Accent lighting complements sleek cabinetry.

Dinner parties often begin at the giant marble waterfall island, which homeowner Philip Haddad says is the most-used part of his house.

Skylights and white cabinets brighten the dark-painted walls.

White Ikea cabinetry and countertops capture the minimalist Scandinavian style homeowner and designer Colette Soros was after. “I don’t like a lot of clutter,” she says. “The cabinets have recessed handles on the doors, which simplifies the look.”

An Art Deco backsplash and copper island are showstopping details.

A contemporary spin on glamorous style makes this kitchen stand out from the crowd.

Light wood shelving brings warmth to a sleek design.

“I didn’t want the room to read as a kitchen,” says homeowner and designer Youssef Hasbani of the galley space. Open shelves display cookbooks, glassware, china and art, enhancing a sense of airiness. The shelves were made from a bamboo butcherblock counter he spotted and had cut to size at Lowe’s. Custom walnut brackets add contrast.

Concrete floors are complemented by wood fixtures.

The chalet’s tonal kitchen is an homage to the wintry whites and blond woods native to Scandinavian design. Contrasting black window frames make the snow-covered outdoor views look even more like a picture.

Blond wood ceilings add a rustic feel.

In pursuit of their vision of a light, bright desert getaway, homeowners Debbie and Marco Paolella opened a wall in the kitchen in order to add sliding glass doors that overlook the back terrace. “It was quite an undertaking for a house that was new,” says Debbie of the renovation. “But we made it exactly what we wanted, and we wanted it bright.”

Leather, wood and marble add sophistication to a chic space.

Designer Shirley Meisels balanced crisp white cabinetry with rich walnut, and layered in hits of brass and stone. She also worked in some of the owners’ favorite pieces, like their shapely Tulip table. After all, Shirley knew their main objective was simple: “They wanted their new house to feel like home.”

Olive accents and wood detailing breathe life into this contemporary kitchen.

Simple cabinetry, free of knobs or pulls and finished in a pale olive-beige, creates a soothing look in the minimalist kitchen. Long expanses of white Caesarstone countertops are warmed up by the island’s walnut base and the oak floors.

This church turned kitchen is a blessing in design.

Designers Fenwick Bonnell and Kiyoshi Sakurai brought definition to the kitchen’s white shell with shots of bold black. A steel frame suspended from the ceiling visually anchors the island while disguising a bulkhead. “The mirrored panels and light fixture also add sparkle in the evening,” says Fenwick. Full-height windows and French doors flood the room with light.

Geometric accents complement this room’s sleek design.

From the get-go, homeowners Stacey Brandford and Anne Koehler knew they wanted a black and white kitchen. The honed bluestone floors and black Caesarstone counter on the island make a strong statement, so designer Tiffany Leigh brought in glossy white perimeter cabinets and counters for balance. Warm wood accents and round fixtures soften the look.

A floor-to-ceiling window and wood island make you feel one with nature.

Guests love to sit around the kitchen’s 4′-square island, which is made of salvaged American chestnut and cold-rolled steel. The black-painted glass wall and white glass doors of the upper cabinets bounce light around the room.

A black island is a statement among white walls.

“The kitchen and island are highly efficient,” says homeowner and designer Scott Yetman. “I love to cook, but I do it more often at our home in Knowlton.” A wall of marble behind the stove in the open-concept space makes a modern statement. “I love its gold-brown seam,” Scott says of the darting idiosyncrasy in the cut. “It adds character to the black, gray and white, and brings in the tone of wood and warm metals.”

This open-concept kitchen uses contrasting materials to create a homey space.

Designers Connie Braemer and Heather Lewis used a mix of unique cabinetry styles and materials to craft a one-of-a-kind kitchen. The off-center black wall cabinet balances the black steel I-beam on the ceiling, which denotes where the kitchen ends and family room begins. The homeowner specified the appliances to her needs with one gas burner and the rest induction on the stove.

An accent hood stands out behind a long island.

A luxurious Himalayan white marble backsplash return wraps around the cooking area and contrasts the black hood.

This accent door adds light to a small space.

