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Kitchens with Character

The kitchen has assumed multiple functions in addition to its traditional role as space for food preparation. Therefore, treating the kitchen as a room to be furnished is becoming as important as showing off fancy appliances.

In the past, kitchens with simple wood cabinetry and nondescript door pulls were said to be traditional. Contemporary kitchens were absolutely unadorned, perhaps with slick cabinetry that had high-gloss finishes. Today there's a curious overlap and even a blending of the two styles.

Stainless-steel appliances, for example suit both kitchen camps. Stainless steel might be repeated in backsplashes, counters and cabinetry, particularly in contemporary styles, where it has been a mainstay. In both styles of kitchens, islands designed like tables are breaking up what can be monolithic blocks of counter space. Feet also are showing up at cabinet bases.

And surfaces, which have pretty much centered on granite as the stone of choice in both traditional and contemporary kitchens, are being teamed to highlight shiny and matte finishes, in solid colors or patterns. Most of the design in influences come from overseas led by Italian, German and English manufacturers. The biggest change can be found in more stylish cabinets with the features of fine furniture. Crown molding and such embellishments as beaded trims have filtered into mass-produced cabinetry. There are more choices in wood and finishes.

The concept of the "unfitted" kitchen is making more sense to American homeowners. Because the kitchen's functional requirements have become more complex, the trend in kitchen décor is toward cabinets that look more like unfitted furniture. Island and corner base cabinets may have furniture-like legs, and sinks may be freestanding or have a face that breaks the line of countertop. This mix of cabinet and countertop heights make the kitchen look more like a living space than a workspace. Jeff agrees with the idea that cabinetry need not match, and also likes to mix cabinetry with free-standing furniture such as cupboards and armories. There has been a change across the board in the desire to mix materials, cabinets and even styles. Color is creeping off the walls and onto cabinetry—painted or stained.

There also is a demand for new ways to break up expanses of what otherwise might be deadly boring rows of cabinets as kitchens get bigger. Teaming two different woods—light and dark, perhaps maple or ash with cherry or walnut—is one way to break up the cabinetry in large kitchens. Glass panes (to show off glassware and dishes) also can break up rows of cabinets. Consider open shelving or plate racks as another way to vary upper cabinetry.

The current affinity for stainless steel is echoed in the overall popularity of silver tones, most notable nickel, both polished and matte. But wrought iron, in black and rusted finishes and copper looks are also options for cabinet hardware and faucets.

Counters don't have to match, but they do need to be compatible. You might use marble or granite on one and stained concrete on another. Or vary the finishes.

Take a cue from manufactures that specialize in hand-painted cabinets and paint the interiors of cabinets in a color that will make your collections pop. If you opt for color in cabinetry, it can be powerful.

Pattern is another mean of adding interest. A simple checkerboard can be dramatic, 12-inch stone or ceramic tiles on the floor in a checkerboard pattern that might be repeated on the backsplash. It's both modern and rustic—as in a Tuscan kitchen.

One way to really lift your kitchen design from the ordinary is to throw it a curve. Jeff is fond of integrating curves into typically boxy layouts. Kitchens should have character and style as well as a functional design. But above all, they should be comfortable. After all, kitchens are the heart of the home.