Eight kitchens that benefit from generous marble surfaces

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

This lookbook compiles eight distinctive home kitchens from various global locations, each featuring tactile brick flooring. Bricks, known for their durability and low maintenance, are a popular choice in architecture, interiors, and design, commonly used for walls and patios. Their application as internal flooring adds rich, earthy tones and a unique tactile quality to spaces. While often associated with traditional rustic farmhouses, these examples demonstrate how brick flooring can be seamlessly integrated into contemporary homes worldwide. The featured kitchens showcase diverse design approaches. For instance, Hacienda Granada in the USA, renovated by Working Holiday Studio, incorporates handmade terracotta bricks from Tijuana, Mexico, laid in a herringbone pattern. This choice contributes to a warm, earthy aesthetic, complemented by dark green plaster walls and wooden joinery, aligning with the desired "hacienda vibe" of the mid-century home. In the UK, Neil Dusheiko designed Gallery House with chunky reclaimed bricks extending from the lower walls onto the kitchen floor. This terracotta lining provides a textured backdrop for oak storage displaying ceramics and glassware, highlighting the material's versatility in creating a feature element. Norm Architects, for Fjord Boat House in Denmark, utilized handmade ceramic bricks for the kitchen floor, paired with warm oak finishes and a custom washi-paper pendant lamp. This combination aims to cultivate a cosy and comfortable atmosphere through a "refined abundance of warm textures and hues." Douglas & Company’s renovation of Arklow Villa III in South Africa incorporated brick flooring in the kitchen, continuing onto the adjacent patio. This tactile floor is set against exposed South African pine and bespoke wooden units with green marble counters, creating a cohesive indoor-outdoor connection. Vinyl House in the UK, by Benjamin Wilkes, features elongated bricks in a herringbone pattern in its extension, linking the kitchen area to the matching patio outside. The earthy flooring is harmonized with warm wooden cabinetry and off-white terrazzo countertops, promoting a fluid transition between spaces. In Australia, YSG's Budge Over Dover renovation extensively uses terracotta brick on the ground floor, including the kitchen. This material, combined with aged brass and tactile plaster, contributes to a textured interior, featuring a chunky prep counter with a veiny marble countertop. Another project by Norm Architects, the Heatherhill Beach House in Denmark, employs a contemporary take on brick flooring. The bricks are arranged side by side with minimal cuts, and grout size adjusted to achieve a homogeneous look, updating the traditional Danish brick pattern for a modern holiday home setting. Lastly, Delve Architects' Camberwell Cork House in London incorporates brick flooring that extends from the exterior paving into the open-plan kitchen. This design choice, part of a broader strategy to connect the home with its garden, is reinforced by large green-framed windows that enhance natural light and visual links to the outdoors. These projects collectively illustrate the adaptability and aesthetic appeal of brick flooring in diverse modern kitchen designs. #BrickFloors #KitchenDesign #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #TactileMaterials #HomeRenovation #ModernKitchens #HerringbonePattern #TerracottaBricks

This lookbook showcases eight functional kitchens that demonstrate how conventional construction materials can serve as primary decorative elements within domestic interiors. These designs primarily utilize wood, metal, and concrete to cultivate an atmosphere that is both durable and serene. The combination of these materials establishes a balanced interior scheme, with wood contributing a sense of warmth, while metals such as stainless steel, and concrete, introduce an air of functionality. One example is a Madrid apartment by Leticia Saá, featuring an open-sided kitchen island and three-legged stools, with a shelf-like surface for the cooktop and white paint covering walls and ceilings to create a bright and casual space. In contrast, Studio Guma’s Normandy farmhouse kitchen integrates vast picture windows and a blush pink concrete island. This design highlights original rustic beams and a stone wall, complementing the minimalist aesthetic by omitting conventional wall cabinets in favor of a slimline shelf. Casa Olivar in Spain, renovated by Matteo Ferrari and Carlota Gallo, blends rustic and industrial motifs. A wooden table and uneven floor tiles are juxtaposed