Los Angeles Design Blog | Material Girls | LA Interior Design

{image via Elle Decor}

There is something about a white kitchen that screams “classic, clean, and timeless.” While it may not be an appropriate look for every home it is often a request for many of my clients. With the right mix of finishes, there are a lot of variations on the classic white kitchen.

{image via La Dolce Vita}

The bright accents of yellow make this otherwise all white kitchen fun!

{Hicks Pendant by Thomas O’Brien, available through Circa Lighting}

Globe pendants are stunning above a kitchen island!

{image via Birch & Lily}

Black countertops are a great contrast to white Shaker style cabinets.

Absolute Noir from CaesarStone.

{image via My Paradissi}

Can’t quite give this kitchen credit for being all white, but it still remains classic as being black and white – and I love it!

{Carrara Keystone, available through Waterworks}

A Carrra backsplash is undeniably classic.

{image via Pinterest}

Varying from traditional Carrara marble countertops is this more unique stone, Biano Macabus Quartize – stunning! (Read about it here)

{image via Pinterest}

A more modern classic white kitchen, always looks sharp when paired with stainless steel appliances.

Subzero-Wolf stainless integrated wine cooler.

{image via Flickr}

A warm wood flooring, contrasting countertops, and bronze hardware give this all white kitchen characteristic (& the beadboard wall of the pantry too!)

Pulls from Restoration Hardware.

{image via Decor Pad}

Mixing countertop materials, such as in this kitchen with a butcher block island creates visual interest.

Butcher block countertops, available at Lumber Liquidators.

{image via Apartment Therapy}

Last but not least, if you are going to play it safe with classic white cabinets – why not go a bit dramatic with the floors!

(Which can be achieved through staining, read here for the how to.)

Having a walk-in pantry is a luxury.  Many of the kitchen remodels I have been designing lately have not been able to afford such a luxury due to space limitations.  Instead the client has opted for tall pantry storage, which is still essential even if it means forgoing upper and lower cabinets, and using a portion of counter space to accommodate tall pantry storage.  But with one exceptional client, she has not only room for a butler’s pantry – but also a walk-in pantry. Because this is a room in itself – the idea came into play:  how do we make this room a beautiful space? I think the images here provide some great inspiration (the above picture being my favorite)!

All images via Houzz.

I had been searching for a counter bench for a client project, inspired by the picture above.

Then just the other day as I was looking through the latest issue of House Beautiful magazine:

Found! Counter Bench!

Available from Four Hands.

As an interior designer, I love to see a great transformation. Whether it’s a piece of furniture repurposed or an entire room transformed – the process of changing or transforming things is usually really exciting.  So recently when I was invited to experience two new products in kitchen transformations from Rust-Oleum – I was curious to see how this product could work and what the outcome would be.

Rust-Oleum Transformations has two kits for the DIY-er to transform kitchen cabinets or kitchen countertops as an inexpensive and efficient alternative to replacing cabinets or countertops entirely.  Experiencing the product for myself, I can say the process is simple and easy to use (that’s coming from a person who isn’t capable of anything DIY-the fact that I could actually do this was a bit exhilarating for me!). The kit includes everything needed to complete the project. (The kits can also be used for bathroom counters/cabinets or even furniture.)

With the help of the people from Rust-Oleum, each of us got to test out both the countertop kit and the cabinet kit, using the easy step by step process.

The kits come with everything needed to complete the project. The countertops involve five steps, and the cabinets involve four steps.  Depending on the size of your kitchen most transformation projects could be completed in a weekend.

Here I am, happily sanding a laminate countertop sample (in preparation to resurface it).

The countertop kit comes with five color options, from light to dark, replicating a “granite like” finish (solid finishes are not yet available).

There are many options to chose from for the cabinet colors.

The kits can be purchased from local home improvement stores (such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc) or visit the Rust-Oleum Transformations website for more info, including details and tutorials. The retail price for a newly resurfaced countertop kit is $250 and cabinets $150 (depending on your square footage).

The outcome?

Countertops and cabinets that look like they were custom without the custom price!

Thank you to Rust-Oleum for inviting me to experience the products hands-on!

I thought I would take the opportunity to showcase a kitchen design product line from Germany called Uro Kitchens. The line is represented here in Los Angeles by a colleague and friend of mine, Morgan, who often assists me with kitchen design projects for clients of mine. Morgan is extremely competent when it comes to understanding kitchen design and specifications along with knowledge of appliances for kitchens having a great deal of experience both working for high end kitchen design companies along with it being a family business. On a recent kitchen remodel, I asked Morgan if she wanted to bid her product but my concern was my client being on a budget. She introduced me to a line she has acquired which features the same look for a fraction of the cost with a better lead time.

The Uro line is similar in quality and specification as some of the other high end European kitchens but it is a fraction of the price. Many of my clients who are knowledgeable of some of the other high end kitchens from Germany & Italy are concerned with the cost factor but with the Uro kitchen line, the price points are much more competitive. I’ve found as a designer trying to provide a good value for my clients along with the aesthetics – this is a great product to introduce to my clients. There are some limitations as far as no custom colors or sizes, but by providing specific dimensions the company will configure a kitchen layout that best incorporates the function and needs of the client along with the specifications of the product line. Production and lead time runs 4-8 weeks and that for a European product is typically unheard of. All in all, I think if going for the look of a modern high end kitchen – this is definitely a product to consider.

For more information & to receive pricing info based on your specific kitchen please email to: info@urokitchens.com.

I am a huge fan of CaesarStone for counter top surfaces (kitchen, bath, bars, etc). CaesarStone also has a line called Concetto, which consists of stone slabs of crystals and semi-precious stones. I once inquired about the product, only to discover it’s several hundred dollars per square foot. However, it makes a beautiful stone top for any table or surface if you are looking for a unique stone.

CaesarStone has just launched a new website for the Concetto. The site explains everything from the essence and energy of the crystals to the process of Concetto creation to its care and maintenance.