An earth-toned checkerboard tile backsplash and buttery yellow cabinetry with cathedral panel doors transformed a white laminate kitchen into a warm, inviting culinary space. Details like hen-shaped pulls and rounded corner display shelves enhance the welcoming look. Lighting above the wall cabinets provides a glowing accent. To create more space, the designer moved the dishwasher and oven away from the corner sink. The washer and dryer were moved away from the kitchen, allowing for more space between the oven and dishwasher. See next slide.

Knockout Renovation

New York, NY
www.knockoutrenovation.com

Eliminating the wall between the kitchen and unused dining room nearly doubled the size of this kitchen. All that extra space gave the family ample prep area while decorative panels conceal appliances and furniture-like moldings keep the room feeling cozy. A small window in the old room was removed, adding wall space for a mantel hood and cooktop. With some patching and refinishing, the existing oak flooring looks brand new.

DESIGNER: Laurie Butler, CKD
Sawhill Custom Kitchens
Minneapolis, MN
www.sawhillkitchens.com

The old layout shoved the sink, dishwasher and refrigerator together along one wall, exacerbating the problem of the 67-inch divide between the wall and island counters. The family often jockeyed for prep space at the congested wall counter.

Drury Design
Glen Ellyn, IL
www.drurydesigns.com

After installing a sleek granite-topped island with a raised glass bar, the designer continued modernizing the kitchen with stainless steel appliances and cabinet pulls and glass pendant lighting fixtures. Chocolate brown slab-door cabinets topped with crown molding stretch to the ceiling.

Drury Design
Glen Ellyn, IL
www.drurydesigns.com

Moving into a home with a 1993 time capsule of a kitchen meant remodeling for a family of four with a new baby on the way. To bring the kitchen's design into the 21st century, these working parents went for time-saving appliances, a new layout and traditional Tuscan flavor.

Drury Design
Glen Ellyn, IL
www.drurydesigns.com

With their perfect river view hidden behind the muddled design of their kitchen, these homeowners wanted their remodel to be more than just an update. To get the look and two-cook functionality they wanted, the designer overhauled clutter in favor of clean lines and clear views. Glowing yellows and touches of purple saturate the remodeled room, keeping this contemporary kitchen cozy.

Sawhill Custom Kitchens & Design
Minneapolis, MN
www.sawhillkitchens.com

A cumbersome island stood between these homeowners and a functional kitchen. With a cooktop, prep sink and dining area all on a single surface, the island kept its homeowners from maximizing counter space and making the most of their kitchen's work triangle. The homeowners also wanted to change their country kitchen to a more elegant style with updated finishes.

Drury Design
Glen Ellyn, IL
www.drurydesigns.com

Janie Petkus Interiors
Hinsdale, IL
www.janiepetkus.com

Tired of white laminate cabinets and countertops, these homeowners wanted to bring a traditional touch to their apartment's kitchen. Their designer suggested warming up the kitchen's colors to give the room a cheerier look. With cozy touches like overcabinet lighting and painted cabinetry, this city kitchen has country charm.

Knockout Renovation
New York, NY
www.knockoutrenovation.com

A stark color scheme and glossy tiles smothered this kitchen. To bring a lighter and fresher look to the space, their designer decided to soften the room's color palette and expand its layout. With deep earthy tones and glass and metal accents, the new kitchen bridges the gap between nature and modernity.

Drury Design
Glen Ellyn, IL
www.drurydesigns.com

A living and dining area sprawled across from the kitchen, taking up valuable space in the room's floor plan. Designer Amy Sandack, AKBD, removed a wall and moved the kitchen to this larger area, allowing for extra storage and surface space while still incorporating living and dining areas.

Drury Design
Glen Ellyn, IL
www.drurydesigns.com