This Is How Hudson Valley Designers Planned Their Perfect Kitchens

AdobeStock/4th Life Photography

Want to create the kitchen of your dreams? Take a cue from the strategies local architects and designers incorporated into their own homes.

Steven Kratchman, owner and founder, Steven Kratchman Architect, P.C.

“I have a floor-to-ceiling window behind a glass cabinet filled with colored glass kitchen objects. The window was needed from the outside for aesthetic balance, and more importantly, necessary on the inside to increase the natural light. Functional tension was created because we needed to maximize the walls for storage. So we ran the base and wall cabinets in front of the floor-to-ceiling window but placed glass-faced doors to let light into the interior. Storage for glass objects including vases, servers, and other colored glass creates a “stained glass” look that changes throughout the day from the west-facing window. It transforms ordinary cabinets into a commercial retail vitrine.”

Steven Kratchman’s glass cabinet brings in the sun. Photo courtesy of Steve Kratchman

Daniel Contelmo, RA, owner, Daniel Contelmo Architects

“When I designed my own kitchen, I included a built-in window seat. It allows the table to be placed closer to the outside wall creating more floor space where needed. It also doubles as a great place to lounge and read a book.”

Jessica Lynn Williams, founder & principal designer, Hendley & Co

“My kitchen is currently underway and will display a few unique features: a seamless natural stone floor that leads through steel French doors and onto a dining patio, discrete refrigeration for produce and daily needs only, and no upper storage to preserve room for a tile mural and organizational hardware. I intend to honor the original floorplan as well — it’s worked perfectly for nearly 100 years according to the architectural plans!”

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A colorful kitchen designed by Maria Szeglowski. Photo by Dawn Deluca Imagery

Maria Szeglowski, certified kitchen designer, Williams Lumber and Home Centers

“I’m a black and white person. But I like color, so I decided to do it on my walls instead of the cabinets. The cabinets are black and white, and the walls are red. I recommend color to clients. I think it brings identity and individualism. And I definitely think it shows how much a person loves their space; they’re not afraid of it. Everybody wants a white kitchen, white and gray kitchen. I recommend something a little different so yours doesn’t look like everybody else’s.”

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