with sleek stainless steel cabinets, creating a balanced visual and textural experience. SABO Project’s Sacha apartment in France extensively uses plywood cladding, storage, and furniture, unified by white walls and flooring, with a concrete ceiling adding to the material palette. CJH Studio’s Penthouse M in Australia features kitchen walls covered in small square tiles, dating back to the apartment’s 1980s origin. A wooden bar with tall bar stools is positioned by floor-to-ceiling windows, and a cool-toned color palette contributes to a calm ambiance. The K916 and K907 apartments in Poland by Thisispaper Studio feature a slatted wooden partition wall and a concrete ceiling, providing a textural backdrop for the kitchen and dining area. The space is furnished with essential items—a plain kitchen unit and functional dining set—to maintain an aesthetically peaceful appearance. Juan Gurrea Rumeu’s Bolívar House in Barcelona incorporates dark wooden cabinetry in the kitchen, offering a warm and grounding effect. Exposed wires for lighting introduce an industrial element, while concrete on the walls and floors creates an interplay between warm and cool tones. Lastly, the Mossy Point house in Australia by Edition Office features metal countertops and backsplashes, lending a utilitarian aesthetic to the plywood kitchen. Smooth-fronted cabinets keep clutter hidden, allowing curated ceramics and coffee paraphernalia to be prominent decorative features. These kitchens exemplify how careful selection and combination of natural and industrial materials can achieve a minimalist yet richly textured interior without relying on traditional ornamentation, focusing instead on inherent qualities like durability, warmth, and functionality. Each project, while distinct in its regional context and specific design choices, uniformly demonstrates a commitment to material integrity and thoughtful spatial composition. The common thread across these designs is the deliberate choice of materials to define the aesthetic and functional character of the kitchen space, ensuring that simplicity does not equate to a lack of character or warmth. #MinimalistKitchens #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #Materiality #WoodInteriors #ConcreteDesign #StainlessSteel #HomeInteriors #ArchitecturalDetails

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 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 increasing interest in highly organized homes, a trend notably influenced by figures like Marie Kondo, is particularly visible in kitchen design. This lookbook presents eight kitchen projects that prioritize tidiness and efficient storage through clever design solutions. These kitchens feature elements such as plywood units, pegboard displays, custom cabinetry, and open shelving to keep clutter at bay and maintain a clean aesthetic. One example is Map House in the UK, designed by SAM Architects. This mews house, created by the architects for themselves, features interiors clad in charred larch and incorporates open-plan spaces. Its kitchen utilizes pink, blue, and orange plywood units for storage, alongside a pegboard for hanging crockery, reflecting a modern lifestyle. Another project, Fifth Avenue Kitchen in the US by Handwerk Art and Design, addresses the challenge of a compact 160-square-foot New York apartment. The studio implemented space-saving solutions, including custom cabinets tailored to the client's cooking habits and a pegboard wall for hanging various kitchen items, maximizing the functionality of the limited space. Fruit Box in the UK by Nimtim Architects showcases a playful galley kitchen within a home extension. This design incorporates plywood and planed softwood structures with square tiles. A notable feature is a kitchen island with a tiled waterfall countertop, housing a sink and shelving, while the walls are designed for flexible use, allowing for increased privacy or maximized open space. The Family Playground in Taiwan, by HAO Design, reorganized a family home to encourage more interaction. In the kitchen, a large black steel storage rack is suspended above a white-tiled island, serving as both a visual centerpiece and practical storage for plants and kitchenware, allowing parents to observe their children while cooking. Air-BnP in Hungary, developed by Position Collective, transformed a former studio flat into an Airbnb property. Due to a small budget and fixed layout, the studio introduced a modular plywood furniture and storage system. In the kitchen area, this includes a pegboard storage wall with adjustable shelves, perfect for displaying local Hungarian art, home accessories, and cooking equipment. Curve Appeal, another UK project