Gallery inspiration

Ron and Linda Kohl White called upon Wisconsin Kitchen Mart to solve their kitchen design challenges. A priority for the couple was to include an island in the design. However, this posed the biggest challenge. Luckily, designer Janell Rasper found extra inches by extending the depth of the couple’s bay window to the floor. "We improved the travel space throughout the house and were able to separate the cooking and prep area from the main circulation," says Rasper. While the design added circulation and counter space, the aesthetic details were not ignored. "Lauren had a lot of input," says Rasper. "She is artistic and was very involved in the process, so in the end we were able to create a very individualistic design that I must compliment her on." The finish selections create an Old World feel that suits the Kohls’ 1927 Schley English Tudor. Cherry cabinetry, travertine tile, a combination of granites, brushed stainless steel, Venetian plaster and leaded glass create warmth and sophistication in this space. Furniture-inspired details, crown mouldings and a portrait of the Madonna complete this elegant kitchen.

Tuscan reality

Working with Dick Frozé of Frozé Design-Build Inc., Scott and Jodi Lukach were able to gain cooking space and create improved traffic flow. "The goal was to make sure that when we were done, we had designed a space that would make their dream a reality," says Frozé. Tuscan-inspired elements, such as glazed and distressed finishes, add elegance and warmth to this multi-functional kitchen and family area. A Williamsburg-inspired color palette, including a combination of creamy white, gold and burnt umber, creates a glow throughout this space. Ebony-stained floors and furnishings finished in a distressed black add a level of sophistication. This elegance is continued with material selections such as granite for the countertops and a tumbled marble for the backsplash. The sleekness of the stainless steel double oven combines with the tumbled marble to create a feature wall in the kitchen. A distressed moulding disguises the hood and frames the wall to add to this distinct focal point. "The term ‘cocooning’ comes to mind when I think of this project," says Frozé. "That is what we accomplished: a real comfortable space to come home to."

Historic revival

Jock and Linda Mutschler love the history of their early 1900s home and wanted a kitchen renovation that paid close attention to period details. Working with Wisconsin Kitchen Mart, they were able to research the history of their kitchen in order to bring back its original aesthetic while upgrading it with modern conveniences. Designer Janell Rasper located old drawings of the kitchen to guide the renovation. Due to the more utilitarian nature of kitchens of that period, she worked with the couple to create additional details in line with the architecture of the home. "I mimicked details from the front foyer to create wainscoting in the kitchen," says Rasper. "As the kitchen would have been more of a servant’s quarters, this is not an original detail, but adds to the aesthetic of the space today." Due to the mixed Craftsman and Revival style of the home, wood was a key material in this design. Maple hardwood floors and quarter sewn oak for the cabinets create warmth throughout the space. Simple in detail, the cabinets offer a recessed panel Revival door style with an inset door frame. The cabinets extend to the ceiling and are finished with a Shaker crown moulding. A few select cabinets are detailed with leaded glass from Oxford Studios. Restoration Hardware served as a great resource for retro bin pulls and antique brass hinges show the complete attention to detail in this space. While some stainless appliances are visible and infuse this kitchen with a modern edge, many appliances are disguised with panel fronts. Venetian Gold granite countertops and antique light fixtures from Europe add to the glow of this refined interior.