When the house was built, the kitchen would have been located on the garden level. “But then you end up spending most of your time on the darkest bottom floor,” says homeowner Francesca Connolly of her decision to relocate it to this spot, which likely just held a butler’s pantry in its heyday. The design is resolutely modern, with sleek Corian cabinets, Statuario marble counters and walls swathed in Thassos marble tiles. It’s a sea of clean, calming white warmed by mid-toned wood floors and a wall of leaded glass leading to the patio.

This standout vent turns heads.

Designer and homeowner Shirley Meisels kept the footprint, but tore out all the old millwork. White Carrara marble counters brighten the space, and the dramatic black vent feels graphic in marked contrast. Small appliances — the toaster oven and coffeemaker — are tucked away in an appliance garage.

An inky backsplash highlights kitchen accessories.

Homeowner and designer Meredyth Hilton is an avid cook, so a six-burner gas stove with double ovens was a must.

A hit of green brings an earthy look to this modern space.

The island’s partial waterfall countertop in Costa Esmerelda granite repeats the L-shaped element on the living room ceiling and brings in a hint of color. Swiveling stools by Arteriors that designer Mario Januario found at Ambienti Design add a little industrial edge against the smooth stone and flat-front cabinets.

This space is striking in its simplicity.

“A true test of our discipline came with the decision not to have upper cabinets in the kitchen, not even a floating shelf!” says homeowner Richard Almonte. This allowed the cottage’s simple wall paneling to wrap around the entire great room for a cohesive feel. The slim appliances — a 24 inch fridge, 18 inch dishwasher and 24 inch stovetop and oven — discreetly blend in.

Standout accessories bring edge to this builder-basic space.

Like a yacht’s polished rails and hardware, metallic stools add a hit of shine to the relaxed atmosphere. Clever open shelves on the front of the island house stacks of magazines. “I can’t bear to part with them,” says designer Gabrielle Savoie. A half-sized fridge tucks under the counter. “I just stick to buying the essentials.”

The bright and airy design comes courtesy of blond cabinets.

Despite the open kitchen’s sleek look, it’s packed with storage. Frosted-glass doors on custom-built cabinetry hide dishes, glassware and a pantry. To free up floor space, designer Alda Pereira swapped out a stationary island for a more flexible stainless steel table with a butcherblock fold-up shelf. Hide-upholstered stools provide seating on three sides of the island for a dining table effect. Overhead, an intricate, modern chandelier adds a touch of pretty.

A lengthy island is the star of the show.

Long and lean, the kitchen is almost an exaggerated galley with a 17 1⁄2′-long island that offers ample prep space for homeowner Adrian Tauro, who loves to cook. A dramatic wall of Statuario marble serves as a luxurious backdrop to the stove area, which is handsomely framed in by the pale cerused-oak cabinetry and a slim matching bulkhead. “I like to have separation between the kitchen and the family room — I don’t want to be looking at dirty dishes,” says designer and homeowner Sloan Mauran.

Warm wood, charcoal and black finishes envelope this kitchen.

Leathered black granite counters cover the perimeter of the kitchen — an understated counterpoint to the Silver Wave marble island that anchors the space. A playful chandelier by Castor picks up the colors of the grid art around the corner.

Two black pendant lights punctuate this free-spirited space.

Introducing wood bases and shelves with the marble counters and backsplash feels rustic and elegant. The pendant lights — a splurge from Lamp Cage — boast hand-applied gold-leaf interiors.

Unexpected elements wow.

Homeowners Linda Sigal and Irwin Zelniker opted for a classic cream kitchen, but in true Linda fashion, it includes some twists: warm metal hardware on the cabinets; brass objets on the stainless steel-trimmed island; a mirrored backsplash; and the exquisite light fixture that pulls in the brass and a pop of black from the porcelain floors. On one wall, the upper cabinets were kept free of hardware. “We wanted them to blend in and look like furniture since the kitchen opens to the living room,” Linda says.

A small kitchen makes the most of every New York square foot.

