Dream Kitchens & Baths Fall/Winter 2020

THIS YEAR MANY OF US HAVE BEEN SPENDING MORE TIME AT HOME THAN EVER BEFORE. So it makes sense that we’re longing to create inviting spaces where we can enjoy ourselves. We’ve filled this issue with kitchens and baths that will inspire you to do just that—whether you want a stylish cooking zone or a calming bath where you can relax at the end of the day. If you’ve been thinking about adding a cozy eating spot to your kitchen, take a look at a stunning breakfast area with eye-catching tile in “Modern History,” on page 58. If after cooking more meals at home, you’ve realized that your kitchen’s floor plan doesn’t work as well as you thought it did, turn to “Simply Elegant” on page 24 to find a…

1. DECK THE WALLS Bridge the gap between vintage and modern styles with 24×48-inch porcelain tiles that can be used like wallpaper to flaunt tropical foliage (Tahiti, shown) or whimsical flowers (Blush Peony). These on-trend, large-scale patterns stimulate spaces with their lively energy. Botanicals ($36 per square foot, uninstalled). Walker Zanger; walkerzanger.com 2. CHIC VENTILATION Slim but powerful, this discreet downdraft ventilation system rises to 18 inches high when needed. Once its work is done, the system retracts out of sight behind the burners. Lift Downdraft (30 inches, $1,799; 36 inches, $1,899). Zephyr; zephyronline.com 3. MIRROR IMAGE Enjoy the look of dramatic black Sahara Noir Marble without the maintenance—this gorgeous quartz is a shoe-in for the real thing. Silestone Et Noir ($49–$110 per square foot, uninstalled). Cosentino; cosentino.com TODAY’S SMART…

open SHELVING Include open shelves rather than upper cabinets in your kitchen to help lighten the overall look of the room and keep daily essentials within easy reach. In this old-world-style kitchen, opposite, open shelves allow the homeowner to display her collection of ironstone. To keep your shelves looking neat, stick with one color of dishware and avoid overloading the shelves with clutter. Opt for floating shelves for a clean look, or add decorative brackets for vintage style. HARDWORKING ISLANDS SMART DESIGN » Stash often-used items, such as pots and pans, on the working side of the island and less-frequently used items on the other side. » Drawers with interior organizers can keep small tools or spices in order; look for cabinet organizers for pots and pans or stand mixers,…

» INSTALL A SLIDING DOOR. Looking for a stylish way to keep pantry contents under wraps? A barn-style door, this photo, ups your kitchen’s farmhouse style and saves floor space. Simply slide the door shut when company arrives. » ADD AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE. A paneled pantry door that matches surrounding cabinets can be a fun way to conceal a walk-in pantry. It blends into the kitchen, while offering a nice surprise for those who know it’s there. Who doesn’t love a hidden door? » OPT FOR OPEN CUBBIES. Open shelves inside the pantry make it easy to access what you need quickly—and keep track of what you have on hand. Add tiered storage accessories to ensure you can see everything and prevent cans from getting lost at the back of…

THE CLASSIC KITCHEN IS EVOLVING, DESIGNER MATTHEW QUINN SAYS, AND IT’S A BEAUTIFUL THING TO SEE. Modern traits have emerged, but elegant bones remain at the forefront—so the shift feels natural, welcome. The best of what we’ve always loved is still here, gorgeous as ever. That’s clear in this kitchen that Quinn designed for Cindy and Charlie Stamp in McLean, Virginia. “The homeowners have very traditional taste,” Quinn says. “They wanted well-defined rooms that create backdrops for their art and antiques.” Bucking the open-plan trend, Quinn worked with builder Bob Guaglianone of Novella Homes to set in place plank walls with gracefully arched molding-capped doorways that delineate the kitchen from the adjoining living room and sunroom. A coffered ceiling nods to classic architecture, but with a twist—Quinn made the coffers…

THOUGH BUILT JUST 15 YEARS AGO, MARGARITA AND MIKE JACOBS’ HOUSTON HOME EXUDES OLD-WORLD CHARM. Located on a tree-lined street in the city’s beguiling Bellaire neighborhood, the house checked all the boxes, except one. Its small, cloistered kitchen stood in stark contrast to the rest of the large, open home. “The kitchen was closed off from the living room,” Margarita says. “And although we have a large home, everyone wanted to congregate around the food, of course!” To remedy the problem, Margarita and Mike called on Audrey Tehauno and Jana Erwin of Nest Design Group. Their solution: Commandeer space from a small, unused spare bedroom and bath to enlarge the kitchen and allow for the addition of a mudroom and pantry. “With the space we obtained from the bedroom and…