Inset cabinet doors with recessed panels give the kitchen a clean, elegant feel. Eye-catching pendant lights creatively mix industrial and cottage style; their brushed nickel finish offers a subtle contrast to polished nickel cabinet hardware and faucets.

BEFORE

28 before & after KITCHENS AND BATHS Expanded Views Moving doorways and lightening the look yields an efficient, cheery center of activity. writer Renee Freemon Mulvihill photographer Brie Williams field editor Andrea Caughey

who An investor, a stay-at-home mom, and their four children where Charlotte, North Carolina what Always bustling with activity, this bright and airy kitchen handles the needs of a family of six with ease—thanks to specific zones for cooking, eating, and cleanup tasks. The multifunctional room is a far cry from the home’s previous kitchen, which was a poorly arranged work space with dark and dreary greenish-brown cabinets and a large skylight that made the room feel stuck in the 1980s. By widening the doorway between the kitchen and family room and reorienting the island, architect Tony Gray created a more interactive work space, where the cook can easily converse with family and guests. To brighten the new kitchen, designer Katie Emmons selected a light palette of soft grays, creams, and charcoal accents, then added visual texture with architectural elements: shiplap planks on the ceiling, beaded board on the built- in banquette, and marble subway tiles on the backsplash. The resulting space is well equipped to handle all of the family’s needs, from afternoon snacks and homework to more formal entertaining. FOR RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 90.

before & after 29 KITCHENS AND BATHS “Because everything is so neutral, we created interest by adding different patterns and textures.” —INTERIOR DESIGNER KATIE EMMONS

KEY FEATURES

1 A high back on the banquette recalls the design of antique benches—adding to the room’s traditional charm. Shades 1 of gray unite the various fabrics used throughout the room, while silhouettes of the homeowners’ daughter and triplet sons provide personalized artwork for the casual dining space.

2 The primary sink is located in the island, just steps from the range and refrigerator, creating a compact work triangle for the cook.

3 Slate countertops lend a traditional look, and marble backsplash tiles add texture and pattern along the range wall. Instead of extending upper cabinets down to the countertop like she did at the perimeter sink, interior designer Katie Emmons used traditional-height cabinets on the wall on either side of the range to maximize counter space.

4 A built-in refrigerator pairs with a microwave and an appliance garage in one corner. On the other side of the doorway to the dining room, a small pantry (not shown) makes efficient use of a dead-end corner.

the plan Removing and relocating doorways improved sight lines and traffic flow between the kitchen and surrounding rooms and created space for a cozy banquette. A new, longer island accommodates a casual dining bar and a second sink and dishwasher.

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30 before & after KITCHENS AND BATHS HOW TO CHOOSE CABINETRY Kitchen cabinets help set the tone for your cooking space. Here’s what to consider when shopping: Set a budget. Stock cabinets are the most affordable, but they’re available only in set sizes and styles. Semicustom cabinets cost more but give you 3 more choices in terms of finish and storage options. Custom cabinets, the most expensive option, offer unlimited design choices and luxury details. Decide on your favorite style. Partial-overlay doors that show part of the frame between cabinets will give you a traditional look, especially if they feature a raised center panel. For a more contemporary look, opt for full overlay doors with a slab front. Choose a finish that sets the tone you want. A distressed G finish adds instant age, our editor while a perfectly smooth says ... finish offers a clean and sophisticated look. Wood- A 48-inch pro- stain finishes promise a style range with rich, natural style that will a built-in griddle 4 add instant warmth. and double ovens is a cook’s dream. Expect to spend $7,000–$12,000 for a similar model.

before & after 31 KITCHENS AND BATHS