R5 White Hot

This article explores three distinct white kitchen designs—Transitional, Traditional, and Contemporary—each showcasing unique approaches to achieving a stunning aesthetic while prioritizing functionality. The Transitional kitchen, located in a Scarsdale Colonial, was designed by Karen Williams of St. Charles of New York. The owner desired a white kitchen that wasn't merely plain. Williams achieved this by utilizing Calacatta Gold marble in multiple ways, including two-inch-thick slabs for counters and an apron-front sink, and four-by-16-inch subway tiles for backsplashes and cabinet backs. Layering camelback-shaped marble slabs over the tile backsplashes added depth and a furniture-like quality to the sink area. The design incorporates reflective materials and curved surfaces, with stainless steel appliances like the range, refrigerator/freezer, and double wall oven complemented by a custom brushed and polished nickel range hood. The dining island features recessed-panel stainless steel doors, mirroring the style of adjacent wood cabinets and seamlessly integrating with the 1920s-era house. Stainless steel toe kicks and 'socks' on corner posts create a floating effect for the cabinetry above the oak floor. Curved shapes, such as the marble counter on one island and a dramatic arc on the serving island, tie the space together, resulting in a fresh, contemporary feel despite traditional elements. The Traditional kitchen, found in an English manor-style residence in Armonk, was designed by Robert Varca and Amy Matterazzo of Clive Christian Greenwich. The restaurateur owners sought a state-of-the-art, family-centric kitchen that also matched their home's architectural style. They opted for handcrafted-in-England cabinets from Clive Christian, desiring an ivory white without yellow undertones. The cabinets, initially primed white, received a hand-applied glaze that was sanded between applications to add depth and highlight decorative elements like corbels. Classical architectural features such as dentil moldings, acanthus-leaf corbels, and carved moldings give the cabinetry a fine furniture appearance, accented by classic bronze pulls. Beveled glass and illuminated glass shelves in select upper cabinets, along with a pair of crystal chandeliers, reflect light, brightening the room. Cream-colored hammered Jerusalem limestone counters and polished/honed Jerusalem limestone tile backsplashes add texture. The kitchen features two focal points: an armoire with a broken pediment and fluted pilasters concealing an integrated refrigerator and freezer, and a corbelled mantel over the range. An island with a teak counter and a tumbled limestone tile floor in various brown and beige shades bridge the color palette to a burgundy enamel La Cornue range, which, despite its non-white color, fits perfectly within the English-style design. Finally, the Contemporary kitchen in Pound Ridge reflects Lauren Sugar's preference for a simple yet sophisticated aesthetic, influenced by her time at Armani Casa. Working with designers Lorraine Frye and Jenny Sim of Today’s Kitchens, Sugar chose the sleek Varenna line of lacquered Bianco cabinets imported from Italy. She prioritized clean, contemporary, and white design, valuing the calm and expanded feel white provides in the 18-by-13-foot space. The design features flush-door cabinets with recessed channels instead of applied pulls, maintaining a minimalist look where only appliances require external handles. A strip of windows illuminates a semicircular breakfast area. White Corian counters with an undermounted sink, white walls without moldings, and a milky glass backsplash contribute to the room's Zen-like serenity. Stainless steel plays a significant role, appearing as a polished island countertop, a satin-finish cooktop hood, and on the cooking appliances. Integrated refrigerator and freezer units are concealed behind cabinet panels, and stainless-steel toe-kicks create the illusion of floating cabinetry above the pearly epoxy-painted floor, a seamless effect achieved after a meticulous four-day drying process. #WhiteKitchens #KitchenDesign #TransitionalDesign #TraditionalDesign #ContemporaryDesign #InteriorDecor #HomeRenovation #MarbleCountertops #StainlessSteelAppliances #WhiteKitchens #KitchenDesign #TransitionalDesign #TraditionalDesign #ContemporaryDesign #InteriorDecor #HomeRenovation #MarbleCountertops #StainlessSteelAppliances