Artist Michele Oka Doner liked the idea of preparing her tea while looking into the main room, so she designed this curved peninsula with an elevated stainless steel counter and tucked the kitchen behind that. Glass storage shelves fitted into the window wells are a visually airy alternative to upper cabinets; the light streams through the dishware, making it appear almost weightless. Paneling plays up the height of the windows and the depth of their wells.

Tour this home for more inspiration.

Flat-front cabinets set the scene.

Designer Brian Gluckstein went ultramodern in the kitchen with flat-front cabinets and an extra-long island that’s destined to become the home’s social hub. Cooking takes place at one end. “I really can’t stand the idea of preparing food facing a wall, so I wanted everything on the island.” Sleek, built-in appliances from Gaggenau include two gas burners, an electric cooktop, a steamer, a teppanyaki griddle, a below-counter oven and down-draft fans. Now, when you’re cooking, he notes, “You’re looking at the garden and talking to people.”

A yellow statement wall welcomes with a smile.

A wall of maple slats separates the kitchen from the staircase and signifies the movement from public to private space. Rotating 2 1⁄2 degrees each as they ascend, the slats become a privacy screen as one moves up the stairs. The cheery yellow door on the pantry punctuates the pale wood millwork. Accessed by ladder, the extra-high cabinets house little-used and seasonal items.

The new white kitchen has texture and interest.

One major downside of the original kitchen was a row of uppers that divided the space in two, cutting off sight lines between the cooking and eating areas. Removing all of the aging cupboards in favor of Ikea’s streamlined Sektion cabinetry and a long, hardworking island resulted in a better flow and an airier feel. Homeowner Jake Abramowicz loves how the layout works for family living, allowing him and wife Veronica Di Santo to make dinner and hang out with their four-year-old son Gabe in one seamless space.

A matte black vent hood adds modern edge.

The kitchen island is kitted out with a wine fridge, cooktop, bar sink, storage and seating for four. “I like the main sink at the back counter so dirty dishes don’t pile up in the middle of the room,” designer Effie Genovese says. The herringbone-patterned backsplash provides a bold backdrop for dishes displayed on open shelves.

A fashion executive’s cooking space reflects her signature style.

Since homeowner Lisa Tant’s priorities are conversation and reading, designer Tommy Smythe had to find a way to minimize the TV unit’s presence. The backside of the kitchen island provided a perfect hiding spot. The customized cabinets allow for an undermounted flatscreen, which blends into the all-black side of the island. The whole space, at long last, feels a lot more like Lisa herself — bright, stylish and clever.

Grey and warm wood balance each other out.

In this fully kitted-out kitchen by Toronto designer Karen Cole, a mahogany shelf houses frosted-glass canisters of baking supplies. Their uniform design creates a harmonious look, and a sliding cross-reeded glass panel was added to conceal any clutter. The top shelf offers loads of room for collections.

Shades of white and grey create a cloud-like effect.

This sleek Scavolini kitchen pairs gray glass-front cabinets and white Corian countertops for a light, airy look. A minimalist Miele vent hood also serves as a perch for a love bird trinket, adding whimsy in the hardworking space.

Light woods soften a concrete floor.

Artful pendants delineate the dining area without blocking views. In the kitchen, the cabinets’ vertical grain leads the eye up to the cedar-clad ceiling, for a treehouse effect.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of B.C. Homes By McCarthy Hinder Interior Design and Modern & Contemporary Kitchens.

Hidden storage keeps this space clutter-free.

An open-concept design and strong indoor-outdoor connection definitely contribute to this downtown Toronto semi’s light and airy feel, but ample storage and a surprisingly unobtrusive island — it’s actually 13.5 feet long and houses the dishwasher and wine fridge — are also integral. Subtle hardware has a modern finishing touch.

Find more inspiration in our photo gallery of Modern & Contemporary Kitchens.

A white and wood scheme feels fresh and inviting.

In actor Yannick Bisson’s Toronto home, a sleek and modern kitchen feels undeniably welcoming thanks to an abundance of warm walnut wood. Designer Eric McClelland created a streamlined, symmetrical space that’s made for entertaining. The island is framed in off-white quartz with a waterfall edge and, in a bold move, houses the eight-burner stove. Overhead, the mod fan is the room’s main sculptural element. Recessed cabinet pulls feel elegant and modern, while a herringbone-patterned runner adds a hit of softness underfoot.

