WOW Kitchens

LOVE this light backspash and the pops of color!!!! Modern kitchens usually have a monochromatic color scheme with a subtle yet bold pop of color. Designer Andreea Avram Rusu incorporated warm orange tones through the island stools and a stainless steel backs. Although, I am not much a fan of orange, Andreea made this design work well.

A monochromatic color scheme and stainless steel appliances are fundamentals in a modern kitchen. Designer Philip Guarino placed the kitchen island on legs to create a floating effect, which gives the space an airy, open feel.

LOVE the interest of the accent stone and wood!!!

A stone wall, glass tabletop and wood ceiling light fixture bring various textures to this kitchen designed by Elizabeth Rosensteel. The monochromatic gray tones in the countertops, cabinets, stools and backsplash bring a modern touch to the space.

 

Moving from one workstation to the other is simple in this bold kitchen. A thin ladder makes the glossy blue upper cabinets easily accessible. Design by Philip Guarino

Not a total fan of this, feels a little cold to me,  I do love the island stove and overhead lightng design.

The high-end appliances in this kitchen make it any cook's dream. The blue under-cabinet lighting allows the tile backsplash to shine, and the neutral tones in the kitchen create a striking contrast against the dark-toned cabinets. Design by Vanessa DeLeon

LOVE the contemporary style, still feels warm and inviting!!! Dark wood base cabinets are paired with metal-and-glass upper cabinets in this kitchen to create a transition from heavy to light. A white 2x2-inch glass-tile backsplash is illuminated to offset the larger squares of the upper cabinets, adding another layer of rhythm and scale to the space.

Design Styles/Part 2 of 3

Today, we are continuing Part 2 About design styles and everything you always wanted to know about design but were afraid to ask.

Eclectic


This catch-all style borrows from several other design styles and evokes a sense of imagination and surprise with unexpected contrasts. The style is not simply throwing together everything and anything, but rather relies heavily on the building blocks of design (color, pattern, texture, composition) to make the space look cohesive. A multitude of fabrics is characteristic, whether patterned, textured, solids or all three. Design by Andreea Avram Rusu.

English Country


A feminine look, with lush rose patterns, extensive uses of greens, reds, pinks and blues are characteristic of an English Country home. Ornamental, fine carved wood furniture, overstuffed sofas with tufting and skirted furniture mix with antiques and lots of small decorative accessories. Design by Phyllis Harbinger.

French


An ornate, fanciful and decorative style is characteristic of this look. Colors range from rich, sun-drenched Mediterranean hues to softer, muted shades. Often, one color or fabric is repeated throughout the space. It's characterized by rich details and extensive use of gold, bronze and gilt. Antique or heirloom furniture, layered dramatic window treatments and abundant fresh flowers fill out a French home. Design by Camilla Forte.

Mediterranean


Inspired by the coastal regions of Spain, Greece and Italy, this look favors colors that echo the sea and also include terra cotta, yellow and lavender. Furniture pieces are short with ornately turned legs and feet; hardware is heavy and often burnished. Velvets, linens and textured fabrics mix with textured walls. Design by Ammie Kim.

Mid-Century Modern


A look originating in the '50s and '60s and epitomized by the Rat-Pack days in Palm Springs. Scandinavian designers and architects were very influential at this time, with a style characterized by simplicity, functionality and natural shapes. Architecture shows off its minimalist design with walls of glass. Pops of deep colors such as orange, yellow, olive green and chocolate brown add to decor. An updated version of this look is found at stores like Jonathan Adler, marked by fun, colorful and quirky furnishings.

Modern


Rooted in minimal, true use of material and absence of decoration. A clean, streamlined furniture and architecture style from the 1930s. It's characterized by a neutral color palette, polished surfaces, strong geometric shapes and asymmetry. Design by SPI Design.

Small Kitchen Sizzle

          Focus on function and scale down on appliances.

Trade in top cupboards for open storage.

A mix of materials and shapes can create a pleasing combination.

             Glass features visually expand a space.

Consider pairing fluorescent lighting with pendant lights to give your kitchen a more appetizing color. (Photo by Maxwell Mackenzie)via

Kitchen Designs for Function

Designer Candice Olson removed cabinets and walls and installed a peninsula in this Big Easy Kitchen. "This really opens up the area visually, allows the couple some extra counter space and gives guests a place to lounge," Candice says.

This kitchen's layout takes full advantage of the views. "The playful colors in this contemporary kitchen are repeated in the accent tiles, area rug and chairs around the breakfast table," says designer Linda Applewhite.

With a desk, a television, ample seating and food and drink, it's safe to say this warm kitchen is the hub of this home. (Design by Joseph Anthony.)

"Riverfront views are maximized with wall-to-wall windows in this family-friendly kitchen," says designer Barb Ince. This kitchen is also fully equipped for preparing family meals or entertaining a large crowd. (Image by George Lambros of Lambros Photography)

An island can be both functional and artistic. "This island creatively bridges the space between the kitchen and dining room. The bookshelves create a visual barrier to the stove and sink areas," says designer Steve Appolloni.

Home Ideas

Spice up an all-white den with tangerine accents. A Moroccan floor cushion and cozy throw blanket become statement pieces in this simple, symmetrical living room.

A wash of pastels brings this coastal living room together. Promote conversation with four chairs instead of the traditional sofa, anchored by round ottoman.

In recent years, pretty much the only place you could spot a beverage cart was in black-and-white movies. But recently, the wheeled, multitrayed carts have been appearing in stores. "Entertaining at home is hot right now, and people have rediscovered the utility cart.

 If you're unsure where to go first in this Abilene, Texas, home, just follow the cat tracks. From the front door, tiny feline footprints lead toward the open living area. Guests frequently comment on them, not because the homeowners refuse to clean the floor, but because the footprints are the only reminder of a cat who long ago stepped across the terra-cotta tiles while they were drying in the sun in Mexico, leaving his mark forever.

It's a quarter to five and here's a country kitchen, modern in every way, where hearty meals are prepared for big appetites. There is a two-oven stove, a warming oven across the way, a wine cooler and no-worry concrete countertops. The kitchen has easy access to the family room and to a very large dining room.

Mixed Bag Designing with Black

Kelly Wearstler is a decorator with her own studio, House of KWID (Kelly Wearstler Interior Design) and is particularly well-known for colorful mod-baroque commercial interiors, such as those of the Viceroy hotels in Palm Springs and Santa Monica, the Avalon in Beverly Hills, and the Tides in Miami Beach. She is currently a design judge on the second season of Bravo reality television show Top Design, and her books include Domicilium Decoratus (Harper Collins, 2006) and Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style (Collins Design, 2004).
Kelly Wearstler designs featured at Neiman Marcus

Below are more mixed bag ideas for using black in your home decor color scheme.





Armani inspired custom pillows

Sometimes the most sophisticated nuances of any home décor are in the subtle accents and props that create design harmony. Décor that is interesting as it is beautiful can be achieved by maintaining a comfortable balance between the look and function of a room.

The simplicity of the black bar stools adds elegance to the black bar.



Armani inspired fashions and accessories using basic black



Bath designs using black accents simply speaks elegant

I love this for a bistro theme, the tassels don't seem to fit. I would have added a colorful accent rug to blend all of the colors in the room for a focal point.

Tables and lamp accents in black




Coco Chanel and Armani all use it as a base, now trends using black in kitchens are making their debut. When using black make sure their is plenty of natural light. You can create light by spot lighting certain areas in the room, then go wild with your colors. Bring in the glass, chrome or mirrors, which will also keep it light and airy!