
Kitchen Design Articles
With a click, you can link to the individual articles listed at the right.
Assembling this library has been a "labor of love" and I am pleased to offer this content to all.
If you have any questions or comments about the content of this library and/or general questions about home renovation, please schedule a conversation.
Regards, Edward Kaplan
Access additional remodeling topics and articles:
Remodeling Articles Index
posted 7/7/18
- Set on Stone: Why These Countertops Are So Swoonworthy
Here’s what makes stone (and stone-inspired) countertops popular on any budget - Get It Done: Organize Your Kitchen Drawers
Clear 'em out and give the contents a neat-as-a-pin new home with these organizing and storage tips - Battle of the Countertops: Granite vs. Quartz
Read about the pros and cons — and see great examples — of these popular kitchen countertop materials - What’s Next for Quartz?
A color and design consultant shares four trends for this popular countertop material - Kitchen Confidential: 10 Ways to Promote Aging in Place
Design choices that prevent stooping, reaching and falling help keep the space safe and accessible as you get older - New This Week: 5 Kitchen Island Shapes You Haven’t Thought Of
Going a bit abstract with your island design can get you more room for seating, eating, prep and personal style - How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink
Learn about basin configurations, sink shapes, materials and even accessories and specialty sinks - Kitchen FAQs: Selecting Your Sink Material
Here are some of the most common choices for kitchen sink materials, with details about each - Kitchen Sinks: Granite Composite Offers Superior Durability
It beats out quartz composite for strength and scratch resistance. Could this kitchen sink material be right for you? - How to Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets, One at a Time
Follow these steps to straighten up your kitchen cabinets and shelves so they’re a pleasure to use - Smooth Solutions to Kitchen Counter Corners
The designers of these kitchens found creative ways to ease the transition from counter to walking zone - Kitchen Confidential: 13 Ideas for Creative Corners
Here are clever ways to make the most of kitchen corners to get extra storage and additional seating - Hidden Storage Opportunities in Your Kitchen
Look around for often-missed places to put wine, cookbooks, brooms and more
posted 4/14/18
- Four Kitchen Remodeling Myths
The kitchen is an everyday anchor; it’s where we gather with family and friends to truly feel at home. - Savor the Luxury Kitchen of the Future
Explore how technology beautifully transforms cooking and entertaining with these tips from Dacor - Lighting: Theory Meets Practice
Real-world foot-candle readings shine a light on the importance of recessed fixture size, lamp type, and fixture location
posted 2/18/18
- 11 Enduring Kitchen Ideas From the Industry's Biggest Event
We visited the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show and found that many familiar kitchen features appear to be here to stay - The 5 Layers of a Well-Lit Kitchen
Develop a layered lighting plan to help you create a functional, adaptable and illuminated kitchen
posted 1/28/18
- Recessed Kitchen Lighting Reconsidered
Evidence-based design brings kitchen lighting out of the shadows - Where to Carve Out More Pantry Storage
Find more space for kitchen essentials in closets, niches and shallow cabinets
posted 12/30/17
- Small Wonders: 9 Space-Saving Broom Closets
Check out these efficient ways to store your broom, mop and cleaning supplies - Tomorrow’s Kitchen, Today
Home builders and their merchandisers know that the kitchen is the most important room in the house – and where buyers are most likely to invest in additional features and options.
posted 12/17/17
- Kitchen Organization Superheroes to the Rescue
Vanquish kitchen clutter for good using these cabinet accessories from The Home Depot
posted 12/7/17
- Pros and Cons of 5 Popular Kitchen Flooring Materials
Which kitchen flooring is right for you? An expert gives us the rundown - Four Questions to Ask When Choosing Natural Stone Kitchen Countertops
Natural stone countertops can transform a kitchen into a beautiful gathering spot.
posted 11/2/17
- How to Create a Dedicated Baking Station
Avid bakers love having a designated kitchen space. Here’s what to consider when planning yours - 12 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look and Feel Bigger
Try these clever design moves to get more storage and create a roomier feel - A Pullout Countertop Adds Function to a 90-Square-Foot Kitchen
See how a tucked-away workspace near the stove gives this family of 4 the prep area they need
posted 10/21/17
- A Designer’s Picks for Kitchen Trends Worth Considering
Fewer upper cabs, cozy seating, ‘smart’ appliances and more — are some of these ideas already on your wish list?
posted 10/3/17
- Stash It All: Know the 3 Zones of Kitchen Storage
Organize the right amount of storage around the kitchen's main activities for easier cooking and flow
posted 8/31/17
- Choose the Tile That’s Right for Your Room
Gloss, matte, glazed, metallic, terra cotta and more: Each has its own look and characteristics
posted 8/19/17
- Countertop Geology – Part 1: The lowdown on Super White
Perusing the slab yard from a Geologist perspective. - Countertop Geology – Part 2: Marble, quartzite and other rocks in the kitchen
Perusing the slab yard from a Geologist perspective. - Countertop Geology – Part 3: Marble and quartzite and granite, oh my!
