The free mix of materials and open shelving gives this kitchen a collected look that transforms easily, thanks to high-backed Italian leather chairs and the white glossy surfaces, to a decorous space for dinner.

From "Grand Central," May 2005

Stove: La Cornue: nickel and black enamel stove
purcellmurray.com
 
 
The unabashed use of red and the eclectic lighting choices hint at a wild side to the family that lives in this kitchen. But the soul of the room lies the organization of the open storage, and the clean symmetry of the double sinks in the stainless-topped island.

From "Family First," May 2004

Paint: Ralph Lauren Rodeo Red
rlhome.polo.com

Dishwasher: Maytag
maytag.com

Refrigerator: Kenmore
sears.com

Stove: Viking
vikingrange.com

 
 
A rustic kitchen can support formal dining when every detail is a classic choice, from a Charles Edwards hanging lamp to bentwood chairs, combined with reflective surfaces and sophisticated color choices.

From "Only Connect," April 2005

Lighting: French and English Tole lantern by Charles Edwards
charlesedwards.com

Cabinets: Custom mesh-fronted oak cabinets by John Darbyshire

China: Spode
spode.co.uk

Chairs: Thonet
thonet.com.au

Range: Smeg
smegusa.com

 
 
Mismatched tiles and the artfully perforated island base make this modern kitchen an easygoing but visually exciting headquarters for a large family.

From "Set in Stone," May 2006
Refrigerators: Sub-Zero
subzero.com

Range: Wolf
subzero.com

Barstools: George Nakashima Woodworker Studio
nakashimawoodworker.com

Countertop: cast cement

 

A stylish, fun kitchen can tap traditional themes, like this bistro influenced family plan, with two tables joined to make a single 10-foot span. Wood floors and a tin ceiling complete the space's cozy but eye-popping appeal.

From "Open House," May 2004

Paint: Pratt & Lambert's Seed Pearl
prattandlambert.com

Range: Wolf
subzero.com

Refrigerators: Sub-Zero
subzero.com

Dishwasher: Miele
miele.com

Lights: Modular International
modularinternational.com

Factory Lamps: Ann Morris Antiques
annmorrisantiques.com; 212-755-3308

Tables: Pottery Barn:
potterybarn.com

Chairs: T&K French Antiques, NYC: 212-213-2470

Cabinetry: St. Charles of New York
stcharlesofny.com

 

It's possible to create an architecturally inflected kitchen with geometric furnishings and deep textures. The limestone on the floor of this kitchen, and the strong lines of the china cabinet bridging the dining and cooking areas is balanced by the easy modernity of the dining chairs.

From "Time Traveler," May 2006
Lighting: Formations' cubic lantern from Holly Hunt
hollyhunt.com

Cupboard: River Traders, London, in teak
rivertraders.com

Countertops: Corian
www2.dupont.com

Central island: contains gas hub and storage units

Granite & Marble International, London: limestone floors
stonework.co.uk

 

In this French country setting, a lunch can be as dignified as dinner. Dark woods and 19th century decorative touches put a premium on elegance, while plaids and light neutrals put guests at ease.

From "Splendor in the Spruces," April 2004
Furniture: Antiques and reproductions by Julia Gray Ltd, NYC
juliagraymindwire.com 212-223-4454

Range: Viking
vikingrange.com

Tile: Shelly Tile

Cabinets: Wood-Mode
wood-mode.com

China: Villeroy & Boch
villeroy-boch.com

 

This decorative kitchen shows off its height with French box-pattern beams and a custom copper chandelier. High tech, but with elements of the lodge, it's a cook's sanctum, where guests are treated like royalty.

From "Curtain Up," September 2006

Stove: La Cornue
purcellmurray.com

Tabletop:Custom concrete by Delphine Messmer
delphinemessmer.com (French only)

Floor: cement tile

 

The lived-in kitchen brought to an art form: weekend guests can lounge; on busy weekdays parents can oversee homework and other projects while putting together a meal. The kitchen style perfectly accommodates antiques and lots of color.

From "A Light Touch," July 2004
Furniture: Lloyd Loom of Spalding
lloydloom.com

Table: antique English oak refectory table

Sofa: Coconut Co., NYC, covered in Ian Mankin's cotton ticking 212-539-1940

Throw: Miranda print throw from Raoul Textiles
raoultextiles.com

Range: Viking
vikingrange.com
 
 
This kitchen puts family at its very center, offsetting the formality of the large square table and graceful chandelier with welcoming wicker chairs.

From "Georgian on the Mind," June 2004
Chairs and walnut table: antique

Chandelier: Yard Sale, East Hampton, NY 631-324-7048

Range and hood: Viking
vikingrange.com

Flatware: Ralph Lauren
rlhome.polo.com

China: Mottahdeh from Bergdorf Goodman
bergdorfgoodman.com
 
 
Situated at the crossroads of the house, this tartly modern kitchen is for a well-organized cook who likes to have his or her space while supervising the comings and goings of the household.

From "Double Dutch," May 2004

Stove: La Cornue
purcellmurray.com

Refrigerators and dishwasher: Miele
miele.com

Ceiling fan: : Boffi
boffi.com

Lighting: Supermodular square spotlights
supermodular.com

Cabinets and pulls: custom