Kitchen Ideas "Outside the Box"

A few months ago I introduced some Bathroom Ideas "Outside the Box." Since then I have come across some creative ideas for kitchen design as well.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Furniture Cabinetry

Let's face it, the kitchen is the most popular room in the house. It has not only opened up to the main "living" spaces, it has become a main living space. As such, why not design it to seamlessly flow with the rest of the house? Using furniture pieces, like a dresser or armoire, for kitchen storage is a unique, chic, and inexpensive way to update and personalize your kitchen.

Above, an old dresser has been transformed into an affordable kitchen island. I picture the storage inside looking something like this:

Imagine using a beautiful armoire, like this one pictured below, by Oly, to store dishes, mixing bowls, serverware, etc...With this perspective, Susan Serra demonstrated in her blog how an armoire could fit seamlessly into the overall kitchen scheme. (As a side note, I love Susan's blog - if you are looking for great insight, education, design, reading all things kitchen design... this one's for you!)
Check out the little piece nestled up in the corner on top of the counter. Do you think this may have served as a side table in a past-life?Resource: Cottage Living, Design by Tim Street-Porter

Okay, one last photo on this subject... armoire turned mini-bar!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass Doors

Glass doors on cabinetry is a popular look. In kitchens it's nice to have at least a few to display dishes, crystal and serverware while also adding a light and airy feel. Windows are also hugely desirable in the kitchen, but what if you have a less than desirable view?

Resource: Kitchen and Bath Design Ideas, Designed by Nancy Bernstein, Photo by Janet Mesic Mackie
The cabinet doors above are backless and placed right in front of a window, masking the view of the neighbors house while still allowing natural light to flow through. Genius! And beautiful. Below, you might understand this better in plan.

Shown below are some two sided glass cabinets. This beautifully functional idea allows access to dinner ware from the the butlers pantry and the dining room while also serving as a lovely, back-lit display for the dining room.
Designed by Amy Sandack
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Shelves

I LOVE window shelves. Open shelving is a great way to display neatly arranged dishes, throw in some accents like pottery or framed art, and cut down on the weight of a room full of cabinetry. But have you ever thought about hanging shelves in front of your window?

Design by Bosworth Hoedemaker

So light and airy! And located right next to the sink makes putting clean dishes away super easy! Have a lot of plates?...

Resource: Southern Living, Stylist: Rose Nguyen

How about this dish display storage unit?

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass Backsplash

A nice smooth surface like glass or resin is probably the easiest thing to wipe down and can still be interesting if backed with a pattern.

Resource: Kitchen and Bath Design Ideas, Design by Barbara Enburg, Photo by Ed Gohlich
Okay, this isn't glass, it's 3Form resin that's been embedded with real twigs and dried leaves, super cool, BUT... that's expensive. This article suggested using wallpaper and covering it with clear glass to get a similar yet more affordable look. I think this is a fabulous idea; there are SO many possibilities!

What out of the box ideas are you using in your home? Or dream of for your future kitchen? Let me know, I want to hear!

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen (or bathroom) and live in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, or anywhere close by, give us a call! 919-933-7855 We would love to bring your dreams to life! - The Kitchen and Bath People