Perusing the slab yard from a Geologist perspective. - Countertop Geology – Part 4: Rocks, marble, granite, quartzite
Perusing the slab yard from a Geologist perspective. - Countertop Geology – Part 5: Marble, Quartzite and other Favorites
Perusing the slab yard from a Geologist perspective. - Countertop Geology – Part 6: Let's talk about rocks some more!
Perusing the slab yard from a Geologist perspective. - Whip Your Baking Center Into Shape
Here’s how to corral your supplies and ingredients to make creating treats a sweeter experience - New This Week: 4 Storage Ideas for the End of Your Kitchen Island
See the ways to design drawers, shelves, racks and more for this island area
posted 8/13/17
- The Pros and Cons of Upper Kitchen Cabinets and Open Shelves
Whether you crave more storage or more open space, this guide will help you choose the right option - The Best Things to Store on Open Kitchen Shelves
See what items should take this vital display and storage space and get tips for styling your open shelves - Get the Most Out of Your Kitchen’s Undersink Area
Clever solutions can turn this awkward space into a storage workhorse - Disappearing Range Hoods: A New Trend?
Concealed exhaust fans cut visual clutter in the kitchen
posted 7/27/17
- How to Clean Hardwood Floors: Must-Know Tricks
Keep hardwood floors in top condition with smart cleaning methods that will make caring for your floors and maintaining their good looks even easier. - How to Choose the Right Hood Fan for Your Kitchen
Keep your kitchen clean and your home's air fresh by understanding all the options for ventilating via a hood fan - 8 Mirror Types for a Fantastic Kitchen Backsplash
Create the illusion of more space, add bling or just go for an unexpected look with a mirrored backsplash that suits your kitchen's style - How to Pick a Kitchen Backsplash That Wows
Design your ideal backsplash with help from these Houzz guides and inspiring ideas for every kitchen style - Ecofriendly Kitchen: Recycled Tile for Backsplashes
Pick a popular look for your kitchen backsplash design and go green as well, with beautiful tiles made from recycled materials - 7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Kitchen
Strike fear into the hearts of gunky corners and grimy walls. Our weeklong plan will get your kitchen spick-and-span from top to bottom - How to Install a Tile Backsplash
If you've got a steady hand, a few easy-to-find supplies and patience, you can install a tile backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom - Tin's a Win for Kitchen Backsplashes
Durable tin has come down from the ceiling and out of Victorian times to decorate backsplashes today - The Many Ways to Get Creative With Kitchen Hoods
Distinctive hood designs — in reclaimed barn wood, zinc, copper and more — are transforming the look of kitchens - Kitchen Confidential: Amp Up Your Storage With Pullouts
See 12 types of cabinet pullouts that make your cooking and cleaning items easier to find and use - How to Design the Perfect U-Shaped Kitchen
With these tips, you’ll get the most out of this flexible layout, which works for many room shapes and sizes - How to Make the Most of a Single-Wall Kitchen
Learn 10 ways to work with this space-saving, budget-savvy and sociable kitchen layout - How to Make the Most of Your L-Shaped Kitchen
These layouts make efficient use of space, look neat and can be very sociable. Here’s how to plan yours - How to Make Your Galley Kitchen Work Better
A kitchen design expert offers tips to make this layout more efficient - 10 Steps to an Organized and Functional Kitchen
A designer shares her top tips and techniques for creating a stress-free kitchen - Undermount Sink? Our Guide to Placing Holes for Accessories
With an undermount sink, you decide where to put the faucet and accessories. These guidelines can help - Windowless Kitchen Sinks: Looking Beyond the (Lack of a) View
Does your sink need a focal point? Here are 12 ideas for creating visual interest where you scrub your pans - Ideas From the Year’s Top 10 Kitchens of the Week
Get inspired by the found objects, reclaimed hardware, efficient storage and work zones in our top kitchens of 2016 - New This Week: 3 Backsplashes That Steal the Show
Bold colors, enticing textures and attention-grabbing graphics bring drama to these 3 kitchens - The Most Common Kitchen Design Problems and Ways to Tackle Them
Check out these frequent dilemmas, experts’ tips on avoiding them and some inspiring spaces that get things right - Try a Shorter Kitchen Backsplash for Budget-Friendly Style
Shave costs on a kitchen remodel with a pared-down backsplash in one of these great materials - 10 Gorgeous Backsplash Alternatives to Subway Tile
Artistic installations, back-painted glass and pivoting windows prove there are backsplash possibilities beyond the platform - 8 Statement-Making Kitchen Backsplashes Beyond Basic Tile
