Idea House Kitchens

The sage green kitchen cabinetry has generous space for dinnerware and pantry items, and a fossilized countertop surface adds a sense of history to the space.

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• See more of the Bayou Bend Idea House in Covington, Louisiana

To balance out the traditional feel of Abercorn Place, the kitchen's counters, appliances, and cabinets are all by IKEA (ikea.com).

A quartz material called Caesarstone (caesarstoneus.com; available through IKEA) protects not only the top of the kitchen island but also the sides from daily bumps and dings.

Paint: Toasted Pine Nut by Sherwin-Williams, sherwin-williams.com

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• See more of the Abercorn Place Idea House in Senoia, Georgia

This brand-new house gets lived-in personality from walls covered in horizontal shiplap planking. Whitewashed for a casual look and coated with polyurethane to protect the finish, Tarpon Run's planked walls evoke the ageless character of old Gulf-front beach houses. The horizontal lines mimic the outside railings and add texture to the large living spaces.

A window-filled alcove functions like a dining room with a casual table, two slipcovered end chairs, and a pillow-topped banquette. The built-in bench and wall of windows make this small space seem much larger. Two vintage light fixtures, hung with nautical rope instead of standard chains, illuminate the space.

• See more of the Tarpon Run Idea House in Port Aransas, Texas.

This cute, country kitchen hides a wealth of modern conveniences. Each turned leg on the island has an electrical outlet built in for mixers, blenders, and the occasional laptop. The space underneath makes the kitchen appear more spacious and allows you to pull up a stool to any side.

With the tap of a touch screen, glass doors open up 12 feet of wall connecting the kitchen to the screened kitchen porch. A second island sitting just inside the doors is outfitted with an ice-maker and small refrigerator. On the back side it features a pop-up leaf to double the counterspace for better service on the deck.

• See more of the Hemlock Springs Idea House in Dahlonega, Georgia.

Chef John Currence of City Grocery in Oxford added professional polish to the kitchen design. A large chopping block containing a precut opening is set into the marble countertop under one window.

Blue appliances provide the ultimate in cooking convenience, and wooden cabinets feature a gray patina finish and glass-front doors. The marble countertop and backsplash complement these hues. An oversize island, complete with a cooktop and additional storage, encourages casual dining.

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A pair of hay rakes fits the rural flavor of the stone fireplace, but there's nothing rustic about twin Jenn-Air oven units, which combine for a versatile collection of cooking surfaces from griddle to grill. Along a bank of cabinets, Jenn-Air's stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator works to maintain the freshness of food.

The WoodMode cabinets include a handy flip-up door which conceals the Jenn-Air microwave, keeping it convenient but out of sight. A tumbled marble, ceramic, and carved-tile backsplash contrasts with the wooden cabinetry, which has basket-weave doors and drawers.

• See more of the Walker's Bluff Idea House in Dallas, Texas

One thing about an open kitchen: You have less wallspace for cabinets, so you have to be creative with storage. Here, a large island with drawers beneath the countertops provides the solution.

The island drawers are deep enough to hold large bowls, pots, and pans. The island also houses the oven. For a stylish backsplash, interior designer Mary Margarett Nevin installed a fireback into the wall behind the cooktop. This element is also practical; it doesn't absorb grease.

• From the Parkview Idea House in Atlanta, Georgia

Creamy antique white on the cabinets pairs with a coffee-bean color on the island in this warm kitchen. The matte finish of the deep brown honed granite countertops perpetuates the aged appearance.

In the breakfast room, plaid cushions on the banquette and complementary floral window treatments continue the nature-inspired palette of cream, blue, green, and gold found on the first floor.

• From the Brookfield Idea House near Athens, Georgia

Give sparkle to a backsplash with white glass tile. In the kitchen, this contemporary touch is a light and bright addition against the taupe cabinets. Take glass tile all the way to the ceiling to make natural light really bounce around a space.

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This area mixes interesting materials--stained cherry cabinets, vanilla slate flooring, and gold granite countertops with flecks of olive green and brown. The island, with a convenient second sink, is topped with a mesquite butcher block.

The vaulted ceiling features an unusual detail. Painted a russet red with stenciled accents, this unexpected treatment creates visual interest in the neutral color scheme.

• See more of the Harrod's Creek Idea House in Austin, Texas

Wall after wall of matching kitchen cabinets are so yesterday. It's much more current to combine styles ingeniously.

Here, slender cabinets fitted with unique glass-and-wood doors flank the double windows above the sink. Slate tiles, the same kind that surround the family room fireplace, line the wall behind them. Designer Mary Margarett Nevin says, "When you come into this house, it's fun to discover the different elements one by one."

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• See more of the Kousa Creek, Georgia Idea House

Builder Robert Stone used aged cypress, salvaged from an old mill, to construct the kitchen cabinets and for facing some of the appliances, such as the ice-maker and refrigerator. The reclaimed wood was cut, planed, and then made into cabinetry. A light finish lets the natural grain remain visible.

• See more of the Emerson Hill Idea House in Choudrant, Louisiana

Outfitted with heart-pine ceiling beams and sage walls like the nearby breakfast room, the kitchen is any homeowner's dream. Cabinetry with an antique cream-colored glaze surrounds the space. Appearing to be a large cabinet, the refrigerator is disguised by panels.

Beside the refrigerator, open shelves placed in front of casement windows provide display for dishware and cookbooks. The area features quartz stone countertops, while an ample island occupies the center and makes food preparation a pleasure.