Find more inspiration in our photo gallery of Modern & Contemporary Kitchens, plus tour this home on Online TV.

Black walls and cabinets create a cozy effect in a small, galley kitchen.

Designer and homeowner Jeffrey Douglas‘ modern Toronto kitchen stands out from the crowd thanks to its dark and dramatic envelope. A crisp white ceiling, white-painted trim and lighter toned flooring balance out the effect.

Find more inspiration in our photo galleries of 10 Cozy Dark Rooms and Modern & Contemporary Kitchens, plus tour this home on Online TV.

Misaligned cabinets leave room for display.

Storage is everywhere in this contrasting kitchen, from the ample island to the floor-to-ceiling black cabinets flanking the white cupboards. The crisp palette, warmed by global accents, is a signature Christine Ralphs look.

Get more decorating inspiration in our photo gallery of Modern and Contemporary Kitchens, and see more great lighting in our Statement Lighting photo gallery.

Unexpected decor elements, such as the table lamp and upholstered chair, create a relaxed look.

Paul Sinclaire, a fashion industry veteran, wanted a clean palette for his new home. He refers to the kitchen’s zebrawood built-ins, white glass backsplash and CeasarStone counters as “shades of crème fraîche.” The luxurious colors and rich textures create an inviting atmosphere.

See more Modern & Contemporary Kitchens in our photo gallery.

This Montreal loft kitchen was reconfigured to improve flow.

Upper cabinets were removed and the lower cabinets were relocated to one wall for a more open look. A long breakfast bar in canary yellow injects playful color into the room. And, for an organic element, a tall Indonesian wood sculpture and spheres that rest on the floor were introduced, creating a modern gallery vibe.

See more Modern & Contemporary Kitchens in our photo gallery.

This space exudes simplicity and unexpected warmth.

In photographer Rob Fiocca’s streamlined kitchen, the island’s varied levels and a quartz countertop that appears to hover above the cabinetry prevents the 22-foot-long unit from appearing oversized. On the sink side, a stainless steel counter and appliances keep the look sleek. Stone tiles blend into the surrounding hardwood floor and stand up to spills — perfect for Rob’s busy family.

Watch a video tour of this house. Plus, see more Modern & Contemporary Kitchens in our photo gallery.

For more lighting options, see our Statement Lighting photo gallery.

Huge windows flood this modern space with light.

These sleek white kitchen countertops and integrated sinks are made from Corian, chosen for its soft feel and the fact that scratches can be sanded out. For a streamlined look, sliding pocket doors conceal three ovens while paneling disguises the fridge. The black polished granite floor extends to the outside patio and plays off the natural granite seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

See more Modern & Contemporary Kitchens in our photo gallery.

A streamlined look allows the view to shine.

The kitchen’s clean lines and minimalist decor allow the lake to take center stage. An abundance of wood and natural light keeps the space from feeling cold.

Contemporary lines with a splash of springtime color.

Chairs with high-gloss green plastic backs complement this space’s sleek look and are easy to clean — making them ideal for children. A porcelain mosaic tiled wall breaks up the abundance of stainless steel and glossy white cabinetry in the kitchen.

See more Modern & Contemporary Kitchens in our photo gallery.

Soft gray paint and extended uppers modernize dated maple cabinetry.

A smoked-glass backsplash and marble counter add glamour to the room. Sculptural pendants and oversized topiaries highlight an island that was redesigned with a streamlined silhouette to accommodate more seating.

A concrete kitchen island and counters, silver accents and punches of color contribute to this clean design.

Solid pine planks offer warmth and a visual break from the expanses of polished concrete in this dramatic, contemporary space. The sculptural silver orbs are by Canadian designer Martha Sturdy.

White counter tops and metal bar stools pop against these dark, horizontal-grain wood cabinets.

