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Steel Counters
Designer: Melissa Morgan Sutherland, CKD
Co-Designer: Carla Taylor, CKD

While a wide variety of countertop materials are used in the latest kitchen designs, stainless steel is emerging as a new favorite, creating a sleek, modern look that ties in perfectly with stainless steel appliances. Melissa Morgan Sutherland, CKD’s clients had just moved from New York, and loved the commercial styling often found in homes there. For her clients’ new home in the south, Sutherland used stainless steel in a wall storage unit to provide both style and accessibility, as well as for the countertop on the sprawling island, which provides storage and prep space for two cooks. By combining the ingredients of a commercial-style kitchen, such as open shelves, high-performance stainless steel appliances, and unadorned windows, with the warmth of cherry cabinets and natural stone floors, the kitchen becomes an efficient, yet comfortable room.

Glass Elements
Designer: Matthew R. White, AKBD

The use of glass was very prominent in the kitchens seen in the 2009 NKBA Design Competition, but not in the traditional places. Glass turned up again and again in countertops and backsplashes. Often, as can be seen in this kitchen design from Matthew White, AKBD, glass tile backsplashes ran all the way from the counter to the ceiling. In this design, the glass tiles and stainless steel vent hood reflect light off one another to create a stunning effect. White also incorporated stainless steel into the sleek hardware on the maple and cherry cabinets, as well as with stainless steel sinks undermount sinks on the countertops that pick up the green hues of the glass backsplash tile. The rustic grade maple flooring ties in beautifully with the cabinetry, while a flowing slate tile path leads to the backyard.

Stone Hearths
Designer: Larry E. Frasier, CKD

Huge, dramatic hearths made of natural stone are becoming more common. Achieving a vintage Mission-style statement was paramount to the client, so Larry E. Frasier, CKD used quarter-sawn white oak cabinetry with pyramid onlays, corbels, and tapered square legs, while a huge stone hearth arched above the cooking surface immediately draws your eye. A symmetrical theme was also created in the room by flanking the sink with identical-looking base cabinetry, but what looks like three drawers on the left is actually one drawer over pull-out waste bin and what appears to be three drawers on the right is actually an integrated dishwasher. Frasier similarly disguised the refrigerator to look like an icebox, complete with heavy nickel-plated hinges and latches. A hammered antique copper undermount sink, oil-rubbed bronze faucet, handmade Craftsman cabinet hardware complete the mission theme.

Black & White Kitchens
Designer: Kristen A. Okeley, CKD
Co-Designer: Lisa Stites

Eschewing color, dramatic black and white color schemes are becoming the norm. Showrooms can be challenging spaces to design, and Kristen A. Okeley, CKD decided to use two paint colors for the cabinetry that provide contrast to one another in both value and sheen. Okeley fell in love with the room’s marble, and it served as the inspiration for the entire kitchen, creating an ethereal feel. The versatility of the integrated panels on the appliances allows the sink wall to appear open and uncluttered. Adding to the clean feel, yet functional design of the space are an undercounter microwave drawer, a pair of built-in coffeemakers, and eight clear acrylic barstools. Finishing touches like the white glass lights, large eating bar, and white, high-gloss floor create visual interest in the space, while blending together for a simple feel.

Chrome is Back
Designer: Erica Westeroth, CKD
Co-Designers: Sheena Hammond & Tim Scott

After years of yielding to finishes like brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome is mounting a comeback, particularly in bathrooms. Hoping for a master bathroom that would create the feel of a spa getaway, Erica Westeroth, CKD’s clients wanted a space that was completely relaxing, and with amenities for two, so she created a clean, modern design complete with a soaker tub under the window, as well as a glass-enclosed shower placed on a raised platform, complete with a seat extending from the tub deck to the interior of the shower. The sand-colored porcelain tile on the floor, walls, and tub deck, as well as the matte sheen dark rift oak cabinetry and dark brown limestone vanity top that Westeroth used, contrast nicely with the white fixtures, while the polished chrome faucet, towel bars, and other fittings really pop in the room.

