Contemporary-Meets-Classic Kitchen

See how these homeowners transformed their kitchen into a sun-drenched space filled with traditional-meets-modern style.

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A Perfect Balance

One-Stop Beverage Spot

Island Style

A Perfect Pantry

Classic Appeal

Now and Then

Material Matters

Light and Dark

Going Green

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A Perfect Balance

In this kitchen, styles blend seamlessly and modern elements, such as bentwood stools and stainless-steel appliances, look right at home amidst classic crown moldings and a marble-topped island. The first step toward creating this stunning contemporary-meets-classic kitchen was removing walls that separated the kitchen from the rest of the home. The open layout looks modern, while decor and accessories hint at the home's historic past.

One-Stop Beverage Spot

Distinct zones for storage, prep work, cooking, and eating allow easy traffic flow through the kitchen space. Although the beverage center is located away from the main work area, it's conveniently close to the island. The glass-front upper cabinets and open shelving replaced a window that had an uninspiring view and created needed storage.

Island Style

Although the large island is contemporary in size and sleek in design, elements such as a farmhouse sink, a vintage-look faucet, and a Carrara marble countertop create a classic look. Converging surfaces on the island also reveal precise attention to detail. The bottom edge of the marble countertop mimics the sink's vintage profile, as does the top trim of the bluish-black island base.

A Perfect Pantry

A built-in pantry offers easy access to food and kitchen necessities. Shelves hung on the back of the pantry doors provide storage for spices, oils, and other often-used cooking essentials. A deep upper cabinet above the pantry offers storage for small and infrequently used seasonal appliances.

Classic Appeal

Extra-tall upper cabinets and a refrigerator niche play up the kitchen's height. As a nod to the modern-meets-classic vibe of the kitchen, the cabinet doors feature classic recessed panels, while full inset doors and drawers create a clean look. The stainless-steel refrigerator and range create a classic work triangle with the porcelain farmhouse-style sink.

Now and Then

The range wall exemplifies the smooth transition between old and new design approaches. Modern stainless-steel countertops and appliances coexist harmoniously with a traditional marble backsplash. The sleek stainless-steel countertops also bring a stylish contrast to concrete countertops flanking the refrigerator and beverage station.

Material Matters

The range backsplash features the same marble as the island countertop -- in fact, the stone was cut from a single slab. Cut into a unique asymmetrical shape, the backsplash adds a hint of modern flair despite the classic material. The stone's dark veining echoes the color of the stainless-steel appliances and countertops.

Light and Dark

Just outside the main work space is a formal dining area. On the south-facing wall, beneath two large windows, sits a built-in bench with an antique table tucked next to it. Two antique dining chairs and dark wood flooring complement the mahogany finish of the dining table.

Going Green

Patterned green china adds to the traditional-meets-modern vibe of the kitchen and dining room. The bold color also adds a playful color contrast to soft bluish-gray walls that run throughout the kitchen as well as the rich, mahogany finish of the dining table. An oversize arrangement of flowers creates a stunning centerpiece and adds another splash of contrasting color.

Contemporary-Meets-Classic Kitchen

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