The current trend is to open and expand the kitchen, once only a utilitarian necessity, into a greatroom that accommodates a variety of functions. This allows for more family interaction, friendly entertaining, a variety of communications needs, as well as specialty, and gourmet cooking.

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• Image 1Maple stained in a medium tone shows off the crisp lines of Shaker style doors and one-piece drawer fronts. Extra storage for seldom used, yet important serving pieces is placed above the standard 30” tall cabinets. The wavy, seeded glass door inserts add an interesting accent and prevent the enlarged cabinets from looking too heavy in the small space kitchen.
  
  
• Image 2Mid-toned maple cabinets with traditional raised panel doors create a spacious kitchen for busy families with two cooks. The central island provides plenty of storage on both sides plus an open breakfast bar that seats two or more. Notice how the dishwasher right of the sink is raised several inches for easy access.
  
  
• Image 3Cherry’s naturally beautiful grain pattern is showcased on the smoothly finished side panels of the island and tall cabinets. Next to the ovens is a useful stack of countertop drawers for placemats and serving utensils. On the opposite side, a roll-up garage next to the pantry hides small appliances.
  
  
• Image 4Choosing oak for its strong wood grain patterns, and the old fashioned style of raised center panel doors creates a casual look for this country kitchen. Open shelves display heirloom serving pieces, and small spice drawers add their own charm. An antique table serves as a central island to complete this modern kitchen with a friendly atmosphere.
  
  
• Image 5Simply changing the wood species from the highly textured oak to tighter grained hickory gives the same raised center panel doors a less rustic look. Hickory is highly varied in the colors of its wood grain, but has a smoother texture than oak. The result is a slightly more sophisticated look that still maintains country charm.
  
  
• Image 6Using oak cabinet doors with recessed center panels and Shaker style frames creates a versatile kitchen design that can be decorated to echo the simple lines of a kitchen from the early 20th century. Open shelves and glass front doors display period pieces to their best advantage, and changing these accessories can redefine the kitchen style.
  
  
• Image 7Smoother grained birch recessed panel doors change the rustic oak look to a sleeker, more modern style. Notice how the choice of elongated door handles and stainless steel appliances contribute to the contemporary flair of this high-ceiled room. The dramatic range hood completes this transitional design.
  
  
• Image 8Cherry is a naturally warm peach tone wood with fine grain that finishes smoothly. We often see cherry with the traditional burgundy stain of fine old furniture pieces, but this beautiful wood species looks remarkable with a lighter stain and sealer. Bookshelves on either side of the fireplace match the open kitchen’s Shaker style cabinetry to tie together the two areas.
  
  
• Image 9Maple is another tightly grained wood species valued for its smooth texture. Its natural color is pale gold that deepens to amber as it ages. These doors have recessed panels and frames with a minimum of edge detail. They’ve been mitered at the corners like picture frames, and have a much different look than the minimalist Shaker style. One piece, smooth drawer fronts showcase a unique handle.
  
  
• Image 10Lightly stained cherry cabinetry is accented with five-piece drawer fronts in this traditional design. Small cabinetry knobs echo the satin metallic of stainless steel appliances. The matching lighted hutch makes a smooth transition from kitchen to casual dining area on the left side, and a small TV cabinet divides the kitchen from the sitting area on the right side.
  
  

The kitchen is the very heart of any home. Often the creation of a greatroom dramatically changes the feel and quality of an entire home.

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