Kitchens are so much more than the place where meals are prepared. Many people spend more time here than in any other room—even when food prep isn’t on the itinerary. We polled area designers on the unique touches they use that make the kitchen the best spot for entertaining, working, relaxing, catching up—and, when the mood strikes, cooking.
Kitchen Confidential
I’ve been really enjoying the return of stained wood and natural materials—they bring a sense of warmth and simplicity to a space. The clear finish on the white oak lets the grain stand out, and the neutral tile keeps things calm without distracting from the cabinetry. The reeded island adds subtle texture where it’s often forgotten, and going full height with the cabinets makes the most of the space.
Stephanie Swander, Stephanie Swander Interiors
Hardware is the Jewelry of the Kitchen
Even the smallest details can make the biggest impact. Unique cabinet pulls and statement hardware elevate the entire look—think of them as the accessories that tie everything together.
The Maroon Stove
This vintage maroon stove was part of the original design of the house—and it was love at first sight. We made it the centerpiece of the kitchen renovation in this charming mountain retreat, seamlessly blending old character with new functionality.
A Custom Creation
We approach every kitchen with curiosity:
- How does the client cook and live?
- What are their must-have appliances and hidden features?
- What’s the best workflow or “kitchen triangle” for this specific space?
From there, we layer in personalized details like floating shelves, a fluted island, and a custom range hood. In this case, earthy green cabinets add depth, while natural wood tones and clean lines give it a modern mountain feel.
Go Big with Color
Don’t shy away from color! Whether it’s a bold wallpaper or a daring paint choice, saturated hues bring vibrancy and a high-end custom feel. In this bar nook, we paired bold wallpaper with sleek finishes to create a striking, memorable moment in the home.
Kerry Howard, Howard House Interiors
This is one of our kitchen designs with a fun tile wall from Circles and Squares and custom cabinetry from SK Cabinets. We added a tambour/reeded accent to the face and island fronts.
We completed a kitchen project this year that is nestled between rooms with grand vaulted ceilings and white walls. We wanted the kitchen to draw you in—a happy blue hue was the key and richly textured Zellige tile was the cherry on top.
Amanda Louise Campbell, Amanda Louise Interiors
This kitchen originally featured a two-tiered island, which disrupted the visual flow and made the space feel disjointed. To create a more cohesive look, we replaced it with a single-height countertop and extended the overhang to comfortably seat four. A muted, elegant quartzite with a soft blue on the cabinets adds a subtle pop of color to the island, bringing in personality without overpowering the space. The counter stools are upholstered in a neutral, patterned fabric that feels custom and easily disguises everyday spills.
Kathleen Reynolds, Kathleen Reynolds Interiors
In modern-day kitchen design, true originality comes from smart material choices and clever, unexpected features. This kitchen perfectly shows how strategic design elevates a functional space into something truly special.
The bold backsplash is a standout, with unique tiles in cool tones accented by warm metals to blend with the other brass details in the space. This creates an immediate focal point, adding depth and visual intrigue that feels both current and timeless. It’s beautifully complemented by the magnificent marble countertop with dramatic veining that provides stunning contrast, yet works in harmony, grounding the room with elegance.
But what truly sets this kitchen apart is its ingenious hidden storage. Beyond typical integrated appliance doors, this design features a seamlessly concealed pantry entrance. Tucked behind custom cabinetry, it blends so perfectly that visitors are often surprised to find a spacious, organized pantry within. This brilliant solution combines high-end aesthetics with supreme functionality, proving that the most unique designs often surprise and delight with their unexpected features.
This kitchen beautifully showcases a refined European aesthetic, standing out with its timeless elegance. Every detail was chosen to create a unique, yet classic feel.
The base is traditional stone flooring, giving the room an authentic, old-world grounding. The custom Venetian plaster hood acts as a sculptural focal point, its texture and lines hinting at artisan craftsmanship. This organic touch is balanced by the striking Calacatta Gold marble countertops.
Overhead, rustic exposed beams add architectural interest and the custom-painted finish on the Urban Electric pendants provides a unique source of color. The combination of these carefully chosen materials and bespoke details results in a kitchen that feels both grand and inviting—a true nod to European design.
Caroline Brackett, Caroline Brackett Studio of Design
This kitchen exudes a warm and inviting ambience with its rich blend of rustic and modern features. The focal point is the expansive marble island, which has pewter metal bands. The large, custom hood is a stunning statement piece, blending seamlessly into the space. The dark iron family crest on the backsplash gives the kitchen a subtle touch of personality. The high-end appliances elevate the kitchen’s functionality while maintaining a sleek, contemporary look. Warm, natural wood floors bring a sense of coziness, while the open shelving and decorative accents, including the colorful artwork and vibrant red stools, infuse the space with energy. There’s also a perfect balance of light and shadow, thanks to the large windows and plaster walls, making this kitchen feel open and airy while still grounded by its earth-toned elements.
Olivia Coates, LH Design Studio
