Out of the Box

The Arndorfers’ inspiration for their kitchen remodel was right outside their window. The couple wanted to incorporate the beautiful natural setting of their Monches home into the project. Timothy Benkowski of timothy j kitchen & bath designed the room to showcase the exterior views and meet the couple’s multicook, multitask lifestyle. The result was a soft contemporary space with an open feeling from every part of the room.

At One With Nature

The earth-toned color scheme of this newly remodeled Brookfield kitchen is in harmony with the abundant views of the secluded yard. Cherry cabinetry and the deep hues of the Cambria granite countertop are compatible with the soothing colors of the natural stone floor, tile backsplash and Tuscan plaster walls, and add punch to the space. Homeowner Rick Blommer of Cityscape Architecture/Development designed the kitchen and Jim Olson of Briohn Design Group did the interior design work, for which he won a silver award from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers.

Urban Edge

In designing the kitchen of Bob and Jamie Israel’s new Milwaukee home, one of the primary considerations of architect Russell Lafrombois III was to bring light to the space, located in the heart of the home’s first floor. Windows above the cabinets helped accomplish that, and a nearby three-story open staircase brings in more light from above. Though the exterior of the home is traditional, the homeowners wanted a more contemporary feel for the interior, Lafrombois says. "The whole idea was to keep the first floor as open as possible," he says. The contrasting finishes on the bamboo wall cabinets (espresso) and the bamboo island base (carmelized) by Robertson Cabinetry make the island a focal point. Topped with Golden Thunder granite, the island is a gathering spot as the couple — both cooks — entertain. The wood floors are salvaged from another building, just one example of the couple’s green focus in the design of their home. M