Kitchen of the Week: 5 Steps to a Modern Transitional Kitchen

White kitchens are top of mind these days, and so many of them have a classic appeal, with traditional elements inspiring the design.

This kitchen shows classic inset cabinetry, a subway tiled backsplash, traditional moulding details, and restoration-style pendant lighting.  Personally, I love this look because it shows off a strong attention to detail, and a warm mix of materials that will have nice patina over time.  Same with this one:

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The dark stained furniture-style island, as well as the arched valances on the toekick moulding nod toward a traditional point of view, as does the lovely crown detailing.  Trad styling can even be seen in the small details like the exposed hinges on the cabinet doors.

While I love the history and craftsmanship that a traditional space represents, and even though it seems like everyone is after a white kitchen these days, not all folks are into the classic detailing that is seen in so many of these spaces.

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So what about a "modern-transitional" style?  I'm seeing a lot of this lately, and would describe it as one that has contemporary elements, but is neither completely modern, completely transitional, and certainly not traditional.  In this week's Kitchen of the Week, I thought it would be fun to discuss this style by featuring a current project done by one of my extraordinarily talented co-workers, Carol Sadowsky.  She's a designer with 30+ years experience, and I'm honored to work with her and learn from her on a daily basis.  

This newly renovated space is fresh, airy and full of light.  Contemporary detailing is a nod to a more modern aesthetic, but a balance of elements keeps it from looking too modern and spare for the young family who lives here.  

MODERN-TRANSITIONAL ELEMENT #1 - Shadowline at ceiling instead of crown moulding.

This detail could be easily overlooked, but if you imagine a traditional crown or cove moulding at the top of the upper and tall cabinets, the look would have been totally unbalanced and out of place.  Eliminating an upper moulding completely keeps a quiet, clean line.

MODERN-TRANSITIONAL ELEMENT #2 - Shaker style doors with extra-wide styles and rails

Shaker style doors have their place in many different kitchen settings, but here they add just enough detail to keep the look from going too modern and spare.  The wide (approx. 4") stiles and rails give just enough contemporary edge.

MODERN-TRANSITIONAL ELEMENT #3 - No mouldings, anywhere.
This relates to the elimination of the crown moulding, but also notice that at the island, where you'd typically see a 4" high applied base moulding, the cabinets are scribed right to the floor with a nice wide rail at the bottom.  There is no additional detailing at the wall cabinets either, where you might typically see a "light valance" moulding applied under each wall cabinet.

MODERN-TRANSITIONAL ELEMENT #4 - Fully integrated appliances.

On the far left hand side of this photo you'll notice a fully integrated fridge.  This type of application is an investment, but definitely worth it as it is the only way to get a completely flush look, keep everything on the same plane and make the fridge disappear.  Its hard to see in the photo, but to the immediate right of the fridge is a fully integrated microwave drawer.  Also a key piece that "disappears" as it sits on the same plane as the cabinet doors.  

MODERN-TRANSITIONAL ELEMENT #5 - Back painted glass backsplash

This is one of my favorite elements in the space, and one that I think is truly modern and sleek.  The soft aqua color adds some subtle contrast, but besides that, this is a quiet element that brings in a highly contemporary feel.  Add to that its SO easy to clean, and I think its the perfect choice.

Overall, the result of this kitchen is a perfectly executed mix of elements--an excellent example of modern-transitional style.  In looking at the simplicity of the space, you'd think it takes less planning, designing and attention to detail than a highly decorated and ornate traditional space.  In fact, the opposite is true.  These spaces are often the most difficult to plan and execute because the sleek and simplified nature of the design allows almost no margin for error.  It takes a skilled eye and trained design aesthetic to understand the building blocks of putting a contemporary space together, which is exactly what Carol has.

One more little sneak peek of her work......the space planning of this renovation was so well done that she was able to design in a separate office for both homeowners to work in--adjacent to the new kitchen.  Genius, and the perfect little "bonus":

Isn't this a great little space?  Small, yet functional and so sleek.  The best part--there's a door at the other end of this room, so the office mess can be hidden away at a moments notice.  I wish!

