A mostly visual guide to kitchen design options

Cabinet construction:

Drawer construction:

Non-dovetail

Dovetail

Hinge types:

Concealed

Mortise butt hinges

Glide types:

Undermount

Sidemount

Stone Edge Profiles:

Single slab thickness

Laminated edges

Example of pricing brackets for stone edge profiles

Visual aide for edge profiles

Tile edge treatments:

Wood edge

Tile edge

Countertop materials:

Plastic laminate on appleply

Butcher block

Granite (Santa Cecilia)

Marble (Carrera)

Limestone

Soapstone

Recycled paper & resin

Concrete

Recycled glass terazzo

Glass

Easy-reach cabinet features:

Pop-up mixer station

Roll-out mixer station (custom)

Pull-down shelving

Pull-down spice drawers

Storage ideas:

Pots & pans in deep drawers under cooktop

Spice pull-outs and cutting board

Blind corner options

Appliances:

Standard-depth refrigerator

Counter-depth refrigerator

Integrated refrigerator

Garbage disposal air switch (no more accidently turning on the light!)

Image showing garbage disposal air switch and air gap for dishwasher.  If your dishwasher is installed where it cannot be vented through the wall, you will need an air gap (also called the "burp") for the dishwasher.  In Seattle, if you do not want an air gap and it would otherwise be required, your only option is to install a Miele dishwasher (which is approved in this jurisdiction for installation without an air gap).

Dishwasher drawers...

...which can be made to look like your cabinets

Microwave drawer

Microwave drawer cooktop

Microwave drawer cooktop range oven

Microwave toaster combo

Microwave pizza oven (...weird...)

Dual oven range

Microwave Wall Oven Combo

An efficient island with microwave, wine-chiller, and compactor

Compactor (great for recyclables!)

Design rules of thumb:

Of course, remember that all rules are made to be broken and rarely can every rule be followed to the letter.  As an architect, my job is to help you prioritize and maximize the space you have.

Hawthorne Hills Kitchen: Before & After

Three years ago, this kitchen was relocated within the existing footprint of the house.  The change was very dramatic - opening the kitchen, dining, and living rooms to each other and creating a larger, more functional laundry room.  Last night, the homeowner was testing out a new camera and send some candid shots along with news that the kitchen still looks like new!  

AFTER

BEFORE

And, this is what that same space looked like during construction:

Kitchen Remodeling 101 class at Dish It Up! Ballard, March 30, 6-7:30pm

Only a few spots are left, so register now online if you plan to attend the Kitchen Remodeling 101 class at Dish It Up! in Ballard on March 30, from 6-7:30pm.

Kitchen Remodeling 101Instructor: Bill van Schoyk and Carol Sundstrom - Urban Kitchen Company & Rom Architecture StudioType of class: SeminarFree!

The idea of remodeling your kitchen can be overwhelming and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. Tonight, kitchen remodeling is completely demystified and made easy by Urban Kitchen Company’s certified kitchen designer Bill van Schoyk and architect Carol Sundstrom. We will discuss the “main ingredients” of cabinetry, geometry, and surfaces, and clear up some common misconceptions about the process. Wine tasting and light snacks will be included. This event is free, but advance registration is required.