Finding Your Kitchen Style
Combining design and functionality to create a kitchen of your dreams
By Cassandra Wentworth

There’s no one recipe for creating an ideal kitchen. Whether the desired effect is an inviting European-influenced space or a more utilitarian, minimalist approach, there is something for every taste. “Everybody is so specialized these days,” says Melodie Schooley of Arrangements with Style, “they can get whatever they want.” However, there are a few things to think about when addressing the room’s most important features. Professional-size cooking ranges, ultra-sleek refrigerators, recessed lighting, and especially counter tops, which come in hundreds of options, at prices ranging from $16 to $200 per square foot (see sidebar). Seating is another common kitchen complication. Extended islands allowing for seating are a frequent request of remodelers, as are countertops that double as bar-style eating areas.

If eating in the kitchen isn’t ideal because of space constraints, adding a breakfast nook is a popular design option. These work especially well in areas of ample natural light. When decorating a kitchen, it’s important to think about combining style with functionality. For example, fireplaces are finding a home in many modern kitchens, creating cozy seating areas for guests. European decor continues to influence kitchens, with the idea of large families gathering in Italian inspired spaces is a concept that infuses many design projects.

If helping to preserve the environment is the remodeler’s goal, paint products that don’t contain any compounds can make any kitchen more green, no matter the color you choose for the walls. And using recycled harvested wood tables and chairs is both stylish and eco-friendly. “It really doesn’t matter your style,” Rhonda Kifer, member of the Interior Design Society says. “You can still have a traditional style and go green.”

Making It Happen
A New Kitchen When Mimi Johnson cooked in her Peters Township home, she had to do it alone. The awkward placement of the refrigerator prevented people from easily moving around in the kitchen. With the goal of opening up the space, Johnson turned to Jeff Morris of Case Handyman & Remodeling. Morris’s crew ended up moving the imposing appliance to another wall, while keeping the existing cabinetry.

With the addition of two new open shelves, Johnson only lost one storage space during the redesign. “It’s made it so much more efficient,” she says. The job included finishing the cabinets with a light maple stain, and the construction of crown and base molding. After stripping the painted-over wallpaper off the walls, Johnson chose a dark tan color for the kitchen to complement the existing light tan marbled ceramic tile..

The light gray laminate countertop was exchanged for a granite surface. “You would never know it was the same kitchen,” Johnson says. Now she can enjoy cooking for her family without having to move aside every time one of them wants to talk to her in the kitchen.

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Cover Focus
With its Asian-influenced wall and window treatments, this bathroom melds a contemporary and futuristic design comfort and simplicity of line. Courtesy of the Kohler Co.

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