The biggest kitchen trend isn’t sage green cupboards or two-tone subway tile backsplashes—it’s making the room look nothing like a kitchen. One way everyone has been achieving a seamless aesthetic is with panel-ready refrigerators, meaning fridges for which the facades are customized to match the rest of the room’s built-in cabinetry. Celebrities like Jenna Lyons and Hilary Duff and designers such as Martyn Lawrence Bullard support the sneaky camouflage. But covering up the bulky stainless steel appliance with colored laminate or white oak isn’t your only option. Consider hiding your walk-in pantry, too.

A sliding barn door or a plain white hinged one with a single round knob is a dead giveaway that this is a pantry. But make the entrance nearly indistinguishable from the rest of the cabinets around it, and the closet will blur into the background. Here are six benefits to hiding your pantry in plain sight. 

It Keeps the Visual Clutter to a Minimum

When you’ve splurged on custom cabinets, it can be painful to chop up that nice flow you’ve created with a pantry entrance. Some extra hardware and a little trim offer cohesion. Liz Hoekzema of KLH Custom Homes went so far as to mimic the look of the adjacent drawers and uppers in this all-white kitchen—and the optical illusion totally works. 

You Won’t Constantly Hear About Snack Time

An unexpected pro of a secret pantry? “My child couldn’t beg for snacks every three minutes,” shares designer Whittney Parkinson. Out of sight, out of mind, right? It might not be ideal for first-time guests who are trying to figure out where you keep the cashews, but for everyday family life, it means fewer distractions. 

It Streamlines a Tiny City Apartment

This works magic for reach-in pantries in tiny galley kitchens, too. Brooklyn-based designer Delia Kenza pulled the trick off in this space by continuing the classic subway tile backsplash onto the wall and over the push-to-open doors. It’s a sweet surprise, especially if it ends with you snagging a cookie.

It Can Also Store Appliances

A hidden pantry isn’t just for snacks. Designer Brittany Swigart of Maeve Design Collective used the one in this Scottsdale, Arizona, kitchen to store additional appliances such as the microwave. The swing door, along with all the cabinets, got covered in Benjamin Moore’s Accessible Beige, an all-too-appropriate name. “We loved how the hidden door was a cohesive extension of the appliance wall and created an uninterrupted visual,” Swigart says.

It Can Introduce New Colors

You’re basically creating a whole new room, so why not have fun with it? Although the cabinets and door of this Shea McGee–designed ranch may be swathed in Sherwin-Williams’s Gray’s Harbor, there’s another secret behind the pantry door: a room that’s all white, a fun bright contrast to the kitchen’s moodier shade.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Huge

You don’t need a ton of extra room to add a hidden pantry to your home. Even though the secret space in this New England house, designed by Twelve Chairs Interiors, is just 14 square feet, it adds a whopping 40 linear feet of storage.

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You can see the signs of a well-loved coastal home in the kitchen: a bread drawer stocked with slices of sourdough, cabinets overflowing with colorful glasses, fruit piled high on the countertop. This space has to work hard so we can play just as hard in the water without getting hangry. And because we spend so much time here whipping up snacks for guests, it’s important to still feel connected to the outdoors. That’s what the coastal kitchens ahead do so well. Void of cheesy nautical decor (no “The Best Memories Are Made at the Beach” signs here), these seven spaces capture the feeling of being on vacation. 

The Jersey Shore Coastal Kitchen

For this U-shaped New Jersey kitchen, OAK Design Project chose wax-finished white oak cabinets—a handful of them boast seagrass inserts that remind you the ocean isn’t far. At the breakfast nook, a glass wall allows sunshine to filter through the small space while tripling as a sound barrier and backrest for the built-in bench.

The Old-School Coastal Kitchen 

Open storage isn’t just a trend of today—people have been storing their plates and cups out in the open for centuries. Paying homage to this Charleston, South Carolina, home’s 1830s roots, the designers at Basic Projects made way for an expansive plate rack and pegs for mugs that dangle against a delft-inspired backsplash. The floating shelves across the room serve a more decorative purpose: They support leaning seascape art. 

The Coastal Kitchen Designed for a Sea Captain

When kicking off this project, designer Keri Petersen asked a very specific question, sparked by a portrait of a sailor:  “What if we designed a home for this sea captain?” It was a fitting starting point, given the Seattle house is located near Puget Sound. With both her real and imaginary client in mind, Petersen selected Benjamin Moore’s moody Washington Blue, unlacquered brass hardware, vertical shiplap, and leathered granite counters that resemble stormy seas. 

The Baby Blue Coastal Kitchen

Sight Unseen editor in chief Jill Singer’s dusty blue kitchen (painted in the color Hazy) wasn’t inspired by the water but rather the Ganni founders’ Copenhagen home. Her designers at White Arrow saw something nostalgic about the hue, so they kept the retro vibes going with sliding upper doors and a cabana-striped dining bench cushion. 

The Crafty Coastal Kitchen

The pride and joy of Australian designer Alex McCabe’s ground-up beach house is the kitchen island made from poured colored concrete, layered to have an ombré effect. But, really, we think it looks like liquid sand art. 

