The kitchen has evolved well beyond its utilitarian roots, becoming one of the most expressive spaces in a house — the gathering place, the social setting, the hub of the home. Designers are embracing craftsmanship, materiality and layouts that support both everyday rituals and meaningful connection. Each space reflects a distinct point of view while proving that the hardest-working room in the house can also be the most inspiring.
DESIGNER: Blair Burton, Blair Burton Interiors ARCHITECTURE: Mark Richardson, Mark Richardson Architects STYLING: Jessica Holtam PROJECT LOCATION: Leakey, Texas PROJECT DETAILS: “The kitchen was conceived as the social center of the house — less a backdrop and more an active gathering space,” shares architect Mark Richardson. “It anchors the plan, allowing cooking, conversation and hosting to unfold simultaneously, with a direct connection to the outdoors.” THIS OR THAT: Gas or electric? MARK: While induction technology has come a long way, I’m still a bit old school. I love the look, feel, and experience of cooking over an open flame, and we find that most of our clients still prefer gas as well. BLAIR: I prefer gas over electric because I like seeing exactly how high the heat is. That said, I do love induction! Photo by Julie Soefer
DESIGNER: Jackie Kosnett and Martina Biegel, Galere Design + Build PROJECT LOCATION: Venice, California PROJECT DETAILS: In Venice Beach, a thoughtful renovation breathes new life into a classic Spanish-style home, reworking the layout for modern living. Its oversize kitchen was built for entertaining, surrounded by spaces brought to life by vintage finishes and historical details. Embracing the depth and patina that comes from natural materials, the home is a master class in relaxed refinement — an inviting backdrop tailored for the beautiful, soulful chaos of daily life and frequent hosting. THIS OR THAT: Impromptu get-together or dinner party? Impromptu get-together. We spend enough time planning everyone’s spaces — we like our social lives a little less scheduled. Plus, you can pull out some silver and a bottle of wine to make any night elevated. Photo by Tessa Neustadt
DESIGNER: Cooper Pacific PROJECT LOCATION: San Marino, California PROJECT DETAILS: Thanks to the high-contrast glossy black lacquer set against veined marble slabs, this kitchen space feels moody yet refined. The glass-front cabinets add a sense of lightness, giving the ceramics room to breathe against the natural wood interior. Brass hardware ties it all together, right down to the range hood. The thoughtful niche in the black marble backsplash can be used to display whatever the homeowners love that week: art, fresh greenery, or a small find, keeping even the hardest-working room in the house full of soul. THIS OR THAT: Kitchen island or kitchen table? Both! That’s where design is heading for me right now. I’m building islands that don’t just have seating but also incorporate an actual table element into the layout, so you get the workhorse function of the island with the gather-around warmth of a table. It’s the best of both worlds. Photo by Meghan Beierle-O’Brien
DESIGNER: Ramsay Nye Interior Design & Decoration PROJECT LOCATION: Ann Arbor, Michigan PROJECT DETAILS: This home features a kitchen that juxtaposes cool stone (terrazzo and marble) with warm woods. Wall sconces by Heathfield & Co. and Cloud Ball ceiling fixture by O’Lampia highlight the mix of materials. Photo by Heather Talbert
DESIGNER: Alv and Daniela Kintscher, Ca’ Dei Mongi PROJECT LOCATION: Lake Garda, Italy PROJECT DETAILS: The inspiration for this Ca’ dei Mongi kitchen grew out of the Kintschers’ philosophy on life: they love paring things down to the essentials and the aesthetic of clarity. Striking materials — such as a rough natural stone monolith and mill-scale steel surfaces — are balanced with soft, natural tones, handcrafted furniture and unique pieces collected all over the world. The result is a living space you can step into and intuitively feel at ease in — a place where you can truly unwind. THIS OR THAT: Big dinner or light entrees? The best meal to cook in this kitchen? If you ask the kids, the answer will always be: MEAT. Sliced thinly as Tagliata di Manzo or thick pieces cut down from a Fiorentina steak. If you ask us parents, it would be salmon and wonderfully steamed vegetables. Best when freshly coming out of the Gaggenau steamer — our favorite high-end kitchen appliance. Sometimes when preparing dinner, we wish for rain or bad weather so we have to sit inside, because indoors is almost as beautiful as outdoors. Photo by Ramona Balaban
DESIGNER: Ann Lowengart PROJECT DETAILS: In this Boffi kitchen, streamlined cabinetry, open shelving and dramatic stone create a highly personalized, contemporary space. “Authenticity is defining kitchens in 2026. Clients want spaces that feel personal rather than like everyone else’s, whether through a distinctive slab, unexpected color or unique hardware.” Photo by Paul Dyer
DESIGNER/HOMEOWNER: Monica Lindberg STYLING: Gill Renlund PROJECT LOCATION: Hälsingland, Sweden PROJECT DETAILS: The current owner of this 17th-century farmhouse has inherited and renovated it on her own. Much of the painting in the kitchen is directly inspired by the original colors and styles of the home, while the
mixing of patterns and textures adds a timeless aesthetic that feels right at home. THIS OR THAT: Open shelving or upper cabinets? A combination of both! Photo by Monica Ljusdal
DESIGNER: Alberto Torsello PROJECT LOCATION: Venice, Italy PROJECT DETAILS: With a focus on materiality, functionality and custom, bespoke touches, this kitchen design lends an unexpected charm to the entire interior of its Venice home. Passionate about traditional Italian cuisine, the owner selected a custom stainless-steel Ego configuration from Abimis to create a space that seamlessly brings together professional performance with day-to-day life. The result is a compact configuration that ensures maximum ergonomics and organization alongside a welcoming, balanced environment that’s a pleasure to inhabit. THIS OR THAT: Following a recipe or improvising? Improvising, starting from a strong foundation. At Abimis, the kitchen is a place where technique and creativity come together. A good recipe can show the way, but it’s intuition, curiosity and the freedom to make it your own that turn cooking into a truly personal experience. Photo by Colin Dutton
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