Regardless of whether we are making meals from scratch or dining on takeout, the kitchen is still the heart of the home for most of us. And when it comes time to renovate, it’s the most expensive room to transform and a major disruption to our routine. It’s no wonder most people, when they renovate their kitchen, want to make choices they will be happy with for years to come. There are countless styles out there to choose from. Here, we share an array of kitchens that combine practical solutions to everyday storage and meal prep while maximizing style in a way that doesn’t grow tiresome.
365 Collective sat down with Pete Deane, Principal of DEANE, Inc to discuss his bold modern kitchen featuring dual islands draped in book-matched Panda white marble that set the tone in this glamorous New Canaan, CT, kitchen. The returning clients wanted to update their DEANE kitchen from ten years prior to reflect the sophistication of their home now that the kids were grown.
“Frameless cabinetry, tapered door style, and satin brass hardware are deliberately understated to highlight the marble,” says Peter Deane, principal designer at DEANE Inc, who worked with interior designer Arlene Pastor and Stirling Mills Designs. Choosing a timeless material and keeping proportions at the forefront of design decisions are critical for creating a design that is both of-the-moment and enduring. “From there, we layer in personality through details that are easier to update over time, such as lighting, hardware, or a backsplash that adds character without locking the homeowner into a trend,” adds Deane, who installed hardware with an unlacquered brass finish intended to age beautifully over time. The two islands are as practical as they are pretty: one dedicated for prep work and the other surrounded by six seats for gathering. “To tie everything together, we added a tray ceiling with wallpaper detailing, which subtly frames the islands and makes the whole space feel intentional and cohesive,” says Deane.