The Wes Anderson–Worthy Coastal Kitchen

Local fishermen consider Emma Read and Sarah Hall’s beachside shack in Adelaide, Australia, a landmark for local seafarers. Why? It’s pink (outside and in)! The sisters complemented the warm palette with a seafoam green floor and candy cane–striped pillows.

The Rustic Coastal Kitchen

The only white room in Sibella Court’s moody seaside home is the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean it lacks drama. The founder of The Society Inc. designed the elongated-collar-rack drawer pulls in collaboration with her blacksmith. More blackened steel finds, like the utensil racks, help spice up the streamlined subway tile backsplash.  

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Nicholas Potts wants to get something straight: History, at least as far as design is concerned, is far from boring. “There’s a popular misconception that anything having to do with history is somehow ‘safe’ and ‘proper,’ and that color was either muted or nonexistent,” he says. 

When the architect and designer met a young couple who had recently bought a 1930s home in Washington, D.C., he was pleased to find they thought the same way. “The house is very much of the 20th century, with everything from Tudor to Colonial Revival to Arts and Crafts elements throughout,” Potts says. The owners, who work in the tech industry and now have two children, sought to lean into the space’s history with crisp detailing and colors that would have been considered modern when the house was originally built. 

That sentiment is particularly clear in the kitchen. And while Potts revamped the layout to be fit for everyday life in 2024, he pulled material references from the past to ensure that the home gladly felt its age. After all, if everything old is new again, then how can any of it be boring? 

Make Pasta Night Part of the Plan

Although this house was first built sometime during the Great Depression, the kitchen got an overhaul around the year 2000—and everyone agreed that the builder-grade renovation was far from ideal. “It was as if it were done only to expand the square footage, without putting any thought into how that [space] was actually going to be used,” says Potts.

There were no sight lines into the kitchen from the rest of the house, and for some reason it was a step down from the back door. The floor plan was too narrow for an island but too overloaded with cabinetry. Potts simplified the layout by working from the outside in, moving a nearby powder room and adding a central hallway so that the newly elongated kitchen had a generous spot for an island. “It was crucial that whatever my team and I did prioritized function, but the main reason behind the island was that the owners requested an unbroken surface for their tradition of rolling out pasta,” Potts says.

Calacatta Macchia Vecchia, a marble with strong gold-pink markings, would best underscore their pasta-making station as well as the rest of the countertops and backsplash. Going with a herringbone pattern for the wood floor brings some much-needed structure to the fluid-looking stone.

Use a Color That’s as Fresh Today as It Was Yesterday

Back in the 1930s, cleanliness in the kitchen was top of mind for people, but that doesn’t mean they proved it to guests with an all-white palette. They still embraced color. “Bright, fresh pigments were popular at the time, so we embraced this period-appropriate coloring,” Potts says. 

They chose Farrow & Ball’s Cromarty, a “nearly pure” seafoam shade, which is simple at its core but can be applied in a dramatic way. How exactly? Potts drenched the room in the hue, using it from the ceiling down to the lower cabinets. Even the range hood got a splash. The designer paired it with similarly crisp cabinets that have a hairline-thin edge frame. “This detail would be at home in the 1930s but seems just as cool today,” he says. 

Be Hyper-Strategic About Storage

It’s not that Potts thought the owners didn’t have enough cabinetry in the original kitchen, it’s just that the layout was all wrong. It’s easier to stay organized when things aren’t so spread out. “If there’s any opportunity to add a full wall of shelving, I’ll take it,” Potts says. “Over the years, my team and I have discovered that full-height storage is an incredible bargain in a small footprint.” 

The extra-tall cupboards were the perfect addition to the dining area by the bay window. “That corner was too wide when it was empty, so full-length cabinetry activates that wasted space,” Potts says. Finally, the family’s stand mixer and grilling tools have a cabinet to call home.

The post Don’t Call It Sage—This D.C. Kitchen’s Seafoam Cabinets Bring the Drama appeared first on domino.

When it came to overhauling the poorly optimized kitchen in her East London home, architect Mel Bax knew she wanted a luminous, garden room–style extension with arched windows. She spent two years between paid jobs fine-tuning its proportions. But the interior? Mel conceded that she needed help. “Architects think they can design everything, and yes, if I’d wanted a plywood kitchen I could have done that,” she explains. “But I wanted it to be cozy and warm and fun; I was scared about it just being a box at the back of the house.”

Enter neighbor and newly established interior designer Laura Parkinson of Palmer & Stone. Parkinson had used Mel on her own structural renovation, and the pair’s skills naturally jelled, with Parkinson’s awareness of flow and furniture planning enhancing Mel’s designs. Looking at Mel’s initial blueprints, Parkinson’s first suggestion was to move the run of kitchen cabinets to the opposite wall, allowing for a clear view of the striking windows from the moment you enter the space. And she had plenty more careful considerations up her sleeve. 