Look to metal, glass and even wooden crates for an attention-getting backsplash that might even save you some money - 8 Top Tile Types for Your Kitchen Backsplash
Backsplash designs don't have to be set in stone; glass, mirror and mosaic tiles can create kitchen beauty in a range of styles - Put Your Kitchen in a Good Light With a Window Backsplash
Get a view or just more sunshine while you're prepping and cooking, with a glass backsplash front and center - How to Add a Kitchen Backsplash
Great project: Install glass, tile or another decorative material for a gorgeous and protective backsplash - Kitchen Decisions: Where to Place Your Cabinetry Hardware
Does it go in the middle of the drawer, on the edge or nowhere at all? Get advice on where to put the knobs and pulls - The Case for 2 Kitchen Sinks
Here’s why you may want to have a prep and a cleanup sink — and the surprising reality about which is more important - Kitchen Design Secret: Why You May Want a Separate Cleanup Sink
A cleanup sink plays a distinct role in the kitchen. Here’s what to consider when planning yours - 8 Gray Kitchens That Nail Warmth and Balance
Look to subtle undertones and the right mix of cool and warm tones in your color choices - 9 Tips for Creating an Inviting White Kitchen
You can have your white kitchen and visual interest too. Use these ideas to make your cooking space stand out - Details That Count: 17 Designer Tips for a Great Kitchen
Get ideas for camouflaging your outlets, adding task lighting and avoiding common kitchen annoyances - Details That Count: 11 Designer Secrets to Work Into Your Kitchen
Remodeling? See a designer’s suggestions for rollout pantries, tray storage, cabinet depth, corner sinks and more - Where Should You Start and Stop Your Backsplash?
Consider these tips and tricks to work around cabinets, windows and more for a finished look in your kitchen - Kitchen Storage: How to Store Your Kitchen Tools and Flatware
Find out the ideal width and depth of drawers, get ideas for vertical storage and see how to work with existing cabinets - Details That Count: Tips for Range Hoods, Appliances and Lighting
Learn how to get your microwave height just right, what kind of bar stool will be most comfortable and more
posted 12/23/16
- 17 Space-Saving Solutions for Small Kitchens
Clever storage and smart design details do wonders for tiny kitchens - Kitchen of the Week: Storage Galore in a 1920s Colonial
Pullouts, slots, special drawers and more - the customized kitchen packs in plenty of organizing solutions - The 15 Most Popular Kitchen Storage Ideas on Houzz
Solve common kitchen dilemmas in style with custom and ready-made organizers, drawers, shelves and more - Your Guide to 15 Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials
Get details and costs on top counter materials to help you narrow down the choices for your kitchen - 11 Must-Haves in a Designer's Dream Kitchen
Custom cabinets, slab backsplashes, drawer dishwashers - what's on your wish list? - Trending Now: 10 Ideas From Popular New Kitchens on Houzz
Contrasting cabinets, oversize pendants and custom range hoods turn up the heat in these ideabook-worthy kitchens - Kitchen Confidential: Painted vs. Stained Cabinets
See the pros and cons of these popular cabinet finishes - Drool-Worthy Design Features to Borrow From Restaurant Kitchens
You can cook like a professional chef with 14 kitchen elements swiped from restaurants - Battle of the Backsplashes: Glass Mosaics vs. Natural Stone
Read about the pros and cons - and see great examples - of these two popular kitchen backsplash materials - Kitchen Confidential: Walk-In Pantries vs. Cabinet Pantries
We explore the pros and cons of these popular kitchen storage options - From the Pros: 8 Reasons Kitchen Renovations Go Over Budget
We asked kitchen designers to tell us the most common budget-busters they see - Today's Coffee Stations Have All Kinds of Perks
Some of these features are so over the top that they will give you a jolt - Small, Slim and Super: Compact Kitchen Islands That Offer Big Function
Movable carts and narrow tables bring flexibility to these space-constrained kitchens - Kitchen Confidential: The Pros and Cons of Double Stacked Cabinets
Does it make sense for you to double up on cabinets? Find out here - Kitchen Confidential: 7 Ways to Mix and Match Cabinet Colors
Can't decide on a specific color or stain for your kitchen cabinets? You don't have to choose just one - How to Choose a Backsplash for Your Granite Counters
If you've fallen for a gorgeous slab, pair it with a backsplash material that will show it at its best - Kitchen Confidential: The Case for Corbels
Get the skinny on different types of brackets and how to use them in the kitchen - How Much Room Do You Need for a Kitchen Island?