by Nimtim Architects, involved the renovation of a 1920s semi-detached house. This design incorporated multifunctional plywood partitions with arched openings and alcoves for storage, using a neutral-toned material palette that included terracotta floor tiles, laminated countertops, and sustainably sourced plywood. Maison Pour Dodo in the UK, by Studio Merlin, focused on creating serene, clutter-free living spaces within a London flat. The kitchen features a wall of deep-set IKEA cabinets with smokey blue door fronts and a seating nook. Above this, pantry-style shelves provide easy access to cooking ingredients. Finally, Punta Chilen in Chile, by Guillermo Acuña Arquitectos Asociados, is a red home extension built on pine stilts. The open-plan communal area, designed for cooking and eating, boasts large pine shelves filled with ornaments and tableware, emphasizing both storage and display. These projects collectively demonstrate innovative and aesthetic approaches to kitchen organization, catering to diverse spatial needs and design preferences. #KitchenDesign #StorageSolutions #OrganizedHomes #InteriorDesign #PlywoodFurniture #CompactLiving #HomeRenovation #MinimalistKitchens

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

This lookbook showcases eight residential kitchens that incorporate metal, highlighting its versatility beyond traditional restaurant settings. Stainless steel, recognized for its durability and functionality, is now a prominent feature in modern home design, offering a sleek and contemporary aesthetic. The selected projects demonstrate diverse applications of metal, ranging from custom-built installations to the integration of commercial-grade fixtures within residential spaces. One example is a Highbury apartment in the UK, where Holloway Li studio drew inspiration from local fast-food establishments and fish and chip shops to create a kitchen clad in circle-brushed stainless steel with a curved splashback. This design choice provides a unique aesthetic while embracing the material's practical benefits. In Quebec City, architect Jean Verville designed a live-work apartment within a brutalist building, using stainless-steel commercial restaurant furniture for the kitchen. This decision blends the kitchen seamlessly with the raw concrete walls of the 1970s structure, creating a cohesive industrial look. Another project by Archmongers in London's Trellick Tower features a kitchen where industrial materials are harmoniously combined. Brushed stainless steel counters are paired with speckled brown and cream terrazzo, white cabinets, and matt-black linoleum flooring, complementing the newly exposed concrete aggregate walls of the renovated home. Rodolphe Parente's renovation of a 19th-century Haussmann-era apartment in Paris introduces a balance of old and new. The kitchen features stainless steel and pastel pink cabinet finishes, alongside a marble splashback, while preserving the apartment's classic architectural details and improving spatial flow. Uchronia founder Julien Sebban's own Paris apartment, Univers Uchronia, incorporates a metallic island in an open-plan kitchen. This element, combined with a seaweed-shaped table lamp and various contrasting materials and colors, reflects the studio's signature bold and eclectic design approach. In a Stalinist-era flat in Kyiv, Mirzoyan Studio utilized polished stainless steel for the cabinets and countertops in the kitchen's primary working area. This design choice helps define the open-plan living and dining spaces through built-in furniture and partition shelves. The Kerr apartment in Melbourne, located in a former chocolate factory, by SSdH, integrates metal surfaces with wooden cabinetry. The kitchen, part of an open-plan living area, features geometric cabinets made from local spotted gum timber, along with brushed stainless steel and nickel fixtures, marrying natural and industrial elements. Finally, Studio Edwards' Microloft in Melbourne, a 24-square-metre micro apartment, showcases a horizontal raw aluminium surface for angled wedge-shaped countertops in both the kitchen and dining area. This innovative design merges the two spaces seamlessly, maximizing functionality and aesthetics within a compact footprint. These projects collectively illustrate how metal, particularly stainless steel and aluminium, is being creatively employed in residential kitchen design. The material offers not only resilience and ease of maintenance but also a contemporary aesthetic that can be adapted to various architectural styles and design preferences, from industrial and minimalist to eclectic and elegant. #MetalKitchens #StainlessSteelDesign #ModernInteriors #ResidentialKitchens #InteriorDesign #ApartmentRenovation #IndustrialStyle #ContemporaryHomes

