts to the day. These compact and inviting areas can be customized to suit various styles, from rustic farmhouse to sleek modernism, transforming everyday routines into special moments. This article explores 21 unique breakfast nook ideas, highlighting how each design element contributes to comfort, charm, and functionality. The featured nooks demonstrate a diverse range of aesthetic choices and practical configurations. For instance, the "Curved & Cushioned Charm" nook utilizes a banquette and a tulip table, creating an intimate setting with a soft color palette and chic amber ghost chairs. Another example, "Collected & Cozy Nook," combines vintage plates with a dusty sage backdrop and brass rails to evoke an old-world elegance reminiscent of a Parisian café. Meanwhile, the "Sunshine Served Daily" nook embraces a playful retro vibe with a pink starburst mirror, yellow gingham bench, and citrusy wallpaper, offering a cheerful and vibrant space. Several designs emphasize refinement and relaxation, such as the "Refined Meets Relaxed" nook, which features coastal neutrals, a tailored banquette, and rattan chairs for a breezy, elegant feel. The "Eclectic Charm in a Cozy Corner" design brings in a European café atmosphere with a star pendant, a gallery wall of textiles, and bold patterns paired with powder blue cabinets. For those who appreciate timeless luxury, the "Refined and Ready for Company" nook showcases a mahogany table, brass base, green trim, and a built-in bench, balancing formality with invitation. Cottage and rustic influences are also well-represented. The "Cozy Cottage Charm" nook provides a warm, nostalgic ambiance with ruffled seat cushions, throws, and woven pumpkins, while the "Sunny Basket-Lined Nook" incorporates a vintage blue table, French bistro chairs, and a unique display of overhead woven baskets. The "Scandi-Coastal Calm" nook, on the other hand, offers a clean, sunlit space with mushroom-toned chairs, a white tulip table, and a cushioned window seat, combining Scandinavian simplicity with coastal comfort. Other notable ideas include the "Classic Charm Meets Soft Simplicity" nook with its built-in bench, seafoam cushions, and botanical pillows, and the "Palm Beach Meets Garden Party" design, which features botanical wallpaper, rattan chairs, and an oversized wicker pendant. The opulent "Breakfast at Versailles (with a Side of Macarons)" nook transforms the space into a rococo rendezvous with golden chinoiserie, a tufted pink banquette, and a carved pedestal table. The "Plaid, Plates & Pancakes" nook merges English countryside charm with mid-century elements, featuring a plaid bench, spindle-back chairs, and honeycomb tile flooring. Modern and minimalist approaches are also explored. The "Velvet Mornings & Window Light" nook presents a luxurious, quiet setting with a midnight blue velvet banquette and striped Roman shades. The "Artful & Airy Modernism" design focuses on intentional angles, a fluted pedestal table, rounded stools, and curated art prints. The "Forest-Framed Minimalism" nook provides a serene hideaway with black-framed windows overlooking a woodland view, a circular wood table, and earthy-toned pillows. Finally, the "Monochrome Mornings" nook uses a dramatic black drum pendant and arched windows to create a striking yet inviting space with tailored black-and-white elements, while the "Sweet & Citrus-Crisp" nook combines pink, gingham, and lemons for a charming countryside escape. Each of these ideas serves to inspire the creation of a functional and aesthetically pleasing breakfast nook, designed to enhance the morning experience. #BreakfastNook #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CozyCorners #KitchenDesign #ModernDesign #CottageCore #ScandiStyle #EclecticDecor