Kitchen Design Ideas for Display Space

Tena’s thoughts on display spaces…..How much is too much?

Display space is an important factor to consider while designing a new kitchen.  A knowledgeable Designer should always recall the old adage “to each His own” while contemplating display spaces within a kitchen plan.

There’s a multitude of reasons why people might choose open / glass covered display spaces. 

Display Open shelving or glass fronted cabinetry can provide space for someone to display their pottery collections, artwork or cookbooks.  Keeping these items in clear sight can provide easy access as well as an artful pop of color.

Ambiance Lighting Glass fronted cabinetry is a great place to add some accent lighting.  Interior lights can add “sparkle” to crystal stemware, provide a soft “night-light” effect, or with a soft blue hued two-tone interior- a glow reminiscent of sea glass.

Visual Minimization Kitchen spaces have been gradually getting larger and I have found that simply filling the entire space with solid front cabinet doors can become overwhelming.  One way to “break-up and lighten” these visually cumbersome areas would be to inject the appropriate amount of display spaces.  For example, flanking a large window or range area with glass fronted cabinetry or lining the back of an island with open bookcases can soften the space.

Visibility Sometimes the amount of open display space strictly depends on a Client’s need for function.  Some Clients do a great amount of entertaining friends and family (especially in summer homes) and the thought of having everything easily identified behind glass doors is appealing. When designing my own kitchen I chose to make all of my wall cabinetry glass. Although, having all glass doors has its pitfalls. If you’re like me keeping these cabinets neat and tidy could become a full-time-job. It could also mean a trip to Crate and Barrel for some new (matching) dinnerware. It would be a shame to be displaying those “worlds greatest golfer” mugs for the world to see.

Restoration-Renovation Open display spaces are frequently found in older homes. Historically, display spaces could appear as open shelving in a walk-in pantry or functional kitchen, counter-to-ceiling sliding glass doors in a formal Butler’s pantry, or corner cupboards in a Dining area. I tend to include many of these design elements while designing a new space in an antique restoration project. These elements help  reflect the period of the home and showcase the original architectural character.

Just remember, whether you like to hide (most of your stuff) behind closed doors or flaunt-it-if-you’ve-got-it, display spaces can definitely enhance an overall kitchen space……”To each His own”!

Retro Kitchen Appliances

Yesterday I was looking through a Coastal Living Magazine and saw a home with a refrigerator that had belonged to the owner's grandmother. The woman had it brought up from her basement and refurbished so that she could use it in her summer home. I thought that was such a cool idea! Not only was it sentimental for the home owner, but it also looked super cool. Knowing that not all of us are lucky enough to inherit such a cool heirloom, I did a little research. I found a company, called Big Chill , that not only makes retro refrigerators, but other appliances, too. Now, you definitely have to be 100% committed to the vintage look, but by using appliances like this you can really give your kitchen a punch of 1952! Whether you want to just give your kitchen a simple touch of this retro style OR you want to make the whole kitchen feel like a blast from the past, the Big Chill is one option that does the trick. You could even add a pop of color by mixing a kitchen full of modern stainless steel appliances with a vibrant refrigerator or range. Either way, know that by adding something a little different to your kitchen is what separates it from every other kitchen out there!!

~Bethany~

Decorative Hardware... The Jewelry for your Kitchen

Imagine getting all dressed up for a night on the town. You've got it all... new dress, gorgeous shoes, fabulous hair... and no earrings. Actually, lets take it a step further... no jewelry at all. What?! That is just absurd! Well, think about your kitchen cabinetry the same way. A kitchen without the final touches of hardware is, well, naked.  Although it may be the smallest part of a kitchen, the hardware can truly make it or break it.  As you see here in this photo to the left, the linear brass pulls simply gives a very vintage feel to the cabinetry without going overboard. However, one could easily change out these traditional looking pulls for some square polished chrome knobs and take the entire kitchen's style in a whole new transitional direction.

The next example shows very sleek linear hardware. Here, the cabinetry's lines had already developed the clean simplistic style. The addition of such bold pulls successfully completes the overall modern feeling.

In the last photo to the left, these sassy glass knobs are whimsical and airy. But, at the same time, they are also adding a slight touch of "coastal freshness" to the look. In addition, the standard panel door has been modified to a colorful glass door.

As you can see, the hardware does a LOT when it comes to really making a design cohesive. Don't let them become an afterthought! The addition of these little "gems" is priceless when it comes to pulling the look of the kitchen together.

We have an amazing gallery of decorative hardware here at our showroom! Come in and check it out!! Also, If you mention my blog, we'll give you 15% off of your hardware order!!!

~Bethany~ 

Cohasset Kitchen Redesign

When Kitchen & Bath Details was asked to work on a kitchen remodeling project for this Cohasset client we loved the directive – take a small kitchen in a historic home, open it up a bit, provide some seating, an amazing fireplace and keep it cozy! Our designers began Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry in white with a low sheen enamel with absolute black honed granite countertops and installed Sub-Zero & Wolf Appliances.

A hutch with open glass doors and lighting showcases beautiful china and adds a warm glow to the room. A desk provides an office workspace, while cozy dinners are prepared the flat screen TV allows the “chef” to catch up on the news.

Please contact Jill Muldoon to schedule an appointment with one of our designers or visit our showroom to see more of our work.

Historic Kitchen Restoration, Cambridge

This project in Cambridge, MA called for a great deal of historic preservation and replication, as our client wanted to keep with the period of the home. We worked with our custom cabinet line, Plain & Fancy, to create a cabinet door style which mimicked the original wainscoting in the foyer of this striking historic home. A hand glazed latte finish was selected for the cabinetry and panels which mask the Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. Both granite and wood were used for the countertops and glass front cabinets were installed at the end of the island to preserve an “academic and historical” feel for the homeowners collection of cookbooks.

We had the great fortune to remodel the Butler’s Pantry (photo below center) at the same time as the kitchen was remodeled. Glass front cabinets were used in order to open up the small space, at the same time showcasing an impressive collection of barware. The rich dark wood is consistent with the look and feel of the home’s history and setting.