Stunning Kitchen and Bath Design
Find inspiration for your kitchen and bath.
Elegant home design is often achieved when homeowners and designers exercise a little visual restraint. Often less really is more, as evidenced by this beautiful kitchen renovation (pictured above) in a post-and-beam New Hampshire home by David R. Crupi LLC.
Natural materials such as granite, soapstone and maple bring the outdoors inside, a look that both complements the aesthetics and culture of New England and the post-and-beam construction. The maple cabinets, in two different finishes, feature an updated Shaker door style with wide stiles and rails – a modern take on a classic New Hampshire look that blends tradition with current trends.
The honed finish of the soapstone sink and countertops offers a pleasing contrast with the polished granite on the islands and the checkerboard butcher block table. Highlighting the theme of natural elements brought into the home is the kitchen's stunning focal point – the wall of stepped granite behind the cooktop is the perfect finishing touch for this understated yet elegant room. Layers of lighting subtly illuminate both the granite wall and the rest of the space.
Though the design emphasizes simple, natural materials, that doesn't mean there isn't more going on under the surface. The homeowners wanted a design that could embrace the views from their home located on the shores of Stony Brook, was accessible from the garage and wouldn't trigger the homeowner's claustrophobia. The result is an open space of connected "zones" that were carved from the former kitchen, dining room and adjacent bathroom.
The old kitchen area is now the "baking zone," where clever cabinets and drawers conceal large appliances and a refrigerator. The baking island also doubles as a nine-foot server.
In fact, to assist with the homeowner's issues with claustrophobia, all refrigeration and ventilation are concealed. Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer drawers are located in both the prep and baking areas. A seemingly simple design actually features smart planning and a huge amount of storage, prep and dining space.
Simple and elegant design that offers functionality and ample storage was also applied to a master bath renovation.
The original room was cramped and outdated with a whirlpool that was never used and a traditional stall shower. There was just one large mirror over the vanity, meaning toiletries added clutter on the counter space.
Now the master bath feels open and spacious, thanks to features like the custom built-in divider that offers both shelf space and a way to conceal the dual-flush toilet, a glass enclosed shower and two medicine cabinets that double as mirrors.
Art Deco fixtures that complement the mirrored medicine cabinets are striking design elements that do not overwhelm the small space. Each mirrored medicine cabinet offers yet more storage for toiletries that no longer have to live on the limited counter space.
Black, white, gray and silver elements help keep the design simple and elegant, and create a clean, open feel. Touches of color were brought in with artwork and a small window adds natural light.
Black matte-finished tile mosaic forms the tub and shower bench and is repeated in a larger format on the shower floor. Contrasting light porcelain tiles were chosen for the floor and walls.
Adding to the sense of a light, airy space is the frameless glass enclosure that ensures the large new shower doesn't overwhelm the room. NH
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