Sharp, contemporary design almost conceals this space’s function as a kitchen. Paneling over the fridge door and minimal upper cabinets keep the look streamlined and clean.

A fresh color combination for a casual cooking area.

This cool kitchen lacks upper cabinets, but makes up for it with innovative shelving where white plates in a variety of shapes rest artfully. The space under a retro-chic breakfast tray becomes a handy nook for small appliances, while frequently used utensils sit within easy reach on top. The matte red from the tray is echoed in the plastic stool and tea towel.

For more color-infused spaces, see our Photo Gallery: Colorful Kitchens.

Environmentally friendly salvaged wood and lighting deliver style with a conscience.

This eco-friendly kitchen features richly stained floors made of antique tongue-and-groove hemlock. Contemporary pendant lights are salvage store finds. Tile counters, open shelving and stainless steel accents keep the look modern.

A glossy glass backsplash adds punch to this space.

An oversized 3-1/2′ x 8-1/2′ island separates the kitchen from the dining and living areas. The display shelf running the length of the main wall keeps the look open, while hits of bright color look crisp against a white background.

A natural cedar ceiling and silvery-grey oak flooring are rustic counterpoints to the sleek kitchen cabinetry.

Forgoing upper cabinets and conventional appliances (even the fridge is a commercial, below-counter model) means that nothing obstructs the view to the outside.

Symmetrical shelves make a glam kitchen practical.

Designer Brian Gluckstein used ebony cabinets, brushed metal accents and warm white Calacatta marble for the counters and backsplash in this kitchen. Refusing to give up function for form, he also installed smart shelving on either side of the range for commonly-used bottles and books.

View more photos of this kitchen in our October 2008 issue. Plus, see more industrial spaces in our Industrial Interiors photo gallery.

Or browse the Brian Gluckstein Interiors gallery for more of his style.

Choose a hardwood floor for timeless style.

Wood wears over time but tends to hide dirt well. A hardwood floor also adds loads of character and warmth and is softer underfoot than marble or tile.

Use natural materials for timeless appeal.

“This modern kitchen exemplifies the richness of natural materials we like using that age well in time, such as marble, leather, wood combined with integrated stainless steel appliances,” says 3rd Uncle principal Arriz Hassam. “The design and composition of the materials strike a balance of functionality and beauty without compromise. The storage is hidden, allowing the focus to be on the display of simple and beautiful everyday objects.”

See more 3rd Uncle Design projects in our photo gallery.

Mix materials and consider contrasting cabinets.

“The kitchen is conveniently laid out with ease of flow to the adjacent patio deck, where they love to entertain and meals are enjoyed in the open air of long summer nights. The kitchen cabinets and island are designed to create a layering effect, and draw the sight lines towards the deck,” explains 3rd Uncle principal John Tong.

Browse more photos of Karen’s home in our August 2010 issue, plus take a video tour of her home.

See more 3rd Uncle Design projects in our photo gallery.

A versatile island can be used for dining or counter space.

With no formal dining room, this condo owner opted for a multipurpose stainless steel island, which can be pulled up to the bench for dining, or left as is for extra cooking space. Stainless steel accents on the bench, cabinets and faucet add to the industrial feel of the kitchen, while pops of color in the glassware and cushions provide warmth.

See more industrial spaces in our Industrial Interiors photo gallery.

A reclaimed wood island at two heights is multifunctional.

Loads of glass and an open floor plan means this kitchen gets plenty of natural light, so less power is needed. A special window coating keeps heat in during the winter and out in the summer. The sleek, environmentally friendly kitchen island is made from reclaimed Douglas fir.

For more island inspiration, see our Kitchen Tables As Islands photo gallery and more eco-friendly ideas, see our Green Design Photo Gallery.

Exotic wood cabinets set the tone of this design.

In this sleek space designed by designer Sarah Richardson, host of HGTV’s Sarah’s House and Sarah’s Cottage, a multi-level island hides a wine fridge, steamer and cappuccino maker. Upholstered bar stools pick up on the soft gray tones in the mosaic tile backsplash and pendants with mother-of-pearl accents add sparkle.

See more of Sarah’s designs in our photo gallery.