This lookbook presents a collection of eight residential kitchens from various locations worldwide, each distinguished by its prominent use of wood. The article highlights timber as a strong, versatile, and often sustainable material favored by architects and designers. Each featured kitchen showcases unique applications of wood, contributing to distinct aesthetic and functional outcomes. One example is Churchtown in Ireland, designed by Scullion Architects, which is a curved glass extension to a family home in Dublin. The kitchen in Churchtown is characterized by stained oak-paneled cabinetry, reflecting a modernist influence from the 1930s. The design focuses on creating a family-oriented space within the dwelling. In Barcelona, Spain, Juan Gurrea Rumeu designed Bolívar House for himself and his wife. This kitchen features tall cabinets made from swirly dark wood, which are complemented by concrete walls and floors, introducing an industrial element to the interior. Another project is a London house by designer James Shaw, known for his extruded recycled plastic furniture, in collaboration with architect Nicholas Ashby. This self-build is almost entirely underground, and its kitchen includes cabinets crafted from veneered MDF, paired with worktops made from pale blue HIMACS and stainless steel. This design demonstrates an unconventional and creative approach to kitchen materiality. The Fjord Boat House in Denmark, by Norm Architects, is a lakeside holiday home near the Danish-German border. The interior adopts a warm palette, with the kitchen featuring oak cabinets and ceilings alongside handmade ceramic brick flooring, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. In rural Tasmania, Australia, FMD Architects designed Coopworth, a farmhouse with a plywood-lined kitchen. The living spaces in this farmhouse are separated by a distinctive wood-burning stove, and the exterior features corrugated metal cladding, drawing inspiration from local agricultural buildings. A family home in Zwaag, the Netherlands, renovated by DAB Studio, showcases an extensive use of timber. The kitchen's floors and ceilings are clad with hand-scraped oak, while the cabinets and walls are made from Afromosia wood, a tropical hardwood. This layering of different wood types creates a rich, textural environment. Hood Cliff Retreat in Washington State, USA, by Wittman Estes, is designed to integrate with its forested site. The kitchen features white oak floors and pine plywood ceilings, along with floor-to-ceiling glazing that provides views of the surrounding trees, emphasizing a connection to nature. Finally, the Malibu Surf Shack in California, USA, by interior designer Kelly Wearstler, is a transformation of a 1950s beachfront cottage into a bohemian retreat. The kitchen is characterized by chunky wooden cabinets and drawers, reflecting Wearstler's eclectic design style. Each project illustrates diverse ways in which wood can be utilized to create unique and functional kitchen spaces, from modernist interpretations to rustic and industrial aesthetics. #WoodenKitchens #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableMaterials #HomeInteriors #KitchenDesign #TimberCabinetry #ModernistDesign #RusticInteriors

The article presents a curated collection of 23 designer kitchens, emphasizing their aesthetic appeal and functional design. The kitchens featured in the ELLE Decor archives showcase a range of styles, from vibrant and cheerful to moody and sophisticated, highlighting innovative use of color, materials, and space. Each kitchen is described with specific design choices and the designers behind them, offering diverse inspiration for home remodels. One prominent theme is the playful and bold use of color. Designer Eddie Lee's kitchen in Bedford, New York, for instance, features coral-toned pink cabinetry, trim, and doors, creating a joyful and optimistic atmosphere. This bold choice is softened by natural woven shades and greenery, demonstrating how vibrant colors can be integrated harmoniously. Another example of color integration is Sheila Bridges' Vermont mountain house kitchen, which draws inspiration from the state's leafy-green license plate. The cabinets and island are painted in Farrow & Ball's Calke Green, extending into the great room and complemented by oak barstools that introduce natural wood tones. Materiality and texture play a crucial role in defining the character of these kitchens. Leah Ring's Midwestern family home kitchen embraces warm minimalism with white oak cabinetry and Rojo Alicante marble countertops, known for their deep red hues and white veining, adding