Work the Mood Into Your Plans From the Get-go

Mel was so on top of her planning that she knew how long her dining table would need to be before construction started. This allowed Parkinson to plot exactly where task and accent lighting would go, with each being on individual circuits. “Creating little moods and nooks is something Mel and I felt strongly about,” says the designer.

Music was also important to Mel and her husband, Bev, but not wanting to hedge their bets on a potentially temperamental, integrated sound system, they opted for synced-up Alexa speakers. One often sits on the tiny shelf in the dining corner, but on quieter nights it houses a scented candle. 

Pick a Color That “Pings” in the Sun

Mel really wanted the new windows and exposed steel beams to pop—and what better way than with an unexpected splash of color? Bev was all in, telling her, “If we’re doing color, then we’re doing color.” Out came Mel’s RAL chart.

They settled on Ruby Red (Ral Color 3003) for all the steel, and Farrow & Ball’s Rectory Red on the millwork, which complements the Setting Plaster on the ceiling and baseboards. “Bev wanted to go even brighter, but it really pings when the sun shines in. It’s a good one to live with,” attests Mel. 

Get Artsy With Your Open Shelves

It was Parkinson’s idea to break up the run of storage cupboards that hold the family’s coats and shoes with a unit of open shelving. But it was Bev who suggested making the ledges heart shaped. “The builders said it looked like a bum or boobs—we’ve had a few comments,” says Mel, laughing. There is more open storage for table linen and toys along the shapely openings of the built-in dining banquette, which provided another opportunity to get playful with color. 

Mel’s favorite detail is the pantry cupboard with reeded glass doors. “It’s intentionally shallow so we can instantly see what’s in there,” she says. “When we were moving, we found things that were five years out of date because they’d been shoved to the back.”

Chop While Watching the Game—Then Put It Away

With Bev being the cook of the house, his top request for the kitchen was a TV to keep him company while he preps food at the island. The trick was not making the room look like just another lounge area. Parkinson’s charming solution was to disguise the wall-mounted monitor behind a handmade patchwork cover by Lizzie Scarlett.

The custom textile features the birth flowers of the couple’s two young daughters. It’s a personal touch that keeps the kitchen far from feeling like a soulless extension.  

The post On This Architect’s Kitchen Wish List: Red Windows and Heart-Shaped Open Shelves appeared first on domino.

Don’t be surprised if you go to an open house this spring and find your competition gathered around the kitchen island. No, it won’t be because the broker just put out freshly baked cookies (although we wholeheartedly approve of that selling strategy). The kitchen island happens to be the home feature that’s at the very top of people’s minds, at least during the months of March, April, and May. 

Agent Advice, a platform that provides growth strategies and resources for real-estate agents, recently analyzed 80 different Google keywords and their search volume across the U.S. throughout 2023. The data revealed that people are typing “kitchen island” into their search bar more than “solar panels,” “vinyl flooring,” and even “farmhouse sink.” It’s a helpful indicator for sellers: People will notice if you have an island or not, and they’ll also likely be interested in what your island offers. Does it have a hidden trash pull-out? Is there enough seating for their family? We’ve seen some hardworking kitchen islands in the past—here are four that have stood out from the crowd.

The Island Where the Pets Can Eat, Too

Gone are the days of sneaking food under the table. This island that Jen Samson designed lets the pets of the house feel part of dinnertime thanks to the clever addition of a food and water bowl station. 

The Island That’s Stocked With Drawers

Ask anyone with an organized kitchen how they do it, and they’ll tell you the magic is all in having enough drawers. Pots, pans, plates, pantry goods—it’s easier to access stuff in this Workstead-designed kitchen because you don’t have to stand on your tippy toes to reach a shelf way up high. 

The Island That’s Also a Banquette 

You don’t have to choose between having a breakfast nook and an island. Lauren Jayne Design topped off this banquette, designed with Henrybuilt, with a custom cushion that is easy to clean in case any crumbs from the countertop make their way down onto the seat. 

The Island That Keeps Beverages (and Produce) Cool

In the process of gutting her kitchen, Karie Higgins ditched the bulky refrigerator. Her new plan? Create a more seamless look by situating a Fisher & Paykel fridge-freezer drawer within the island. “It’s quite deceptive,” says Higgins. “You can get tall bottles of wine and milk in there.” It’s so much more than bonus countertop space.

The post Buyers Are Laser Focused on Kitchen Islands This Spring—Here’s What Makes One Stand Out appeared first on domino.

Much like home decor and paint colors, cookware can be a particular thing. Maybe there’s an affinity for stainless steel in your bones, or cast iron is your only go-to. Perhaps you only have eyes for candy apple red, or copper reigns supreme over all else. 

We’ve pored over, and tested, all kinds of cookware on the market through the years. The pull of heritage brands doesn’t seem to be waning—and that’s because most people want stuff that lasts (i.e., items that won’t need replacing in a few years’ time). And yet the wave of direct-to-consumer options that continue to hit digital shelves bring new ideas, attention-demanding colorways, and the hope of fixing everything that’s “wrong” with standard old pots and pans; we’re talking fewer toxins, more versatility, and better storage solutions. 

