Stephen Saint-Onge makes transforming kitchens look effortless. The professional designer and author of “No Place Like Home: Tips and techniques for real family-friendly home design” used CliqStudios cabinets for this contemporary white kitchen design.
We spoke with CliqStudios designer Anne-Marie, who has worked with Stephen on nearly one dozen kitchen projects. Every time she sees the final photos, her reaction is the same.
“I’m blown away by the after pictures, because the designs themselves are so simple,” Anne-Marie said.
Simple Kitchen Design
A simple design is one without too many decorative extras. The clean lines make spaces feel accessible and light. A simple design is not absent of decorative details, but chooses them intentionally and sparingly. Each piece complements another and there isn’t anything eclectic or out of place.
This design incorporates contemporary elements like stainless steel appliances and matte black fixtures, with wood elements that warm the space. The entire space is a mix of neutral colors, stainless and black metals, and wood.
“This design is actually a great example for people on a budget,” Anne-Marie explains. “It shows how you can really personalize a space with different accessories and make a huge impact with fixtures.”
White Shaker Cabinets
The backdrop for this kitchen design is CliqStudios’ Shaker style cabinets in White. Shaker cabinets are a popular and timeless choice because of their simplicity. They fit well into traditional or contemporary kitchens and are often seen in bright, white paints.
Specialty storage cabinets for trays and spices frame the oven. A second tray divider cabinet keeps the space above the refrigerator organized. A pull-out wastebasket is conveniently located next to the sink and roll-out trays by the dishwasher are the perfect place for pots and pans.
Open Layout
The kitchen has an open layout that leads to a formal dining space and a living room. When designing open spaces that flow one room to the next, keeping colors and accessories cohesive is key.
“The lights have an industrial feel that matches the backs of the chairs and then in the living room, the lantern on the table has the same ‘x’ as the kitchen chairs,” Anne-Marie observes.
The eat-in kitchen countertop and dining table function as one room, creating a gathering space for every occasion. A window frames each space and the pendant lights help define the kitchen and dining room as separate spaces.
Embrace the Architecture of the Room
Although kitchen islands are popular, they don’t always work with the architecture of the room. Rather than squeezing a small island into this space, the wall between the windows became the anchor point for a long countertop with seating.
“Keeping the seating area attached to the wall gave more countertop space than turning it into an island would have,” Anne-Marie explains.
Stephen updated his own kitchen using CliqStudios’ cabinets and many of the same principles seen in this contemporary space.
“When I saw his farmhouse kitchen, I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” Anne-Marie shares. “His style has a lot of character and he really works with the accessories and architectural details of the houses.”
Stephen Saint-Onge
Stephen Saint-Onge, a New York City based designer, photographer, artist and author of the book NO PLACE LIKE HOME, Stephen believes that “good home design has the power to change lives.”
He is known for his home makeovers working with the regular family homeowner as well as celebrity clients – to help them all make their homes be the best they can be.