warmth without visual clutter. Steven Gambrel's design for Jessica Capshaw's Bedford Hills home features a white oak island with Paonazzo marble, an Italian stone with golden, violet, and caramel veining, providing both warmth and sophistication. Similarly, Hannes Peer's Milan apartment kitchen boasts custom brass cabinetry and dark marble countertops, creating a daring and refined aesthetic. Another kitchen by Electric Bowery uses Farrow & Ball's Studio Green for cabinetry and Meridian leather quartzite countertops, a Brazilian stone with ivory tones and subtle veining, along with a custom copper hood. Several kitchens emphasize light and connection to the outdoors. Nickey Kehoe's redesign for Matt Duffers' L.A. kitchen focuses on maximizing natural light through arched glass-and-steel windows, lightened floors, and a reoriented island. This design ensures views of the backyard's oak tree, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. Nick Fouquet's geodesic dome house in California also utilizes dramatic triangular windows to flood the kitchen with natural light, complementing custom rift-cut oak cabinets and marigold tones. The article also highlights innovative and unique design elements. Hugo Toro's Parisian apartment kitchen is entirely enveloped in graphic Brèche de Médicis marble, featuring dramatic white-and-black veining and custom red lacquer cabinets for a striking effect. Montana Labelle's Toronto home kitchen includes a custom range hood coated in Venetian plaster, adding depth and softness through a centuries-old technique. Lauren Buxbaum Gordon's family kitchen is built around a reclaimed French storefront repurposed as an island, bringing historical character with aged wood and original hardware. Hendricks Churchill's Manhattan apartment kitchen incorporates a bold floral wall covering and a custom Molteni island with a Statuario marble top, providing a glamorous yet livable space. Efficiency and vintage charm are also explored. A Provincetown, Massachusetts cottage features a galley kitchen designed for nautical efficiency, maximizing space with exposed wood beams and dark green cabinetry. Oliver Furth's retro-chic kitchen evokes a pastel dreamscape with minty green walls, cabinetry, and vintage Smeg appliances, embodying a postwar flair. Laura W. Jenkins' Atlanta kitchen prioritizes preservation by refreshing existing cabinetry with Farrow & Ball's Breakfast Room Green, modernizing the space without demolition. Will and Kerstin Meyer's Mexican vacation home showcases handcrafted warmth with cast-concrete counters, open wood shelves displaying Oaxacan ceramics, and custom wood screens that filter light and connect to indoor-outdoor living. Benjamin Vandiver’s West Village townhouse kitchen exudes European elegance with natural oak cabinetry and a Verde Borgogna stone island, offering richness and depth. #KitchenDesign #InteriorDecorating #HomeRenovation #DesignerKitchens #ModernKitchens #ColorPalette #MarbleCountertops #CustomCabinetry #LuxuryInteriors

Ina Garten, the acclaimed host of Food Network's "The Barefoot Contessa," has shared insights into her personal kitchen design, specifically her preference for marble countertops. Despite spending considerable time in a professional kitchen setting for her show, Garten recently undertook a significant renovation of her home kitchen, a space she hadn't updated in 25 years. This renovation, documented in an Instagram post, revealed her decision to incorporate elegant marble countertops, a choice that surprised some given marble's historical reputation for being less durable than alternatives like granite. Garten explained her affection for marble, citing its aesthetic appeal: "I love the look of marble — the movement and energy." She acknowledged the long-standing perception of marble as a porous material, which traditionally made it a less ideal choice for high-traffic kitchen environments where staining and etching are concerns. However, she noted a significant advancement in sealants, stating, "the sealers have gotten good now, so it's a great choice for a countertop." This technological improvement has made marble a more user-friendly option for modern kitchens, allowing individuals like Garten to combine beauty with practicality. Her chosen material is Calacatta Gold marble, an Italian variety renowned for its distinctive veining and sophisticated appearance. This type of marble is available in two primary finishes: polished, which offers a brilliant shine and enhanced stain resistance, and honed, which provides a matte finish and better resistance to etching or scratches. Regardless of the finish, regular sealing and re-sealing every three to five years are