While we’re not about to get more hours in a day or more room in our cupboards, the best cookware brands continue to bring us back to the kitchen. Below, find our absolute favorites in the crowded space—broken out by brand and what they’re best suited for.

Best Cookware Brands for Sets

All-Clad

All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel 10-Piece Cookware Set, Williams Sonoma ($700)

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This stainless steel purveyor is a classic for a reason: The American-made brand, founded in the 1970s, introduced bonded cookware to the masses and has continued to innovate over the years without straying too much from its restaurant-kitchen look. While there are several collections that span nonstick, copper core, hard anodized, and ceramic, the original material is hard to beat. Its D3 Classic set is an incredible value for the quality you get—even heat distribution, easy maintenance, good design. (I’ve cooked with this set for nearly a decade and it’s still my go-to for everyday sautéing, saucework, and so on.) It is one of those lasts-a-lifetime options. 

Ensembl

Stackware Core2, Ensembl ($594)

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A relative newcomer to the cookware world, Ensembl launched its smartly designed Stackware in 2021. As the name implies, the pieces in the collection are indeed stackable, from the wider saucepan to the braiser to the stockpot. The Full6 isn’t cheap by any means, but each of its six shapes is appropriate for almost anything you’d cook on a regular basis, and the details is where Ensembl’s quality really stands out. The solid stainless steel and aluminum construction results in even heat distribution, works on induction cooktops, and is easy to clean up. Measurement markers on the interior of the pots and pans is a nice touch, and the fact that there are no interior connections means no food bits get left behind. The design is easy on the eyes, too, and you’ll get patented removable handles (that really work; I’ve been testing ‘em for six months!) and flat-lying lids. 

Caraway

Cookware Set, Caraway ($395 was $545)

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Founder and CEO Jordan Nathan got the idea for Caraway Home after getting a case of Teflon poisoning, so it’s no surprise that nontoxic materials are at the heart of the brand. But if PTFE-free coatings aren’t exactly sexy, the pots’ palette of moody hues certainly is, including sage green, cream, terracotta, navy, light gray, and more. “We created the palette to feel dusty and desaturated (which is normally accompanied by a matte finish), but added a gloss finish to create a unique contrast,” explains Jordan. Plus the cookware set comes with a magnetic storage system that makes putting pots and pans away extra-easy, and our style editor, Julia Stevens, appreciates their casual look and that they stack.

Best Cookware Brands for Dutch Ovens

Le Creuset

6.75-Quart Oval Dutch Oven, Le Creuset ($445)

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If there were royalty in cookware land, Le Creuset would be it. The French brand’s enameled surfaces, vast array of colors (a collection that only keeps growing), and high-quality heat retention make each piece—and specifically the Dutch ovens—the crowning jewel in a collection. The cast-iron pieces are made by in-house artisans and are pretty much guaranteed to outlive you. While those after a deal may not be into the high prices that Le Creuset demands, it’s an investment you won’t regret. 

Staub

Staub 7-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Round Dutch Oven, Williams Sonoma ($330)

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If you prefer more fashion-forward hues and a slightly less rotund body, check out Staub. Another timeless French brand made since the 1970s, Staub products are resistant to scratching, chipping, and thermal shock thanks to three layers of glass powder and mineral pigments. Upkeep for the Dutch ovens is minimal; I’ve rarely seen anything stick to the enameled cast iron over the eight years I’ve owned one. The matte black colorway patinas particularly well over time, and jewel tones like a shiny emerald green will look right at home nestled among your tablescape. 

Serax

Serax Surface Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven, Food52 ($370)

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If there’s a sexier Dutch oven out there, we’ll wait. Serax collaborated with three-Michelin-starred chef Sergio Herman to craft matte black and dusty green versions of this cast-iron beauty, finished with an enamel exterior and polished interior that never needs seasoning. The style comes in four different sizes, with the largest clocking in at 5.8 quarts, and it is compatible with all stovetops, including induction. Like most enameled cast iron, we’d recommend handwashing this one.

Made In

7.5-Quart Oval Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven, Made In ($299)

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Made In’s new 7.5-quart Dutch oven is a dreamboat. Nearly $150 less than a similarly sized Le Creuset and sporting a sleek and simple silhouette, its heat retention and distribution, as well as its naturally nonstick surface, is top-notch—we like it for braises and a boatload of red sauce. At 15 pounds, it’s not light by any means, so keep that in mind if you’re gifting it to someone. The stainless steel knob and six color options are pretty standard, but the antique white has our number. There’s something timeless and trusty about an oyster hue; you won’t get tired of seeing this one on your shelf.

Dansk 

4-Quart Købenstyle Casserole, Food52 ($135)

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The Dansk Købenstyle casserole is a mid-century design classic, and it can be a welcome departure from the heftiness of other Dutch ovens. Debuting in the late 1950s, the 4-quart enameled carbon steel pot can absolutely be tasked with cooking soup or rice and beans, but we love it as a perfect popcorn oven. Even better that the lid doubles as a trivet for stovetop-to-table snacks and meals. The white does take on stains if you don’t maintain the exterior properly, but there’s something about a little bit of browning that says, “I’ve used you lovingly.” 