• See more of the Newberry Park Idea House in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

In this kitchen, the standout item is the copper vent hood. Brick on the wall serves as an ideal backdrop for the hood's patina. Here, a thin brick veneer, which is easier to install than full-size brick and costs less, is used.

"The warmth of the brick, copper hood, and countertops make the kitchen attractive from any vantage point," says designer Louine "Boo Boo" Heathcott.

• From the Sarasen Bluff Idea House in Hot Springs, Arkansas

The kitchen stands at the center of the house. On both kitchen and dining room walls, cypress 1 x 10s alternate with 21⁄2-inch-wide boards. A sheer ivory-colored finish was applied to the horizontal cypress paneling, giving a light and airy feel.

Here, the open storage is both a means of displaying cookware and an example of creative shelf design. The wooden shelves rest on metal supports and hang from pieces of galvanized pipe. The open shelving is great for showcasing serving pieces and pottery, and guests love them because they can easily find needed items.

• From the West Bay Landing Idea House in Panama City Beach, Florida

Part of the family room, this kitchen is highlighted by three pendant fixtures. Wooden cabinet doors, along with panels applied to some of the appliances, give the kitchen a continuous look. The island's curved granite countertop is raised to a height of 42 inches, keeping the sink and food prep areas out of sight.

The long surface is ideal for buffet-style serving; barstools facilitate informal meals. Two dishwashers make cleanup a breeze. The large chef's washer is convenient for storing large pots when not in use.

• See more of the Live Oak Cottage Idea House In Tallahassee, Florida

Separated from the family room by an angled bar, the kitchen exudes a polished look while maintaining a sense of warmth. Pine floors add richness. The cabinetry displays a smooth walnut finish. Granite countertops inject more luster. To make meal prep easier, the center island features a vegetable sink.

• From the Salado View Idea House in San Antonio, Texas

A simple door style keeps the kitchen cabinets looking clean and uncomplicated, while a mix of stained and painted finishes stirs up plenty of visual interest.

Both the center island and the cooktop wall hold cabinets that are stained espresso. Cabinetwork on the side walls repeats the blue-green of the ceiling beams. Stainless steel appliances shine beside the rich cabinetry.

• From the Smythe Park Idea House in Charleston, South Carolina

Now is the time to get comfortable with environmentally friendly design. In this eco-friendly kitchen, Fred Lusk crafted shelves for the kitchen from lumber and stainless steel rods. They allow light in while providing storage.

• See more of the Cliffs Cottage Idea House in Greenville, South Carolina

This room is separated from the family room by a large island. Perfectly proportioned, this is a cook's kitchen with no wasted space. Constructed of rich wood to resemble a table with sufficient overhang on three sides, the island negates the need for a separate breakfast room.

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• See more of the Verona Park Idea House in Fort Worth, Texas

Every aspect of the kitchen is designed to enhance family life. The large center island, topped with wood, resembles a farmhouse-style table and invites dining. For a timeless appeal, the kitchen's informal cabinetry is done in dark wood tones and a rich cream color.

Two sinks and two dishwashers (hidden by wood panels) make cleanup efficient. An under-counter refrigerator at one end is perfect for keeping drinks cold. Stainless steel appliances give a modern edge to the traditional style. Glass shelves mounted on the window above one sink hold houseplants and glassware.

• From the Kinsley Place Idea House in Deland, Florida

What's a kitchen without upper cabinets? "Clean and casual," says team interior designer Traci Kearns. "Because there's a bevy of surrounding windows that also contain a lot of mullions, upper cabinetry would have completed with this look."

Tiers of cantilevered shelves get the job done. For stowing away cookware, a central island provides more storage and separates the kitchen from the adjacent dining room and family room.

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In a house as comfortable and inviting as Cedar Creek, a formal dining area just wouldn't fit. So the kitchen and dining room share one end of the family room. In the kitchen, a large T-shaped island provides a prep area for cooking and a casual dining surface surrounded by stools.

The island also houses a dishwasher, sink, wine cooler, and additional storage. To the right of the island, a convenient bar area boasts another sink, room to display glassware, a single-drawer dishwasher, and an ice-maker. This separate space allows partygoers to get drinks without crowding the cook.

• From the Cedar Creek, Texas Idea House

A central dining table makes gathering for family meals a priority. From here, it's all comfortable yet contemporary. Black-stained base cabinetry and a matching central island, complete with a sink, contain all the storage necessary for small appliances and cookware.

For extra convenience, a walk-in pantry holds bulk items. Other features, such as stainless steel appliances and luminous, solid-surface countertops, lend the kitchen a sleek style.

From cabinet countertop configuration to hanging pendants, the two sides of this kitchen are almost exact matches. At each end, the elements differ, but their size and scale balance each other to feel symmetrical.

• Video: Tour the Kitchen

To balance out the traditional feel of Abercorn Place, the kitchen's counters, appliances, and cabinets are all by IKEA (ikea.com). A quartz material called Caesarstone protects not only the top of the kitchen island but also the sides from daily bumps and dings.

Video: Tour the 2010 Idea House Kitchen

A stainless steel base sets the square island apart from surrounding cabinetry and streamlines the room's old-world posture. Adding to the overall mix of styles and time periods in the kitchen, a vintage-inspired iron chandelier hangs above the sleek center island.

Video: Tour the 2011 Idea House Kitchen

The main working part of the kitchen lines up front to back with twin cabinets capping both island ends and flanking the range. As in fashion, it's okay to pair gold and silver. Unlacquered brass on the lights works with IKEA's stainless steel appliances and chrome hardware.

Video: Tour the 2012 Idea House Kitchen