crucial for maintaining the marble's integrity and appearance. Garten's new countertops feature a white and gray marble, contributing to a light and clean aesthetic that contrasts with her previous darker kitchen surfaces. This design choice extends beyond the countertops, with suggestions to continue the look using honed Calacatta Gold tiles for backsplashes. Beyond the marble, her kitchen is outfitted with other premium and practical elements. These include a French Lacanche stove, a symbol of culinary excellence; a pantry stocked with classic white dinnerware, emphasizing simplicity and elegance; and an accessible display of copper pots and pans, such as tri-ply, stainless copper cookware sets. These elements collectively reflect a blend of high-end utility and timeless design. The overall ambiance of Garten's personal kitchen balances elegance with a welcoming, down-to-earth feel. This is further enhanced by thoughtful countertop displays, featuring simple white or clear vases and sturdy wooden cutting boards, which are both functional and decorative. The kitchen also prominently displays her collection of "Barefoot Contessa" cookbooks, integrating her professional identity into her personal space. The article suggests that such a kitchen is perfectly suited for preparing classic dishes like Ina Garten's famous perfect roast chicken, highlighting the blend of sophisticated design and culinary functionality. #InaGarten #KitchenDesign #MarbleCountertops #HomeRenovation #CalacattaGold #KitchenDecor #CookingSpace #InteriorDesign #Cookware

The kitchen often serves as the central hub of a home, witnessing family meals, important discussions, and social gatherings, making its design a crucial element in home value and personal satisfaction. Current kitchen design trends for 2022 highlight glazed and textured tile backsplashes with thinner grout lines, bold island colors, open shelving, and a minimalist aesthetic. When embarking on a new kitchen build or renovation, design professionals typically advise establishing a clear budget, selecting a consistent style, and drawing inspiration from various sources. This article showcases six distinct kitchen designs, some resulting from extensive renovations and others newly constructed, each embodying unique stylistic choices and inspirations. The first featured kitchen, a 'Tropical Modern' renovation in Wrightsville Beach, emerged from an unexpected opportunity following Hurricane Florence. Designer Suzanne Couri used a beloved reclaimed pine barnwood table as the central inspiration, designing the space to accommodate it. The kitchen incorporates tropical greens, neutral tones, and modern elements like soldier-stack tile layouts and waterfall-edge countertops. South American influences, reflecting Couri's Brazilian heritage, are evident in the Zellige handmade glazed subway tiles, chosen for their vertical installation to add height, and various decor pieces. Wormy maple, a wood known for its unique patterns, is used for countertops and open shelving, contributing to a blend of neutral, organic textures with clean, modern lines. The second kitchen, an 'Industrial' new build on Harbor Island, is designed around a 100-year-old live oak visible from the kitchen window. Homeowner Bridget Bendjy specifically requested the sink face this tree, eliminating upper cabinets to create a seamless connection with nature. Built by Bell Custom Homes, this kitchen balances aesthetics with practicality. Simple stained wood cabinetry and open shelving complement the natural surroundings, while custom concrete countertops and a large island introduce an industrial feel. Black-framed windows, inspired by a Brooklyn warehouse, and distressed brick tile backsplash on two walls further enhance the industrial aesthetic. The large, durable island is designed to withstand heavy family use. The 'Coastal Contemporary' kitchen in a Forest Hills renovation transformed a dark, dated space. Elizabeth Sheats, the homeowner and a designer, oversaw a complete overhaul, replacing dark pine cabinets with crisp white, handcrafted cabinetry. A charcoal gray island and floating shelves contribute to a clutter-free, clean aesthetic, with appliances neatly tucked away in 15-inch-deep garages. The original closed-off kitchen was opened up to the living room, and the lighting was significantly upgraded from two fixtures to seventeen, all on dimmers, allowing for versatile ambiance. Pastel pendants from Barn Light Electric provided the initial color inspiration, incorporating pops of turquoise and pink. Personal touches include a painting by artist Daisy Faith and a salvaged pantry door. The 'Cottage Charm' kitchen in a historic downtown Wilmington