Our Place

Perfect Pot, Our Place ($165)

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Shiza Shahid, Our Place’s founder, doesn’t believe in clutter. That’s why the kitchen equipment she creates serves more than one purpose. In the case of the Perfect Pot, you get eight uses out of one piece. This one’s ideal for stovetop devotees (think: lots of pasta or one-pot meals). It’s very lightweight at 4.5 pounds, nonstick, and comes with a nesting spoon and hybrid roasting rack–steamer. To note: The Perfect Pot is only oven-safe up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. If you aren’t worried about an extra nine pounds, want yours to handle oven temps up to 500 degrees, and can spare an extra $10, spring for the cast-iron Perfect Pot.

Best Cookware Brands for Nonstick Fry Pans

Hexclad

10-Inch Hybrid Pan, Hexclad ($150)

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If you prefer high-performance, low-maintenance cookware, Hexclad is for you. Unlike other options out there that tout a nonstick coating, there are no crazy rules to live and die by here: You can cook with spray, oil, or butter. The proprietary hybrid technology combines an aluminum core, stainless steel, and a steel hexagonal pattern, which means that these fry pans conduct heat well, and any stubborn crusties wipe away without elbow grease. Plus you can actually toss these in the dishwasher. Our associate shopping editor, Morgan Bulman, reports that even after a year, she’s seen no staining or discoloration.

GreenPan

GreenPan Reserve Ceramic Nonstick Fry Pan, Set of 2, Food52 ($120)

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If you’re looking for an extremely durable, nontoxic option that still gets points for looks, GreenPan’s various lines will serve you well. The brand, known for its diamond-infused ceramic coating, offers up color, stainless steel, and thoughtful design elements that can often go unconsidered where nonstick is concerned. The GP5 and Reserve lines are the best-looking of the bunch, but the Venice pans have classic appeal as well. All are oven-safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and some are even induction-friendly. (Psst: The company has collaborated with Food52 on a line, too, like these beauties with wood handles. Just don’t put those in the oven.) It also makes an adorable rice cooker that we love.

Best Budget Cookware Brands

Goldilocks

7-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, Goldilocks ($175)

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We’ve been testing the tri-ply stainless steel cookware from newcomer Goldilocks for some time and are impressed with its heat retention and distribution. Not to mention, it has the same handsome “fancy restaurant kitchen” look as Tramontina and All-Clad at a much more budget-friendly price. The stock pot is the perfect shape—well balanced in proportion—while the saucepan and fry pan handles are lithe and comfortable to use while on the stovetop. The material is dishwasher-safe, oven-safe up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, and can be used on induction cooktops. Plus each piece’s rolled edges make pouring less messy, and the three included lids fit all four pans. While we think this group is the brand’s best bet, especially as a foundation for a new kitchen, Goldilocks also makes utensils, knives, and Dutch ovens.

Lodge

Lodge 6.5-Inch Seasoned Cast-Iron Skillet, Williams Sonoma ($15)

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Do you prefer to cook on cast iron and only cast iron? Tennessee-based brand Lodge is likely a contender. Pick up an affordable enameled Dutch oven for a fraction of what you’ll pay for a Le Creuset or a combo cooker that basically gives you a two-in-one piece. The classic skillets range from just 3.5 inches in diameter to 15 inches, but not even the largest size exceeds $60. They come preseasoned and have that cozy cabin vibe that’ll fit right in with a farmhouse-y interior, but anyone who likes roasted chicken, braised greens, or sunny-side-up eggs would benefit from them. Not all of Lodge’s products are made in the U.S., so if that’s paramount to your purchasing decisions, check the fine print. 

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Castelle 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, Amazon ($150)

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Martha Stewart launched an Amazon storefront this winter, and it includes thousands of the multihyphenate’s products, including cookware. You can purchase singles of several styles from the Castelle collection, but the 10-piece stainless steel set is just $150 (and $10 more for nonstick). In addition to a pasta-perfect sauté pan, you get two frying pans, two saucepans with lids, and one 5-quart Dutch oven with a lid. They all have interior fill lines for easy measuring and are oven- and broiler-safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. The 18/8 stainless steel is highly durable, and an aluminum core guarantees even heat distribution. Plus you can use them on all stovetop types, including induction.

Tramontina

Tramontina Stainless Steel Tri-Ply 12-Piece Cookware Set, Amazon ($300 was $610)

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Tramontina is an enduring budget pick and makes an ideal entry-level 12-piece set for under $350. While not the least expensive of the brand’s offerings, it’s the balanced middle ground that you can expect to use for years. It comes with two skillets, three saucepans and lids, a sauté pan and lid, and a stockpot with lid; there’s very little else you’d need to have a fully stocked kitchen. We love the clean and sophisticated design, 18/10 steel construction, and lifetime warranty. Note: Stainless steel is safe to use on all types of stovetops, including induction.

