Creating a sleek, modern and minimal new-look in a traditional 1960s built home, Luna Bianco is the ideal choice for a busy family kitchen that needs to work hard and look good. When the owners of the three-bed semi-detached property in Cheshire approached CSS Granite for help sourcing the perfect worksurface to complement their choice of handleless furniture in timeless matt white, Luna Bianco by CRL Stone was suggested as the ideal solution. Extended to create a larger kitchen and living area, the space, measuring around 7m long by 4m wide, was designed to be functional and modern, with a working kitchen complete with island at the centre of the room. The handleless furniture is sleek and modern, giving the kitchen a light, airy feel, with the homeowners envisaging a white stone worktop with a slight pattern as a practical solution. Matching shades of white can be more complex than it sounds, however, and after much searching, the property owners were unable to find the ideal surface with a non-repetitive, soft pattern that they wanted. Until that is, they were shown a sample of Luna Bianco. “When we saw a sample of Luna Bianco we instantly understood that this was the one. We arranged to go and see a full size slab of the stone and we liked it even more. It is very original, very different from any stone we had looked at. We like that it has golden shades as well as grey and white,” the homeowner explains. una Bianco (Super Honed) is a cool grey and white quartz surface featuring cloud-like swirls and soft grey veining. With all the enduring and durable qualities CRL Quartz offers, this extremely versatile design can be paired with a multitude of colour palettes and textural design elements. “Our kitchen has a lot of stone including the splashbacks, worktops and the island with waterfalls. We had some concerns that it could be very busy with too much pattern. However there was no need to worry, Luna Bianco looks wonderful and the pattern is very subtle. We also like its matt finish, which again is very modern and different from most stones,” comments the homeowner. With the hob integrated into the central island, seating running along its length and a long black pendant lighting above, this is now the perfect space for cooking and socialising.

Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW This unit, located in a 4-flat owned by TKS Owners Jeff and Susan Klimala, was remodeled as their personal pied-à-terre, and doubles as an Airbnb property when they are not using it. Jeff and Susan were drawn to the location of the building, a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, 4 blocks from Wrigley Field, as well as to the vintage charm of the 1890’s building. The entire 2 bed, 2 bath unit was renovated and furnished, including the kitchen, with a specific Parisian vibe in mind. Although the location and vintage charm were all there, the building was not in ideal shape -- the mechanicals -- from HVAC, to electrical, plumbing, to needed structural updates, peeling plaster, out of level floors, the list was long. Susan and Jeff drew on their expertise to update the issues behind the walls while also preserving much of the original charm that attracted them to the building in the first place -- heart pine floors, vintage mouldings, pocket doors and transoms. Because this unit was going to be primarily used as an Airbnb, the Klimalas wanted to make it beautiful, maintain the character of the building, while also specifying materials that would last and wouldn’t break the budget. Susan enjoyed the hunt of specifying these items and still coming up with a cohesive creative space that feels a bit French in flavor. Parisian style décor is all about casual elegance and an eclectic mix of old and new. Susan had fun sourcing some more personal pieces of artwork for the space, creating a dramatic black, white and moody green color scheme for the kitchen and highlighting the living room with pieces to showcase the vintage fireplace and pocket doors. Photographer: @MargaretRajic Photo stylist: @Brandidevers Do you have a new home that has great bones but just doesn’t feel comfortable and you can’t quite figure out why? Contact us here to see how we can help!

Au cœur de ce projet, la création d’un espace de vie centré autour de la cuisine avec un îlot central permettant d’adosser une banquette à l’espace salle à manger.

Step into a kitchen that exudes both modern sophistication and inviting warmth. The space is anchored by a stunning natural quartzite countertop, its veined patterns reminiscent of a sun-drenched landscape. The countertop stretches across the kitchen, gracing both the perimeter cabinetry and the curved island, its gentle curves adding a touch of dynamism to the layout. White oak cabinetry provides a grounding contrast to the cool quartzite. The rich, natural grain of the wood, paired with a crisp white paint, create a sense of airiness and visual lightness. This interplay of textures and tones adds depth and dimension to the space. Breaking away from the traditional rectilinear lines, the island features curved panels that echo the countertop's gentle sweep. This unexpected detail adds a touch of whimsy and softens the overall aesthetic. The warm vinyl flooring complements the wood cabinetry, creating a sense of continuity underfoot.