Extend upper cabinets to the ceiling for extra storage space.

The new Quarella countertop includes an overhang for informal meals. Narrow horizontal Carrara marble tile replaces the plain white backsplash and adds a modern yet classic touch. Fresh green accessories punch up the room’s neutral palette.

For more kitchen storage ideas, see our photo gallery.

A glass door lets the light shine on glossy cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

European-style white lacquered cabinetry and a bold acid-yellow painted wall against dark antiqued hardwood flooring inject stylist Arren Williams‘ space with loads of character while maintaining a clean, crisp look. Brushed metal horizontal drawer pulls reinforce the lean, linear theme.

Find more inspiration in our photo gallery of Arren Williams’ Houses, as well as in our galleries of Colorful Kitchens and 26 Happy Yellow Rooms.

Lynda Reeve’s kitchen features marble countertops and stainless steel appliances.

To keep the kitchen from feeling cramped, Lynda opted for open shelves instead of overhead cabinets. The shelves sit on painted corbels that she discovered at an architectural salvage store.

The kitchen was reconfigured to create a galley-style workspace. 

Old, dated cabinets were refreshed with paint and new hardware. A restaurant-style faucet adds sparkle and modern edge to the small but cheerful space. Functional open shelving also keeps the look crisp and contemporary.

This light-filled space is a natural gathering post in an open-concept great room.

This ultra-sleek kitchen, featuring glossy white cabinets, CaesarStone counters and stainless-steel appliances, makes cooking and entertaining a breeze. Industrial light fixtures reinforce the modern tone, while black accents ground the space.

Teak and Carrara marble contrast against vein-cut, travertine marble floors.

Interior designer Rosie Daykin gave this kitchen-dining area indoor-outdoor flow by focusing the elements, like the kitchen island, toward the windows.

White, shaker-style cabinets offer a fresh look in this kitchen reno.

In design editor Stacey Smithers’ kitchen, 16-inch-deep open shelving makes the space feel bigger and provides a great place to display vintage pottery and art. “I tire of trends quickly, so I knew I needed to keep the kitchen’s shell as simple as possible,” says Smithers. “The solution was white walls, counters and cabinets. This way, it’s easy for me to restyle the kitchen simply by changing up my dishes and accessories.”

See how Cameron MacNeil transformed Stacey’s kitchen in our online video tour.

Create extra workspace with an oversized island.

Tall, elegant French doors fill the airy kitchen with light, which is enhanced by light from a stunning polished-nickel light fixture above the walnut island. Set slightly above the top of the island, a large chopping block becomes a design feature in its own right. During parties, the island is the perfect spot to set up a buffet. Pale engineered oak flooring has a casual aesthetic.

Neutral wood accents and white walls allow bold hues to pop.

“This is Victoria Webster’s kitchen, from the much talked about feature in our January 2010 trends issue,” says House & Home editor Suzanne Dimma. “She paired a high-end, modern Boffi kitchen with an orange rubber floor (perfect for a house with kids) and a David Trubridge light fixture. The full-height glass backsplash adds a hint of sparkle. The overall effect is contemporary with a lighthearted appeal.”

See more of Suzanne’s favorite kitchens in our gallery. Plus, watch a video tour through Victoria’s main floor and principal bedroom/bathroom.

Create a soft and pretty space with color and texture.

The homeowner of this Toronto loft warmed up her new home by drywalling the concrete walls and painting everything a warm cream, including the kitchen. The lower cabinets and island were sprayed the same cream as the walls, and upper cabinets were removed in favor of floating shelves. With no upper cabinets, the new Carrara marble blackplash is the kitchen’s focal point. A crystal chandelier and upholstered stools with nailhead trim add sparkle and old-Hollywood glam to the space.

See more of this space in our Stylish Loft Living gallery.

A textured wall makes a beautiful backdrop to a simple kitchen.

“The floor-to-ceiling ribbed-glass tile wall adds lovely texture and sparkle that frames the window,” says homeowner and stylist Arren Williams. High-gloss cabinetry, white Corian countertops and stainless steel appliances keep the overall look clean and classic.