Best Luxury Cookware Brands

Mauviel

Mauviel Copper 2-Quart M’150 B Saucepan, Williams Sonoma ($250)

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It’s hard to go awry with Mauviel. Founded nearly 200 years ago in France, the brand boasts several styles of copper cookware and they’re all lookers. The straight rims, polished exterior, and stainless steel rivets contribute to an elegant package; choose between bronze, stainless steel, and cast-iron handles to finish things off. Various sets are available, some with different thicknesses, but a big winner for us is the M6S line—it’s induction compatible. 

Hestan

Hestan Stainless Steel Classic Roaster With Rack, Food52 ($225)

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If you’re in the market for a serious upgrade from your first-apartment set or just want to add a new fancy piece to your collection, Hestan will make the splurge worth it. Whether bonded with titanium or made with a copper core or diamond-reinforced nonstick finish, it’s all made in Italy. The Thomas Keller Insignia line sports particularly lovely silhouettes, and the universal lid from that collection would make a great gift for an amateur chef. The quality doesn’t come cheap, so to help you out, the brand offers a quiz that’ll guide you to the right fit.

How We Chose These Products

Our editors have tested products from different cookware brands for years. All persuasions of material—stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nonstick, cast iron, enamel, you name it—have graced our gas, electric, and induction stovetops. We all have a preference for something, whether that’s style (class versus contemporary), sets (one to two pans or a whole suite), or versatility. There are regular entertainers among our ranks, and those who prefer to cook just for themselves and their immediate family, and we’re always on the lookout for new players, colors, and technology. Each brand on this list has either been personally tested (most of them) or recommended based on heat retention and distribution, care and maintenance, and aesthetics. 

If you have a favorite cookware brand to throw into contention, share it in the comments.

The post We Surveyed All the Best Cookware Brands to Find the 17 Worth Buying appeared first on domino.

Turns out, painting our cabinets green was just the beginning of the color taking over kitchens. Now you can have a matching sink. Kohler just added three shades of green to its assortment (all plucked from the manufacturer’s archives), including the hue Aspen Green.

While the “crisp silver-green” shade was first released by Kohler in 1978, it feels perfectly relevant today with so many people embracing tones like sage and olive in their cook spaces. The heritage color will be offered on select Kohler bathtubs, toilets, and sinks, most notably the company’s Whitehaven kitchen sink. The cast-iron product comes in a variety of dimensions, but at its core, it’s a true farmhouse-style, apron-front sink. And who said it had to be white?

For an even more rustic feel, go for the Brockway utility sink, which is fitting for a laundry room or dishwasher-less kitchen, given that its deep basin is ideal for cleaning plates by hand. If a bolder swatch of green is more your speed, consider Fresh Green, a throwback from 1971, or Teal (released circa 1987), which the company also just rereleased.

This isn’t the first time Kohler has dug through its history books and brought back a discontinued hue. (Psst: It has released more than 100 original colors since 1927.) Last year, in honor of the company’s 150th birthday, it asked people to vote on their favorite vintage colorways and ultimately brought back Peachblow and Spring Green. Little did we know, they had a similar surprise planned for this year.

Here are a few Kohler fixtures we love in the old-but-new olive color.

Whitehaven 23.5-Inch Farmhouse Kitchen Sink, Kohler ($1,363)

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Brockway 36-Inch Wall-Mount Utility Sink, Kohler ($1,875)

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San Souci One-Piece Compact Elongated Toilet , Kohler ($905)

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Artifacts 66-by-32.5-Inch Freestanding Bathtub, Kohler ($6,305)

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Anyone who has ever renovated a property will insist you add an extra 30 percent of your total cost to your budget. The line item? The unexpected. Usually, an unforeseen leak, a finicky heat pump, or a foundation crack. But for photographer and director Harper Smith and her husband, Cameron Duddy, the bass guitarist for the band Midland, it amounted to an entire kitchen remodel. In the process of renovating the Dripping Springs, Texas, home they’ve owned for nearly a decade, they discovered that the exterior walls had been poorly constructed—all of them would need to be torn down, including the ones supporting the kitchen cabinets. “We ended up having to rip out the kitchen against our will,” says Smith. The silver lining: The drab, brown space was “zero percent cute,” so they were at least able to justify the reno from a style perspective.

Right away, the couple; their designer, Amy Pigliacampo; and their contractor, Strong Roots Development, started thinking of clever ways to make the surprise project less expensive. Giving up on having a “badass full slab” of Calacatta Viola marble for a backsplash was one such solution. “I could find some slabs that were affordable, but the pieces were all too small or there wasn’t a beautiful violet tone to them,” Smith recalls. Most quotes were in the $9,000 to $10,000 ballpark. “So it was like, I’m either going to spend a bunch of money on a slab that’s not the right color or we’re going to have to find a different way.” That different way was tile.