A long wall of full height custom cabinetry and appliances pack a functional punch for this kitchen, allowing the opposite wall to be upper cabinet free.

https://blog.making-spaces.net/2023/07/23/the-coach-house-phase-2-open-plan-kitchen-diner/

Welcome to our latest kitchen renovation project, where classic French elegance meets contemporary design in the heart of Great Falls, VA. In this transformation, we aim to create a stunning kitchen space that exudes sophistication and charm, capturing the essence of timeless French style with a modern twist. Our design centers around a harmonious blend of light gray and off-white tones, setting a serene and inviting backdrop for this kitchen makeover. These neutral hues will work in harmony to create a calming ambiance and enhance the natural light, making the kitchen feel open and welcoming. To infuse a sense of nature and add a striking focal point, we have carefully selected green cabinets. The rich green hue, reminiscent of lush gardens, brings a touch of the outdoors into the space, creating a unique and refreshing visual appeal. The cabinets will be thoughtfully placed to optimize both functionality and aesthetics. The heart of this project lies in the eye-catching French-style range and exquisite light fixture. The hood, adorned with intricate detailing, will become a captivating centerpiece above the cooking area. Its classic charm will evoke the grandeur of French country homes, while also providing efficient ventilation for a pleasant cooking experience.

The second project for Edit 58's Lisa Mehydene, this time in London. The requirement was one long run and no wall cupboards, giving a completely open canvas above the worktops.

Japandi Kitchen – Chino Hills A kitchen extension is the ultimate renovation to enhance your living space and add value to your home. This new addition not only provides extra square footage but also allows for endless design possibilities, bringing your kitchen dreams to life. This kitchen was inspired by the Japanese-Scandinavian design movement, “Japandi”, this space is a harmonious blend of sleek lines, natural materials, and warm accents. With a focus on functionality and clean aesthetics, every detail has been carefully crafted to create a space that is both stylish, practical, and welcoming. When it comes to Japandi design, ALWAYS keep some room for wood elements. It gives the perfect amount of earth tone wanted in a kitchen. These new lights and open spaces highlight the beautiful finishes and appliances. This new layout allows for effortless entertaining, with a seamless flow to move around and entertain guests. Custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, and a large custom island with a sink with ample seating; come together to create a chef’s dream kitchen. The added space that has been included especially under this new Thermador stove from ‘Build with Ferguson’, has added space for ultimate organization. We also included a new microwave drawer by Sharp. It blends beautifully underneath the countertop to add more space and makes it incredibly easy to clean. These Quartz countertops that are incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks, making them very long-lasting. The backsplash is made with maple ribbon tiles to give this kitchen a very earthy tone. With wide shaker cabinets, that are both prefabricated and custom, that compliments every aspect of this kitchen. Whether cooking up a storm or entertaining guests, this Japandi-style kitchen extension is the perfect balance of form and function. With its thoughtfully designed layout and attention to detail, it’s a space that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression where memories will be made, and future meals will be shared.

Design of a bespoke bench in oak veneer with French cane details to provide extra seating and more storage in the kitchen.

A contemporary kitchen with green cabinets in slab door and with brass profile gola channel accent. Worktops in calcatta gold quartz. Flooring in large format tile and rich engineered hardwood.

The kitchen features micro-shaker cabinets, quartzite countertops & backsplash, a quartzite waterfall island and Thermador appliances.