home, built in the 1920s, was renovated in 2001 by previous owners Anna and Chuck Dietsche. The current owners, Lucy Ann and Seth Laupus, were drawn to its unique character, particularly the different pastel colors and the morning light that fills the space. The design intentionally maintains the aesthetic of a 1920s craftsman bungalow, featuring a deep plate rail for pottery display and 6-inch beaded wood paneling. Instead of traditional cabinets, custom furniture pieces in rich pastels with whimsical hardware, such as peapod-shaped pantry handles, were incorporated. Modern amenities, like a large restaurant-style sink and a hidden dishwasher, are seamlessly integrated, blending historic charm with contemporary functionality. The 'Scandinavian' kitchen in a Hampstead new build showcases a minimalist design overlooking a marsh. Homeowner Renata Kuperus and designer Julia Jacobsen, both from European backgrounds, emphasized functionality and simplicity. The kitchen features a sharp contrast of black and white, soft woods, and a textured matte picket tile installed vertically to add dimension without excessive grout lines. The design prioritizes clean, uncluttered lines, with all six floating shelves precisely aligned, avoiding upper cabinetry to maintain an open feel. The kitchen's design reflects a focus on every piece having value and purpose, aligning with Scandinavian principles. Finally, the 'Nautical' kitchen in a St. James, Southport new build, reflects homeowners Tom and Twink Michel's passion for boating. Hollingsworth Cabinetry, Crane Building Company, and Lizzy Mac Interiors collaborated to create a galley-style kitchen reminiscent of a yacht interior. This design incorporates white cabinets with teak accents, teak wood countertops, a deep navy island, and polished brass hardware designed to patina over time, evoking an aged, salt-air look. Instead of traditional island seating, a custom-built window bar allows for serving food and drinks to an outdoor grill deck. Barnwood ceilings and exposed cabinet hinges complete the yacht-inspired aesthetic, fulfilling the Michels' clear vision for a nautical-themed space. #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CoastalDecor #IndustrialStyle #ScandinavianDesign #NauticalKitchens #DesignTrends #HomeImprovement

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

Marble is a popular material for kitchens, and while it is not inherently 'bad,' it does come with specific characteristics that potential users should consider. Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from cooling magma, giving each slab a unique color and pattern. This natural beauty is a significant draw for designers and homeowners looking for a distinctive and timeless aesthetic in their kitchen spaces. However, its porous nature means it can be more susceptible to staining and scratching than other materials, requiring ongoing maintenance. One of the main advantages of marble is its durability against light kitchen utensils and its natural antibacterial properties, which can be enhanced with regular cleaning and proper sealing. Unlike some man-made alternatives like quartz, marble is also highly heat-resistant, tolerating hot pans up to a certain degree without damage, a valuable trait in a busy kitchen. The uniqueness of each marble slab, often highlighted through techniques like bookmatching, allows for highly personalized designs. Despite these benefits, marble presents several challenges. Its edges and corners are prone to chipping, and repairs can be difficult, sometimes requiring specialized techniques. The material can also contribute to a cold or sterile feel in a kitchen if not balanced with warmer elements like wood. To combat its porous nature, regular sealing is crucial to prevent the absorption of liquids and oils, and users must avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the stone. Another consideration is the inherent imperfections of marble; its natural veining means that no two slabs are identical, which can be a drawback for those seeking perfect uniformity. However, for many, these natural markings are part of its allure. Finally, marble is an expensive material, with prices varying significantly based on grade and rarity, often ranging from $150 to over $500 per square meter, not including additional fabrication costs for features like drainer grooves or inset sinks. Ultimately, the decision to use marble in a kitchen depends on one's willingness to embrace its unique qualities and commit to its specific maintenance requirements. #MarbleKitchen #KitchenDesign #HomeRenovation #KitchenCountertops #InteriorDesign #NaturalStone #KitchenMaterials #HomeDecor #DesignTrends