A little research led them to Artistic Tile’s 18-by-18-inch honed marble tile. Compared to other Calacatta Viola tiles Smith sampled, these were the only ones within her budget that didn’t have a glossy printed appearance. Between the materials and labor, Smith guesses their backsplash cost them a mere $1,800. “Plus the company was great to work with; a couple broke and they sent new ones right away,” she says. (Editor’s note: Right now the brand is only carrying 24-by-24 and 12-by-24 options.)

Viola Reale 24-by-24-Inch Marble Tile , Artistic Tile

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The only real instruction Smith and Pigliacampo gave the tile installer was to group the pieces that had the most dramatic veining over the stovetop. Their logic: Those six tiles are the first thing you see when you’re walking down the stairs in the morning.

This clever fake-out wasn’t just applicable to the kitchen. The couple’s shower is swathed in large 12-by-24-inch black terrazzo tile from Direct Stone Source, but the hack is even less noticeable because the pattern is so busy and the dark grout blends right in. “It seems seamless,” says Smith.

As for the floor tiles, those were all made by Smith and Duddy in her mom’s ceramic studio after they decided they couldn’t afford Cle Tile’s Fornace Brioni collection. “I had a kiln and a husband who was totally down to help,” shares Smith. The only thing better than saving $8,000 on material costs is making the stuff yourself.

Terrazzo Nero Matte 12-by-24-Inch Porcelain Tile, Direct Stone Source

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The post This Kitchen Backsplash Looks Like a Stone Slab, But Costs $8K Less appeared first on domino.

Near the center of San Francisco, the steep hills that surround Cole Valley are lined with colorful Victorian and Edwardian homes that have stood for generations. When two Midwestern transplants moved to the compact neighborhood a little over a decade ago, they fell in love with its many beautiful views, but it wasn’t until 2021 that they purchased a home in the area on an enviable perch. 

Aside from a coat of paint and a newish stove, oven, and refrigerator, it was clear the previous owners hadn’t done much to spruce up the kitchen since the Summer of Love was still a fresh memory for the city (yes, we’re talking circa 1967). For designer Rachel Seldin, principal of Seldin Design Studios, the glaring issues were the room’s lack of charm, countertop space, and storage. “And the predominantly white and gray cabinetry blended in with nondescript, bulky appliances,” she points out.

The couple requested a space where the architectural details on the exterior of the home (and frankly throughout their neighborhood) were reflected in the interior, from push-button light switches to the antique brass hardware. Here’s how Seldin reimagined old-world features for a modern address.

Create an Even Better Layout by Making Tiny Moves

The owners didn’t have an issue with the existing layout of the kitchen. In fact, with the sink conveniently located next to the dishwasher, and the refrigerator and oven situated diagonally from one another, you can move about the space efficiently. And yet the appliances were all just a few inches from their ideal spots, cutting down on precious countertop space.

Seldin swapped the 30-inch-wide stove for a 36-inch version and centered it along the wall, allowing for around 18 inches of prep space on both sides. She also increased the size of the fridge-freezer to 42 inches and pushed it 12 inches to the left so it aligned with the end of the countertops on the opposite wall. The result? There’s a lot more room to chop veggies and roll dough. 

Another benefit of keeping the appliances (mostly) in their familiar places was that the budget didn’t have to include any changes to the water and gas lines. Instead, Seldin could direct those funds to more fun features like solid brass cup pulls and custom roman shades in the dining nook. 

Lower the Ceiling If the Right Hood Calls for It

When Seldin and her clients were first discussing the changes they wanted to make in the kitchen, they all agreed to shine a spotlight on the range hood. Prior to the renovation, it was integrated into the cabinetry on the half-wall near the doorframe, and the trio agreed that pulling it out and making it a feature in that corner would be more worthwhile. The only problem? The nearly 11-foot ceiling was so tall they’d need to add a soffit for additional support, which would result in a boxy look. 

“We pivoted our approach, opting to lower the entire ceiling by a few inches,” Seldin says. A lower profile made it possible to have a stand-alone hood as a streamlined focal point, while also making the area feel cozier. The ceiling still feels so tall that the family barely notices a difference.

Add Historic Details in a Classic Palette

Seldin and the owners were on the same page when it came to the color palette, deciding that the kitchen’s long footprint didn’t exactly call for stark white cabinets, which could actually make the room feel cold and uninviting. Plus the goal was to bring the Victorian aesthetic indoors, so Seldin and the couple went with Stormy Black soapstone countertops alongside creamy white lower cabinets (painted in Strong White by Farrow & Ball) and dark wood upper storage that coordinates with the floors. Incorporating a handful of glass fronts lent an apothecary-like touch. 

Even the backsplash’s swooping shape behind the sink provides a wink to history and a layer of texture. “The gracefully curved backsplash not only adds an element of elegance and uniqueness, but also harmonizes with the overall aesthetic,” says Seldin.

Incorporate the Breakfast Nook by Copying Curves

The breakfast nook had already been a part of the kitchen by the time Seldin was asked to refresh the room, but it seemed disjointed. “That area felt empty, despite having a table and four chairs,” she says. To make the nook feel a part of the kitchen, Seldin built a custom bookcase using the same wood stain, countertop stone, and brass detailing as she did throughout the rest of the kitchen.