Have a great weekend!

What To Do if Your Kitchen Isn't White

There is definitely a trend toward "the white kitchen" that doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon.  Its crisp, its classic, and adds freshness and brightness.  Almost 100% of my clients these days are asking for some version of white cabinetry for their kitchens (and baths, and built ins, etc.), and I'll admit that white is my preference as well.  But what if you don't have a white kitchen, and don't have plans for a complete overhaul right now?  Or what if the period/aesthetic of your home doesn't call for white cabinetry?  What if you simply want to buck the trend and move toward something a little different?  Are there other options?  Of course.

 The Woodshop of Avon

Scenario 1:  Ugly wood cabinets that just aren't cutting it for you.  If this is where you're at, and a major renovation isn't in the plans, painting your cabinetry is the easiest route.  While paint that's applied to existing cabinetry on site isn't going to give you as durable a finish as a finish applied at the cabinet manufacturer's (I won't get into the scientific specifics of this in this post :)), you should still consider hiring a professional.  The investment in professional services will ensure greater durability in the long run.  Keep in mind though that if you have cabinets with a pronounced grain pattern (like oak), it will still be visible even when painted.  The overall aesthetic improvement may be worth it anyways though.

 Anne Turner

Traci Zeller (click here for an amazing before & after)

Canadian House & Home

Scenario 2:  Wood cabinets that you want to keep, but a kitchen that needs to be refreshed in order to look more current.  There are a million-and-one houses in this country that were built in the last five years and contain builder-basic oak or maple cabinetry.  Maybe you're living in one of these, or maybe you moved into an older home with a lovely wood kitchen that you enjoy.  Whatever the case, there are ways to upgrade a wood kitchen that's not calling for a major renovation.  There are just a few guidelines to keep in mind.  First, I think its always smart to embrace what you have and work with it, not against it.  There's nothing worse than a wood kitchen that looks like its trying to be a white kitchen. If you're keeping your wood cabinets, keep the tone of them in mind when choosing new countertops, flooring and backsplash tile.  Generally, creams and warmer tones complement wood cabinetry much better than stark white subway tile and white Carrara marble.  Consider a simple backsplash tile (one that doesn't fight with the grain of your wood) in a creamy off-white or natural stone like crema marfil.  If marble countertops are your thing, consider Calacatta Gold instead of the cooler gray veining found in Carrara and Venetino marble.  

Pinterest

The backsplash pictured above is far from "simple" but I think its perfect because it picks up on the tones in the wood, and adds an element of incredible visual texture.  It works because the grain in the wood isn't too dramatic.  Also notice the warmth in those marble countertops--they beautifully tie the cabinets to backsplash.  This photo makes me want a wood kitchen!

I also like Cambria quartz surfaces in wood kitchens because of the variety of tones (many of them on the warmer side) found in their patterns.  For a period home, soapstone is a beautiful choice, and looks wonderful with white and wood cabinetry alike.

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Scenario 3:  Its time to renovate, you've decided you want a wood kitchen but don't know what species or finish to choose.  Many homeowners know the "look" they like when they see it, but have a hard time pinpointing the details of what makes that look so appealing.  Clients who come to me asking for wood cabinetry will often be able to point to the color tones in certain wood species that appeal to them, but have no idea why or which species to choose.  Here's my take on a few of the woods that are current right now.

Rift cut oak - Oak has almost become a bad word in recent years due to its massive overuse in 80's, 90's, and early 2000's home construction.  People who ask me for wood species recommendations always say "anything but oak".  This is too bad, considering that there are so many ways to do oak beautifully.  My response is to always pull samples of rift cut oak, particularly white rift cut oak, to show the massive difference (and beauty) found in this cut and species.  

