The Long Table

For the most part, kitchen design tends to have a certain formula it follows — upper and lower cabinets, a natural stone countertop, tile backsplash, etc. Pushing the design boundaries in the kitchen can be a bit intimidating. The kitchen is one of those rooms in the house that is pretty permanent — once done it rarely changes. It’s also the most expensive room in the house to rehab; therefore, doing something atypical may seem too big of a risk? However, we spend so much time in our kitchens I really believe we should enjoy them as much as possible, and give them a bit of personality.

There are several ways to create an ‘atypical kitchen’. Some changes may be more permanent than others. The kitchens below are great examples of some of my favorite atypical kitchen ideas.

1.THE MORE PERMANENT ROUTE

Forgo the upper cabinets

Choose different materials like concrete and raw wood

Go sleek and streamline

Create your very own French bistro

Go with open shelving

Create an Old World feel with a large hood for your cooking area

Hang shelves from the ceiling

2. THE LESS PERMANENT ROUTE

For less of a permanent route, you could use a gorgeous paint color on your cabinets, go for oversized light fixtures to make a statement or create your very own art gallery.

Paint everything one gorgeous color

Add art

Add a piece of furniture to store your glassware, serving dishes, etc.

Bring the outdoors in by using exterior lighting in your kitchen

  Use a salvage door as your pantry door

Go big and use an oversize light fixture

One of my favorites at the present, this kitchen is dark & lovely. I also really like how the designer used wall sconces to give it a soft and elegant feeling.

Also, don’t neglect to look at your favorite restaurant for ideas. These days designers are doing an incredible job with restaurant design, as in the photo above at Hard Water in San Francisco.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

~Shannon