Sadly, the designer couldn’t trick out the bench with hidden storage (it houses the baseboard heaters), but she did give it a half-moon silhouette, similar to the backsplash behind the sink. “It facilitates a smooth visual flow, ensuring that even if the table and chairs are removed, the nook could stand alone as a beautiful reading area,” she says. Although, let’s be real, when you’re sitting in that window, you’re looking out onto the hills, not down at a book.

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Jessie Randall isn’t afraid to admit that she couldn’t have redesigned her Bridgehampton, New York, kitchen alone. Sure, as the founder and creative director of fashion brand Loeffler Randall, she knows the perfect proportions for a puffed sleeve and how long to make the strap on a leather cross-body bag. But as for where to orient her stove? She needed to call for backup. 

Luckily, help found her: Interior designer Zoe Feldman happened to be seated across from Randall at a dinner party in Washington, D.C., one fateful evening last year. Over text the very next day, Randall vented to Feldman: She had hated her black counters for nearly a decade and was stumped by the vastness of the adjacent dining area. Feldman started to envision how they could make the space more her. “I have a very strong sense of what I like, which is why I’ve been reluctant to get involved with a designer, but I could have never come up with this kitchen without Zoe,” says Randall.

Working alongside Randall’s contractor, Phil Pape of Pape Construction, Feldman’s first piece of advice was to make the kitchen more prominent by expanding the island and relocating the appliances. “She was like, we’re moving the stove,” shares Randall. “I didn’t even know you could do that.” Read on to see how they brought the fashion designer’s long-awaited kitchen to life. 

Define an Open-Concept Space With Textured Floor Tile

There was no question that the existing kitchen floors were banged up. The dilemma was, if Randall were to replace one section of boards, would she have to replace the ones that span into the living room, too? “All of a sudden, I could see the numbers ticking up to something very scary,” she says. Feeling inspired by a trip she had taken with her design team to Marrakech years ago, she decided to redo the cooking zone in checkered zellige tile from Mosaic House. The large-scale pattern is white and sky in 4-by-4 squares; the border is Dama Corner in white and green.

Not only did opting for a fresh material create a natural sense of separation between the kitchen and the rest of the house, but by adding a border, it made the addition of the extra-large island look intentional. “I love that it’s so imperfect,” Randall says of the inherent undulations and color variations in the tile. Other than a handful of pieces that shattered when they installed the fridge, it’s held up nicely. “I love the way it feels under my feet—it’s nice and cool in the summer,” she adds. 

Don’t Judge a Paint Color by Its Name

Originally, Randall’s plan was to swathe her new cabinets by Unique Kitchens & Baths in subdued French Gray. “Then I just had this epiphany: no, I need a crazy green kitchen,” she says. After many panicked calls to her designer, Randall committed to a different Farrow & Ball hue: Pea Green. “Which I don’t think is an accurate representation of what the color is,” she points out. The shade is much brighter and crisper than the soupy yellowish shade that automatically comes to mind when you hear those two words. Wanting details in the millwork, like the scalloped trim along the island, to be the star, Feldman suggested saturating the knobs in the same color, too. 

Let Your Wardrobe Inspire Your Walls

Long before she hired an interior designer, Randall took a stab at adding some charm to the space by wallpapering the inside of her glass upper cabinets. When Feldman came into the picture, they took things a step further by covering all the walls in a print from the Loeffler Randall x Temple Studio collaboration, which uses florals from her brand’s ready-to-wear collection. “The quality paper it’s printed on…it looks like it was hand-painted on the wall,” says Randall. 

Stitch Together a Cozy Kitchen Sofa

Even when there are no beach snacks to prepare or barbecues to host, you’ll still find Randall in here. “I don’t really go in my living room,” she says. Instead she likes to lie down and relax in the kitchen atop a modular Sixpenny sofa, and she’s usually got company. “My dogs get up there and they chew everything,” she adds. To protect the piece of furniture, she made a removable slipcover out of two king-size Les Indiennes bedspreads. She also DIYed the fabric skirt underneath the sink out of Svenskt Tenn fabric she picked up in Sweden. 

Hang More Than Just Pots 

Accessorizing a kitchen to Randall means having her entertaining ware out on full display. There is a dedicated rack for her ever-growing plate collection, spanning pieces by Kaneko Kohyo, Pomelo Casa, and Carolina Irving & Daughters, as well as one for all her taper candles. Randall scooped up a slew of colors from Danica Design Candles in Maine, knowing she’d be burning them (almost) around the clock. “My friends and I were in Copenhagen last June and even during the day in the summer, they would have candlelight,” says Randall. “It was a lightbulb moment for me: I had never considered using candles during the day.” Even lunchtime feels special thanks to this addition.

Get the Look

Pea Green, Farrow & Ball

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Scallop Sconce, Nickey Kehoe ($525)

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Watercolor Floral Mist Wallpaper, Temple Studio (Price upon request)

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Aged Brass Ionian Tap, deVOL ($1,200)

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