House Beautiful

You can see immediately in this kitchen (done in white rift cut oak) that the grain is tighter, more uniform, and the color of the wood tends to be more neutral and beige as opposed to red or golden.  This photo almost makes the cabinetry look like there was a wash of stain applied to the oak, but even if it was left natural, this species looks fantastic.  And that amount of marble in a kitchen could make anything look good, right?

Bates Corkern Studio

Bates Corkern Studio

There are so many things that are breathtaking about the above kitchen.  It was featured in House Beautifiul in November 2011, and I love that the white oak has a patina to it.  I'm not sure what their process was, whether they limed the oak, or added a type of white wash, but the result is gorgeous, and almost timeless in the way that it is so uniquely done.  Convinced that oak isn't all that bad?  I have a few custom pieces in my home made from rift cut oak with a weathered grey stain.  I love them, and one of these days I'll get around to posting about those projects!  If you are leaning toward a rift cut oak, it is a great choice in terms of its rigidity and dimensional stability as well.  

Cherry - As for other wood species in cabinetry, I'm still seeing a lot of cherry, as well as quite a bit of walnut.  The key with these woods is to keep them natural instead of going crazy with different stain colors.  Cherry is a beautiful choice in period homes, and will darken and amber with age.  I've found that cherry cabinetry that has been stained in reddish tones has dated itself very quickly (a trend that is going away, but has been around for over ten years), but left in its original state, retains a classic appeal that stands the test of time.

The Woodshop of Avon

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Walnut - Walnut has a gorgeous natural grain, and kept in its natural state will allow this to show through.  I do find that darker stained walnut keeps its appeal longer than stained cherry though, due to its brown (not red) undertones that blend well with changing trends in interior design.  It also is a great accent wood that can bring warmth and character to an otherwise monochromatic kitchen.

Inview Interior Design

I blogged about this kitchen project here, and think its a great example of how wood can be used to warm up and add character to a white kitchen.  Again, the key to keeping this look crisp and classic is maintaining the natural color of the wood, as well as knowing where to incorporate it.

House Beautiful

Venegas & Company 

Here, vertical grain slab-style walnut doors work beautifully against the more traditional paneled and painted doors.  The mix of materials in this kitchen is what makes it so interesting.

Scenario 4:  Its time to renovate, you're open to a painted kitchen, or a wood kitchen, but have no idea which direction to go.  With so many beautiful things to choose from, and an array of inspiring projects that showcase all types of kitchen cabinetry, it can be hard to commit to one or the other.  My best suggestion of where to start when trying to narrow it down is to look at your lifestyle, and listen to your home.  Painted cabinetry (especially white) takes a great deal more care and attention to keep it looking crisp and clean.  Plus, all painted finishes are not created equally, and you will need to do your research (and be prepared to pay the price) to find a quality cabinet shop who understands the science behind creating a durable finish.  Even then, if you think the kids and the dog are going to wreak havoc on a white space, maybe wood is a better choice for you.

Listening to your home can be one of the best indicators when deciding which route to go.  Generally speaking, many period homes, lake home retreats, and also many mid-century style homes call for the warmth of a wood kitchen.  Additionally, if you're craving the cozy feeling that wood can convey, as well as the craftsmanship and attention to detail that can be showcased using wood, this may be the direction to go.

Albertsson Hansen Architecture

The Woodshop of Avon

David Heide Design Studio

And with wood kitchen cabinetry, sometimes you can't get too much of a good thing, and "going big or going home" is definitely the way to go.  I'll leave you (and this lengthy post!), with some gorgeous images that showcase a unique mix of materials.  I'm especially intrigued with how rough and rustic the cabinetry is, and how well it pairs with cleaner elements in the space.  I love how they committed to this look--there's definitely no question that the homeowners here were after a wood kitchen!

Richard Bubnowski

Richard Bubnowski

Is Your Designer Just Trying to "Sell" You? How to Tell.