Find more inspiration in our photo gallery of Arren Williams’ Houses, or see more of this space in our video tour.

Sleek, glossy white cabinets add a modern touch.

The kitchen has a mix of materials, including stainless steel, enameled cabinets, ceramic tile and black marble. The 10-foot marble-topped peninsula on the right was a splurge, but worth it. By knocking down the wall above the peninsula — which divided the kitchen from the dining room — the homeowners were able to create an entertaining space, one of the most popular hubs of the house.

See the “before” photo in our Stylish Family Home Makeover gallery, plus other stunning before-and-after shots in our Bold Renovations gallery.

A growing family gets a smart kitchen design courtesy of Ikea and H&H.

Designer Erin Feasby combined oak-veneer cabinets and glossy white cabinets for a look that is both modern and organic. The original island was moved from the wall and turned into a large 3′ x 8′ island, which accommodates both storage for toys and seating. Glass mosaic tiles add a hit of pattern to the backsplash.

See the before photo, plus more stunning before-and-after shots in our Bold Renovations gallery.

This cooking space features a crisp, uncluttered aesthetic and seaside-inspired palette.

In Alexandra and Eliot Angle’s open-concept kitchen, a long maple table is paired with Gio Ponti’s iconic Superleggera chairs while a modern Octopus pendant balances the rusticity. White-washed wood flooring creates a sleek, clean look. Paneled cabinets and butcher block countertops add warmth.

See more incredible spaces from 2009 in our photo gallery.

This high-traffic area is low-maintenance yet highly functional.

Two tiers of custom bamboo cabinets over the sink provide plenty of storage, which helps accommodate the home’s spare decorating aesthetic. Insetting the lower tier of cabinetry over the range keeps the wall from appearing monolithic and frees up head space in the cooking area.

For more inspiration from western Canada, see our Photo Gallery: The Best Of The West. For more eco-friendly ideas, see our Green Design Photo Gallery.

Unadorned windows flood this open-concept kitchen with light.

The kitchen in designer Peter Fleming’s home isn’t strictly minimalist: open shelving in the island puts cookbooks and trinkets on display. For aesthetic reasons, Peter paneled the white fridge in oak veneer. Large windows were built to make the most of natural light throughout the day.

Watch a video tour of this house, plus get more eco-friendly ideas in our Green Design Photo Gallery.

A glass tile backsplash and stainless steel island add polish.

Most cabinets made from MDF, plywood or particleboard contain formaldehyde — a known carcinogen. Instead, the homeowner opted for these handsome cabinets created by a local manufacturer using formaldehyde-free plywood and recycled veneer with low-emission finishes.

Watch a video tour of this kitchen. Plus, get more eco-friendly ideas in our Green Design Photo Gallery.

Tall, sleek cabinetry accentuates this room’s high ceilings.

This well-appointed kitchen, by Lloyd Ralphs Design, is open to the dining room to facilitate entertaining. The beautiful collection of copper pots provides a warm, soft counterpoint to the abundance of dark wood that surrounds the space. A white countertop and sleek bar stools add punch.

For more beautiful interiors by Lloyd Ralphs Design, see our photo gallery. Also, see other designer spaces with our Michael Angus gallery.

Black cabinets don’t overwhelm a kitchen when there’s plenty of natural light.

Highly reflective cabinets and appliances in deep black give this kitchen a modern, edgy look. Long, sleek handles keep things streamlined while white marble countertops offer both glamour and functionality.

A space that’s made for cooking and gathering.

What this design lacks in space it makes up for in personality. A row of lower cabinets houses a wine fridge and serves as an easy-serve buffet. A large chalkboard that runs the length of the cabinets makes a great spot for writing menus or funny greetings to guests. Lighting also plays a central role, with the trio of pendants delineating the space.

Kitchen design goes sleek, shiny and clutter-free.

Mauve cabinets may not be to everyone’s taste, but when paired with stainless accents and crisp white walls, they look undeniably fresh and appealing.

For more color-infused spaces, see our Photo Gallery: Colorful Kitchens.