Having a Design Moment: The Kitchen
ose parts of a home that make you pause and admire, feel happy, surprised, intrigued or nostalgic — those are all design moments. Throughout a happy home, there are special details everywhere — some are clever, some are very personal, some are big and in your face, while others are quiet and thoughtful. In person they stop you in your tracks; online they make you linger on a photo and save it for inspiration.
In the kitchen there are many opportunities for design moments. Some require major renovation work and are worth noting now so you can pay attention to them during a future remodel. Others are so easy that they require only some weekend handiwork or rearranging.
More: Having a Design Moment: The Hallway | Having a Design Moment: The Front Entry | Having a Design Moment: The Bathroom
In the kitchen there are many opportunities for design moments. Some require major renovation work and are worth noting now so you can pay attention to them during a future remodel. Others are so easy that they require only some weekend handiwork or rearranging.
More: Having a Design Moment: The Hallway | Having a Design Moment: The Front Entry | Having a Design Moment: The Bathroom
Add a range backsplash. The space between the stovetop and the vent hood presents a design opportunity — a chance to incorporate a ceramic work of art or a mosaic that stands out from the rest of the backsplash.
Don’t get stuck in the expected kitchen furniture rut. In this Victorian kitchen remodel, the owner opted for a vintage yellow-gold sofa in lieu of a banquette. It adds color and comfort and looks right at home and welcoming.
See the rest of this thoughtful renovation
See the rest of this thoughtful renovation
Create an accent wall. A Cuban tile mosaic wall dazzles in this kitchen in Denver.
The breakfast nook is tucked in a corner, making it playful and surprising rather than overwhelming.
Take chances with large-scale elements. The large vintage letters fill the wall space in this cozy eating nook. A large light fixture might seem like it would compete too much, but the structure and white color of this Patrick Townsend Orbit Light work well.
Consider two-tone cabinets. You might think a smaller kitchen needs the cohesiveness of one color on the cabinetry, but the soft green on these lower cabinets adds interest and some much-needed color to the room.
Two-Tone Cabinet Finishes Double Kitchen Style
Two-Tone Cabinet Finishes Double Kitchen Style
Grow some fresh ingredients indoors. The shelves across this window provide plenty of sunlight for herbs. It’s a design moment that allows for fresh snippings for cooking within a few feet of the range.
Repurpose something unique into a kitchen island. The homeowner went online to find this antique science lab table that once sat in a classroom. Its oak drawers and cubbies provide plenty of storage and add character to the room.
See the rest of this home
See the rest of this home
Go with an unconventional floor. The large-scale flowers on this floor were applied with stencils.
Consider color for your appliances. The beautiful blue range and coordinating vent hood create a hearth-like focal point in this professional baker’s kitchen in Harlem. Colorful ranges were once something that could run you more than a luxury car, but thanks to their rising popularity, many more reasonable options are available these days.
Range and hood: BlueStar
So Over Stainless in the Kitchen? 14 Reasons to Give In to Color
Range and hood: BlueStar
So Over Stainless in the Kitchen? 14 Reasons to Give In to Color
Find a good way to display your collections. This Manhattan kitchen is very clean-lined but mixes in some stunning more traditional-inspired moments. The recessed cabinet with glass doors is an update on a classic china cabinet, with a collection of traditional objects on display. It’s set to the side and thus doesn’t distract — rather, it’s a little treat to look at while working in the kitchen.
The same kitchen has another ingenious moment. This collection of herbs and spices hides behind a sliding backsplash that closes completely.
This kitchen has a clever display area tucked on open shelves next to the cabinet.
Think beyond typical kitchen light fixtures.Recessed lights and pendants are great, but an ornate brass chandelier is the icing on the cake in this kitchen.