When you begin the hunt for a good designer, you may or may not know if the person/people you're looking at hiring make their living on design fees alone, selling a product, or a combination of both.  Based on their area of specialty, a designer may get commissions from the sale of fabric, furnishings, cabinetry, accessories--and the list goes on.  This is perfectly acceptable, and with the exception of project-specific design fees, may make up the majority of a designer's income.  That said, how do you tell the difference between a designer who is just trying to fill your home with a smattering of product that they'll make commission on, versus someone who is concerned with designing your home/space to reflect your personality and your lifestyle?

 Caldwell Flake

I had two experiences within a fifteen minute time frame that illustrate my point here--not design related, but pertinent to this discussion. Today at the bank, while trying to simply deposit two checks, I found myself cornered by two bank tellers who were doing all they could to "sell" me on opening a new account that would give me extra protection of some sort.  Politely telling them I would think about it wasn't enough, and before I knew it, paperwork was thrust in my face to sign up for this new account.  When I declined again, they attacked from another angle, questioning my current credit card accounts and requesting I open another one.  Ten minutes later, I finally had to put my hand up, tell them I was in a hurry (the business attire and shaking of my keys obviously wasn't enough to indicate that I was in the middle of my work day).  Walking out, I was blown away that I'd had to endure that marathon of sales chatter--all for a simple check deposit.  As if that wasn't enough, my next stop was the gym to get a couple of guest passes for a friend who might be interested in joining.  As soon as I asked, a flurry of activity produced a swarm of sales agents, all eager to go over an unending list of deals and promotions that would appeal to prospective customers.  I clearly stated that all I wanted was a no-strings-attached opportunity to bring my friend in for a work out and get her feedback.  I'm a long-time guest of this gym, but this request did little to stave off the annoying sales pitch. 

So where is this going?  Sorry for my long-windedness, but all this to make a few points about people in sales--particularly in the design industry:

1.  A designer/salesperson should be far more concerned with how they can meet YOUR exact needs and guide you to your ultimate aesthetic goal than they are with getting THEIR brand of product into your home no matter what the cost.
I've seen this in over-designed kitchen spaces--ones that are so cluttered with cabinetry that its painfully evident that the designer/salesperson chose to pack the space with as many cabinets as possible in order to make the highest percentage of commission possible.  Where these spaces could have used a little breathing room, a different material, or some added interest besides a sea of matching cabinets, this was overlooked in exchange for added commission.  In my opinion, this is not thoughtful design--its sales-driven and not client-driven.  (But P.S. - A truly savvy designer will know how to get their product into your home in tasteful ways, often getting maximum sales without creating a look that seems overwhelmed or over-sold.)

 Martha O'Hara Interiors (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!)

 2.  When you talk, they should listen.

You'll know very early on if you have a talker or a listener.  Anyone who is interested in working with you will first be interested in working for you.  You want someone who is primarily interested in how they can serve and fulfill the needs of you as the client, and who is perceptive enough to actually find out what those needs are.  Yes, there will be times when you need a designer to "push" you in new and bold directions, but this should come after they have truly listened to discover your needs and wish lists.

 Amanda Nisbet Design

3. Figure out if the things that are important to you are important to them.

So you have a brilliant collection of accessories and art pieces that you'd like to incorporate within the new space?  Great.  Hiring someone who is attentive and interested in what you currently own and love will ensure a space that reflects what's important to you.  Be wary of someone who wants to come in and fill your space with brand new items.  A "collected over time" look is what you're after, and shopping the Pottery Barn catalog cover to cover is not going to give you that.  

  Caldwell Flake

4.  Don't underestimate the value of humility
This virtue will go a long way in any profession, and especially in design and sales.  As much as many of us would hate to admit, in today's competitive market no one is irreplaceable.  Consumers and clients have the ability to direct traffic, and get the best they can afford with all types of goods and services.  Finding a designer who is out there to serve their clients will add tremendous value and a trust factor that you can't put a price tag on.  Which is ultimately what you're after--someone who will respect the money you spend, and the money you save.

Masuco Warner Miller