Designing Your Dream Kitchen: Recreate the Magic of Your Favorite Places

When choosing the right style for your new kitchen, do a little self-reflection before meeting with your cabinet designers. Take a moment to dream about your new space and visualize the results. Do you see yourself in a modern farmhouse kitchen or a traditional Tuscan villa with rich cherry cabinets, raised panel doors and detailed crown molding? How about a contemporary smart kitchen focused on functionality and space-saving storage?

Reminiscing about mansions

If you can’t pinpoint a specific look immediately, that’s okay. Sometimes, it helps to think about your favorite memories of a place. For example, as a child, my parents took us to Villa Louis, a National Historic Landmark in Prairie du Chien. I was captivated by the lavish mansion with Victorian furniture and stunning paintings in thick gold leaf frames. The parlor was elaborate, and the kitchen was small and utilitarian, serving as the staging ground for a fantastic feast in the embellished dining room.

This display of Italianate architecture eventually led to a fondness for Old World elements in my own kitchen remodel. I incorporated materials that reflected attention to detail and craftsmanship. My kitchen renovation included features such as a tumbled travertine brick backsplash, antique white raised panel doors with walnut glazing, and carved wooden pilasters. These details added a touch of elegance and charm, reminiscent of the grandeur I admired at Villa Louis.

Reflecting on your experiences and preferences can create an exciting, meaningful space. It’s the perfect way to infuse your personal taste and memories into your home. So, take some time to explore different styles, recall cherished memories, and let your imagination guide you in creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Here are some of the popular kitchen styles we’ve created: