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Paola's Polished and Modern Kitchen

A modern, open, beautiful and functional kitchen was at the top of Paola DeValdenbro and Juan Carlos Hernandez's remodel wish list. Figuring out all of the details was a little more difficult, but after browsing hundreds of photos, she found herself gravitating to kitchens in a certain style and with specific features. "We said, if there's ever a time to have those special details, now is it," she says. As you will see, DeValdenbro did create her dream kitchen by incorporating her favorite details — many of them found right here on Houzz — and paying careful attention to layout and storage.

Location: Dallas, Texas
Duration of remodel: 4 months; completed January 2011
The island is DeValdenbro's favorite feature in the new kitchen. Three levels (bar, cooking space and kitchen table) are all connected, and 3-inch counters flush with the cabinets create a seamless look. Overhead and under-counter cabinets provide plenty of storage, and the two seating areas have ample room for entertaining, cooking and eating.

Top cabinets: IKEA white acrylic kitchen cabinets with frosted glass
Bottom cabinets: Custom cabinets made with maple wood in a dark chocolate stain
Cabinetry hardware: IKEA
Countertops: Caesarstone in Pure White
 
The built-in butcher's block on the back counter, wine cabinet under the island, and built-in spice cabinet were custom touches.

Range: Bosch 36" gas range
Hood: Akdy 36" Euro Style
Sink: HJUVIK faucet and stainless steel sink from IKEA
 
DeValdenbro collected images in ideabooks and shared them with her architect. Photos that inspired her must-have list include:
Backsplash: Subway tile in gray and dark gray with white grout
Barstools: Lima stool in brown from Cantoni
 
"It was only after looking at so many inspiring photos that I realized there were certain things I kept coming back to," DeValdenbro says. "At the end of the day, you can always give up on certain things, but if your basic design didn't account for those things to begin with, it's harder to add them in on the back end."

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