Black and white is the quintessential color pairing that packs a powerful punch. For a young St. Louis family, the contrasting colors set the design direction for their new kitchen addition. The previous kitchen in their classic Colonial home was a small, confined space. The new addition, which would include the kitchen, a breakfast area and sitting room, would be much larger and open to a family room, and it was important to the homeowners that the new spaces would feel like a continuation of their existing home.

It was love at first sight when the owners purchased their Creve Coeur home on a quiet private road amidst the neighborhood’s quaint setting and beloved parklands. The classic Nantucket-style architecture and contemporary living spaces were more than enough to draw them in despite the outdated design of a partitioned kitchen, pantry space and family room.

Claustrophobic is the word Nettie White of Nettie White Interiors used to describe Jeff and Natalie Ostermann’s kitchen when she first saw it. Builder-grade and choppy is how the homeowners felt about it. Now, after a five-month remodel that included installing new hardwood floors, two islands, granite countertops and cabinets with custom finishes, convenient, timeless and gorgeous are the words that spring to mind.

Family was the focus of this recent kitchen remodel. The homeowners’ goal was to create an open and flowing entertainment space for family gatherings that included a large island for seating for their grandchildren. Ken Henry, premier designer at Alspaugh Kitchen & Bath since 1986, reimagined the kitchen changing the design from a U-shape with a peninsula and tiny island to an L-shape space with a large T-shaped island. “The old kitchen was cut off from the family room and had a tiny island,” Henry explains.

These six culinary charmers are packed with originality and design details.

Platinum 

Over 400 square feet: Jessie D. Miller Interior Design 

300-400 square feet: Karr Bick Kitchen + Bath 

Under 300 square feet: Gegg Design & Cabinetry, Garrison LTD 

Gold 

Over 400 square feet: Liston Design Build 

Like everything else in this kitchen designed by Jessie D. Miller Interior Design, the island is enormous. The designer chose butcher block ends to add variety and functionality to the expanse of white marble countertops. The island is painted an olive green, which the designer chose to anchor the massive island. Custom-designed light fixtures above the island are heavy iron and inspired by vintage factory pendants. The homeowners requested a statement arched windows allowing for views of their property to be the focal point of the kitchen.