25 Kitchens That Will Inspire Your Inner Chef

Vibrant contrast

Cynthia’s client doesn’t cook but insisted on a showpiece stove. “She wanted this funky, amazing kitchen and, in particular, a yellow Bertazzoni oven,” says Cynthia. The colour is a classic pairing against the blast of blue, while the python quartzite backsplash and walnut hood vent bring even more whimsy to the party.

See the rest of the house here.

Victorian charm

With its tall, swooping silhouette, simple trim and black finish, the range hood is a bold focal point. Soapstone counters in the same dark shade top all the perimeter cabinets.

See the rest of the house here.

Botanical hues

The kitchen’s millwork was in good order, so the designer refreshed it with paint. “There was no reason to simply change for change’s sake,” she says.

See the rest of the house here.

Warm and welcoming

The practical black vinyl on the banquette ties in with the frames of the bouclé-covered dining chairs and the inky granite on the waterfall island nearby.

See the rest of the house here.

Contemporary minimalism

Fresh farmhouse

They may seem like extras you don’t need, but convenient kitchen gadgets like a pot filler, wine fridge and prep sink dramatically improve cooking and entertaining ease. Maximize space by installing an under-counter microwave drawer.

See the rest of the house here.
 

Bright and open

The island was designed to look like a solid wood block, with thick sides and an alcove for stools.

See the rest of the house here.

California cool

A grey, black and white palette creates striking contrast in the kitchen and works with its warm and bright California modern aesthetic.

See the rest of the house here.

Golden glam

The custom range hood makes a statement in white and brass, especially when combined with the Calacatta Oro marble backsplash that is carried right to the ceiling. 

See the rest of the house here.

Dreamy white design

This kitchen is a hub for entertaining guests with its cozy stools, convenient bar sink and chef-style appliances. The island features a Carrara marble countertop and shiny white quartz for the perimeter.

See the rest of the house here.

Timeless and modern

Charming clear glass schoolhouse pendant lights were the design inspiration for this kitchen. “I just fell in love with them,” says homeowner Lydia Kunicki, “maybe because I’m a teacher.”

See the rest of the house here.

Industrial bistro

The original kitchen had super-low ceilings and was closed off from the rest of the house, which was very dark and very long.

See the rest of house here.

Timeless and contemporary

A mix of traditional and contemporary, old and new, and dark and light gives the kitchen a timeless yet fresh look.

See the rest of the house here.

Soothing neutrals

The kitchen isn't large so Sydney opted for cream-coloured cabinets rather than pure white, which might have read as stark. She chose a more economical and practical quartz kitchen countertop for the busy family kitchen and a budget-friendly glass and stone mosaic backsplash.

See the rest of the house here.

Parisian bistro-inspired

“Not every kitchen needs a big island,” says designer Philippe Côté, who opted to keep the snug space unencumbered, embracing the light flooding in from the newly installed glass-panelled doors. Paired with bistro chairs, the Saarinen-style table is the homeowners’ favourite spot to sip their morning coffee.

See the rest of the house here.

Classic charm

While the mirrored wall framed within the cabinetry produces the illusion of more space on one side of the room, a collection of smaller vintage mirrors on this side mimics an artistic gallery display.

See the rest of the house here.

Functional and contemporary

Moody greens

The cabinets’ moody green colour anchors the space. Its expanse is broken up by warm unlacquered brass hardware, Caesarstone counters, and crisp subway tile in the window nook. Low-key, clean-lined elements like the pulls, pendants, counters and tile also push the look in a contemporary direction, making it fresher and more youthful.

See the rest of the house here.

Edgy and industrial

Classic elements like marble and recess-panelled cabinetry keep the kitchen of this Calgary house timeless, while factory-style pendant lights and open shelves add industrial charm.

See the rest of the house here.

Cozy and modern

With its crisp white cabinetry, warm walnut accents and quartz countertops, the chic kitchen now boasts a fresh look within the original layout. 

See the rest of the house here.

Traditional design

The kitchen, newly expanded to include an eat-in area, boasts nautical-chic white shaker-style cabinets with brass hardware, warm wood accents, spherical flush-mount light fixtures and subtle hits of blue.

See the rest of the house here.

Formal and sophisticated

Old-world elegance

Homeowner Christine Murphy chose white finishes for a fresh bright aesthetic in her newly laid-out kitchen. The white quartz countertops and backsplash blend into the neutral background, letting the country-style elements shine. Glass-fronted upper cabinets were selected to hold Christine’s collections of English pottery and white ironstone.

See the rest of the house here.

Contemporary update

Grouped above the kitchen island, a quartet of opaque white globe pendant lights draws the eye up to the beamed ceiling to create visual interest. 

See the rest of the house here.

Warm neutrals

The kitchen feels classic and current. “It was important that we modernize the space without making it overly trendy,” says homeowner Karina Marcovitch. Caesarstone countertops are practical, while a mosaic marble backsplash and glass-fronted cabinets layer in pretty. 

See the rest of the house here.