Shoji Screens
Designer: Scott Gjesdahl

An increasing number of kitchen designs are now incorporating shoji screens, as they provide separation between the kitchen and other living spaces when needed, while still allowing light to pass through. In this Asian-influenced remodel, Scott Gjesdahl used custom sliding shoji partitions to control connectivity and circulation. A curved ‘kumiko’ breaks the rigidity of a typical shoji design, adding a welcome organic element. Gjesdahl added a similar set of shoji doors in the hall to conceal a coat closet and laundry, unifying the two spaces. The golden undertones of the sapele cabinets provide a warn flow the compliment the translucency of the shoji, while a large window located behind the cooktop provides an open view of the beautiful garden outside. Pebble green concrete counters and Italian porcelain floors balance perfectly with the courtyard’s marble gravel.

Tin Ceilings
Designer: Chris Berry

Tin ceilings are being increasingly used to add more visual to kitchens. Chris Berry designed this space to offer symmetrical focal points when viewed from any of the kitchen’s three doorways. From the breakfast room’s arched doorway, the viewer’s eye is drawn to the tin ceiling placed in the center of the room over an island that offers an unexpected round chopping block end table. Symmetrical glass clerestory cabinets are placed above the sink. The serving alley view from the dining room centers on an accented tall Sub-Zero wine cooler behind the circular table with a crown pot rack above. The focal point from the back hall is a much-needed built-in china cabinet beside the beverage bar. The moldings and detailing that Berry designed were inspired by the original built-in woodwork in the home’s dining and drawing rooms.

Floating Cabinets
Designer: Gunter R. Sprang

In order to create a cleaner, more open feel, many of the latest bathroom designs are eliminating cabinet legs and toekicks in favor of floating, wall-mounted units. This leaves a large open area beneath the cabinets that makes the room feel more spacious. Gunter R. Sprang recognized that his client’s large farmhouse provides plenty of wide open spaces, except in this one particular bathroom. Sprang’s use of floating cabinets was just one method he used to make this room feel as open as the rest of the home. Installing large mirrors, spacing fixtures just right, and flooding the room with light also add to the spacious feel, while a glass-encased display of sand and shells separating the two stone counters adds an unexpected element that ties in very well with the rest of the room.

Mirror, Mirror Off the Wall
Designer: Bryan Matthew Reiss, CKD, CBD
Co-Designer: Theresa Bishop

Flush-mounted bathroom wall mirrors are starting to yield to more creative placements. Bryan Matthew Reiss, CKD, CBD created a freestanding furniture piece that had back-to-back mirrors, sinks, and faucets to provide a clear his-and-hers space. For her, behind the sink area is a mirror mounted away from the wall, perfectly positioned for applying makeup while seated at the vanity. For him, a tall cabinet provides ample room for toiletries. Both needs are met in this long, slender room with the rub and angled shower on the opposite wall. A dark, rich cherry-stained and glazed cabinetry with light limestone accents complements the floor and shower, which feature a diagonal Durango limestone and clipped corner inset Jerusalem gold limestone pattern. Oil-rubbed bronze sconces, faucets, and mirrors pop against the light tones of the stone.

Resin Panels
Designer: Jennifer Ho, CKD, CBD

Tile and stone backsplashes are still very popular, but this year saw a number of designs that instead feature backsplashes made of interesting items, such as fabric, mesh, or bamboo, that are encased in a plastic panel. Diane Foreman, CKD, CBD used this type of backsplash material that incorporates birch twigs to create a unique look that complements the burgundy and copper accents within the Blue Louise quartzite countertops. This dramatic color balances perfectly against the clean white walls and cabinets that Foreman designed. The long stainless steel handles on the cabinet doors and drawers also nicely complement the long, thin look of the birch twigs in the backsplash. This design element also picks up the sleek lines of this modern kitchen, which features an entire wall of cabinetry for storage.
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