Most Requested Features of Our Kitchen Projects

It’s often said that the kitchen is the center of a home. Here at Douglas VanderHorn Architects, we’re given the opportunity to design custom kitchens for our clients in a variety of styles while incorporating modern technology and conveniences. Today, we’re sharing some of the top kitchen elements most requested from our clients. Here are eight features that our homeowners love to have in their newly designed kitchens:

Custom hoods.

A rustic kitchen project features white cabinets, dark countertops, and a large metal range hood above the stove. Exposed red brick walls and a decorative metal backsplash add charm. Five topiary plants line the windowsill, while wooden floors and a vase of purple flowers complete the requested features.

Often our clients desire custom hoods that highlight the style of their home. Seen above is the kitchen of our French Eclectic home project, which combines antique and new elements. The backsplash at the range is an antique piece, while the hood is a custom metalwork invention concealing a modern exhaust.

Integrated appliances.

A rustic kitchen showcases requested features like exposed wooden beams and white cabinetry. A stainless steel stove and hood complement the central island adorned with a fruit bowl. A chandelier with glass globes hangs above, with blue upholstered chairs near a window inviting natural light in.

Another popular request is the incorporation of integrated appliances, which are designed to seamlessly fit into the cabinetry to create a more cohesive look in the kitchen.

Stone countertops and backsplashes.

A bright kitchen features white cabinets and marble countertops. A large island with a blue base hosts three wicker stools, and two pendant lights hang above. The backsplash matches the countertops, complemented by decorative items like a vase with blue flowers. Dark hardwood floors complete the requested style.

Our clients also love incorporating stone countertops and backsplashes in their layouts. Pictured above is the kitchen of a bright and beachy home that we designed with sturdy countertops, a dramatic backsplash composed of monolithic marble slabs with elegant gray veining, and blue island cabinetry for a a pop of color that really brings the space to life.

Contrasting islands.

A bright, elegant kitchen showcases a large blue-gray island with a marble countertop, perfect for showcasing requested features. Two high-backed chairs sit by the island, adorned with decorative items and greenery. Lantern-style pendant lights and white cabinetry enhance the airy ambiance.

Another popular request is contrasting looks between various elements, such as differing cabinet finishes and countertops. This is exemplified well in the above kitchen, whose design reflects the home’s coastal location along the Long Island Sound.

Large storage pantries.

A bright kitchen showcasing requested features like white cabinets with glass doors, displaying green and patterned dishes. The blue and green tile backsplash complements a large island with a metal countertop holding pineapples, strawberries, and blue flowers. Dark wooden beams accent the ceiling.

Many of our clients prioritize having ample kitchen storage space – both as cabinet units, as well as adjacent rooms as pictured above.

Adjacent service pantry.

To house china and crystal, some clients request a butler’s pantry to sit adjacent to their kitchen. Stainless steel countertops and glass upper cabinets, which enhance the blue-lacquered walls and cabinetry, are highlights of the service pantry shown above.

Feature island light fixtures.

The island is often the centerpiece of the kitchen, so not surprisingly, many of our clients appreciate highlighting the space with unique light fixtures above that pull the overarching theme of the room together well.

Above, the wooden beams and rope lighting fixture bring a unique touch and color contrast to the waterfront home’s bright kitchen.

Ample natural light.

Natural light brings great energy to any room, especially the kitchen, the central hub of the home. Many of our clients request large window designs to add an abundance of natural light to their kitchen spaces.

The above pictured kitchen features multiple large windows that face the water, bringing a constant sense of peacefulness and nature that is further accentuated by the beachy, airy design of the room.