This beautiful North Vancouver home belongs to a nature-loving and health-conscious couple, Emma and Vince (names changed), their two young children, and their dog, Jasper. When they contacted us about renovating and furnishing their kitchen and family room, we walked in and saw a world of potential waiting to be uncovered. Before: Larkhall Crescent Home: Like many original North Vancouver homes, the interior was definitely dated. We encountered late ‘80s finishes in powder pink and teal green, old carpet, and a kitchen that wasn’t maximized to suit this family’s modern-day lifestyle. However, the size of the rooms offered us a ton of space with which to get creative. Knowing our clients’ love of cooking, need for work spaces (Emma and Vince both work remotely), and growing family, we developed a design concept that would increase usable space, optimize storage, and create intimacy in this large area. As for the style, we were inspired by their European roots, inventing a new and modern take on “Belgian Farmhouse” style. Now, the home is truly one-of-a-kind. After: Warm & Cozy Family Room: Fresh, bright, and comfortable, this living area has been transformed! We started with the fireplace as a focal point, selecting aged brick tiles for added texture and a crisp wood mantle. The taupe-coloured sectional infuses the room with visual warmth and serves the added purpose of separating the family room from the kitchen. Emma and Vince were also keen on using non-toxic materials in their home, and we were happy to oblige. To meet their needs, we sourced natural wood elements and sought out Canadian-made products - that adhere to high health standards - whenever possible. Look closer at the elements of this space, and you will find this stunning, honeycomb-patterned rug in earthy gold, beige, and charcoal tones. It’s plush to the touch and full of visual texture that brings this room’s colour palette together. We sourced these two-tone chairs with caning, petrified wood side table, black sconces, and botanical prints in greyscale from local artist, Heather Johnston. We topped off the space with this dark wood and rattan console that offers storage facing the kitchen and presents an opportunity to display cherished items. The result is a cozy lounging space brimming with comfort and functionality. It’s perfect for enjoying quality family time, or Emma can simply slide the coffee table away to make room for her morning yoga practice. Now, let’s turn around and give some attention to the kitchen. Do you remember what the original kitchen looked like? If not, scroll back up, because the transformation is shocking… Moody & Welcoming Kitchen for Healthy Living: This kitchen looks very different from how it started, right? Though we didn’t touch any walls, the kitchen has almost doubled in usable space! We created a long, extended island with storage, an outlet for small appliances, and seating for comfortable prep, after-school snacking, or mingling among friends. On the other side of the island, the family has even more storage and an integrated dishwasher within easy reach of the sink, perfect for quick clean-up. From this angle, you can also see the expansive custom Shaker cabinetry in white and the integrated double ovens. These facilitate their cooking experience and gave us the opportunity to add an additional surprise… A coffee garage station and more hidden storage! Keeping these items located along the perimeter allows them to be accessed by the family or their guests without someone getting under the cook’s feet. These are the little details that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Moving deeper into the kitchen, the seamless induction cooktop topped with a freestanding concealed hood fan commands attention in a soft yet prominent way. The natural wood accent mirrors the fireplace mantle, and the choice of off-black wood-grain cabinets not only continues our black-and-white colour palette but adds a sense of depth and contrast. The corner sink is located to the right and perfectly positioned with a view of their thriving backyard. To invite more of this family’s character into the space, we mixed metals for interest — matte black, dark pewter, and warm brass — and created open shelves in white oak for their plants and decor. You can also glimpse the tumbled edge of the backsplash tile, which echoes the rustic brick of the fireplace. It adds that farmhouse charm while still feeling timeless and sophisticated. Last but not least, we designed this dining banquette in the bay window (with integrated bench storage, of course), where the family can share a meal together, the kids can do homework, or Emma and Vince can work and enjoy a change of scenery from their offices. Like the other spaces in the home, it was designed to be beautiful, multi-functional, and long-lasting. Praise from Our Clients: It is clear that we love this home, but what did our clients have to say? “Lori is a visionary and masters execution to the finest detail all at the same time. When she first met us to know more about who we are and how we live, she could right away envision how we could use the space in our kitchen and living room…The results exceeded our expectations. Lori and her team were also a delight to work with — coordination with all the trades, fast problem-solving, regular updates, professional and friendly attitude of her entire team — made it the dream team. Thank you SHD for making our space so beautiful!” In turn, we are so grateful for this family’s trust, their open communication, and for being wonderful people with whom to work. (So, thank you!)