Installing an island can enhance your kitchen in many ways, and with good planning, even smaller kitchens can benefit - Kitchen Confidential: 11 Islands With Furniture Style
Break the mold with these non-traditional kitchen islands - How to Design a Kitchen Island
Size, seating height, all those appliance and storage options ... here's how to clear up the kitchen island confusion - Kitchen Remodel Costs: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens
What you can expect from a kitchen remodel with a budget from $20,000 to $100,000 - Countertop and Backsplash: Making the Perfect Match
Zero in on a kitchen combo you'll love with these strategies and great countertop-backsplash mixes for inspiration - Simple Pleasures: Wake Up and Smell the Coffee
Slugging down any old sludge while pulling on socks is no way to start the day. Learn to brew smazing java and savor the experience here
posted 7/1/16
- What to Consider When Adding a Range Hood
Get to know the types, styles and why you may want to skip a hood altogether
- Kitchen Confidential: All Good in the Hood
If you're looking for a new hood for above your stove, you have a wide range (pun intended) of options
posted 5/22/16
- Eastside Elegance Kitchen
A melange of elements--wood, glass, and stone--are the raw ingredients in this cooking and entertaining space created by legendary kitchen designer Christopher Peacock.
- Refined Formalities Butler's Pantry
If tailored and classic are words your friends might use to describe your style, you’ll want to explore this traditional butler’s pantry.
- Picking the Perfect Kitchen Sink and Faucet
Some things are just better together, especially in the kitchen
posted 4/11/16
- 12 Great Kitchen Styles — Which One's for You?
Sometimes you can be surprised by the kitchen style that really calls to you. The proof is in the pictures
- Kitchen Workbook: 6 Elements of a Contemporary Kitchen
If high-tech appliances, cutting-edge storage and the layered look appeal to you, a contemporary kitchen may be right up your alley. - Kitchen Workbook: 15 Elements of a Traditional Kitchen
Small details take center stage with decorative moldings, glazed finishes, raised panels and more. - Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of a Cottage Kitchen
Cottage kitchens can be a sunny, cheerful hub to anchor your home. Is this easy,breezy style for you? - Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of a Craftsman Kitchen
Craftsman-style kitchen design focuses on the beauty of function and natural materials. Could this be the look for you? - Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of a Farmhouse Kitchen
Classic materials and vintage touches create a farm-style space that still feels fresh today. - Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of a Mediterranean Kitchen
Mediterranean style transforms a kitchen into an exotic escape with its warmth and sultriness. Here's how to get the look - Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of a Modern Kitchen
Frameless cabinets, horizontal lines and lack of ornamentation top the list of what defines modern kitchen style - Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of a Transitional Kitchen
With a mixture of traditional charm and contemporary chic, transitional kitchens strike just the right balance in your home - Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of an Asian-Style Kitchen
Craft a kitchen that celebrates the serene, organic simplicity of Asian design. - Kitchen Workbook: 8 Elements of Classic Kitchen Style
Timeless but fresh, a classic kitchen can be the perfect starting point for your own,individual look - Kitchen Workbook: 10 Elements of an Eclectic Kitchen
Eclectic kitchens can come in wildly different flavors, from homespun to far flung.Consider these 10 a sample platter - Six Kitchen Planning Myths
When planning a new kitchen or renovation, it’s easy to fall prey to common misconceptions. - 9 Places to Put the Microwave in Your Kitchen
See the pros and cons of locating your microwave above, below and beyond the counter