www.KitchenBathroomDecor.com

HOME ON THE RANGE

Written by peter    Monday, 31 August 2009

HOME ON THE RANGE Cows amble amiably through the wide-open spaces of this South western kitchen. Subdued floor and countertop tiles, plus white washed pine cabinets, set the background; the oxydized copper vent hood, island lights, and green cabinet pulls provide gentle accents; handpainted backsplash murals add a dab of primary color. The custom skylight and a large hanging fixture form the central point around which the kitchen revolves. To one side of the U-shaped layout is the main sink with a window; in the center are the cooking and refrigerator areas; the third side houses wall ovens, an under-counter wine cooler, and plenty of storage space. The island bridges each work center and serves as a breakfast counter; the formal dining table lies beyond. VERY FRENCH, VERY MODERN Curved lines, ceiling beams, and a recurring fleur-de-lis motif are all indicators of the French country look. Here, handcarved distressed cabinets strike the theme; boxed beams, carved valances, and wood wainscoting repeat the motif. Handpainted tiles add color to counter-tops and backsplash areas; floor tiles are French limestone. Attention to fine points is also a part of this style, and these cabinets provide great storage and display potential along with their furniture-like detailing. A freestanding island table adds counter space while emphasizing the overall country feel. The gas range, wall oven, double sink, and dishwasher are all white, the perfect modern backdrop for old-world accents. TRADITIONAL CHERRY Frame-and-panel is the style, cherry is the substance, in this well-appointed formal kitchen. Beautiful detailed cabinets provide plenty of specialized storage and house a cornucopia of conveniences: a six-burner gas cooktop with built-in vent hood; an integral-bowl main sink and brass bar sink; matching microwaves; and a built-in, side-by-side refrigerator. White solid-surface countertops add a light-colored accent. In the center, a massive granite-topped island houses an extra refrigerator, undercounter freezer, and matching side-by-side wall ovens opposite the cooktop. Saltillo tile flooring softens the space and matches the paving on the adjacent veranda. REFLECTIONS IN BLACK European detailing shines throughout this bold, black kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets are aspen with semiopaque stain; many coats of clear polyester create the sparkle. Black appliance panels and mirrored backsplash continue the theme even the existing refrigerator was painted black. Bull nosed butcher-block countertops, sealed with polyurethane, cut through the black. The peninsula overhang doubles as an eating counter and divides the kitchen from an adjacent dining area. What appears to be strip flooring is really an oak-veneered "floating" system; it's laid over a foam base. One word of warning: reflective surfaces can require a lot of care to keep spotless! OLD & NEW, WHITE & BLUE This kitchen's design centered on two basic goals: to skillfully blend the remodel with the existing house style, and to showcase the brand new (but classic-looking) French range. White cabinets have fluting that mirrors the original dining room wainscoting. The blue and gold range and matching hood provide a burst of color; the original leaded glass win?dows have blue accents as well. The kitchen's angled peninsula allows for a preparation area at one end and a well-appointed planning desk at the other. The random-plank flooring was stained, then sealed to match the dining room. Discreet downlights provide general illumination; strip lights below wall cabinets add task lighting.

Last Updated ( Monday, 31 August 2009 )