Space Creator, By Michael Davis Design & Construction. The additional counter space of a double island is a great way to keep young kids on task, whether its eating or homework, while cooking. It also creates better flow around the kitchen and through the kitchen. Double islands add a great curb appeal for cocktail parties, doubling as a buffet or a bar setup. Photography by Nick Johnson.

I like the sleek, seamless look of paneled refrigerators integrated into cabinetry. There are so many focal points a kitchen remodel can achieve without the interference of a stainless steel refrigerator taking center stage. To some, paneled refrigerators might appear to have a more traditional look, with a stainless refrigerator looking more contemporary. I think the sleek integrated look can take on whatever style you want to accomplish. By using hardware, lighting and countertop materials, you can create the personality of the kitchen and have a beautiful space.

Perhaps it was the television show Fixer Upper’s tendency towards white or homeowners revealing their sparkling white kitchens on Instagram that inspired the trend. Regardless of how it all started, in terms of kitchen colors, white has become the go-to hue for new, updated kitchens. Katie Jackson and her husband John selected the shade in their own kitchen refresh for many reasons, but mostly to allow the standout island, inlaid with burled walnut and anigre wood, to dominate the space.

When Alana and Marc Bluestone decided to renovate their charming 1928 Tudor Revival residence, their main goal was to create a modern transitional interior that pays homage to the home’s original classic architecture. Tucked into the end of a quiet cul-de-sac just a five-minute walk from downtown Clayton, their dwelling offered an appealing neighborhood setting with proximity to running and bike paths, quaint restaurants, unique shopping boutiques and the tree-lined beauty of Forest Park.

These days, range hoods don’t just serve the purpose of ventilating your kitchen when cooking. Custom created hoods give the heart of the home a signature look.

William D. Cover, AIA. Owner of William D. Cover, Architect LLC: William D. Cover, also known as Bill, has designed new custom homes, additions and remodeling projects in the St. Louis area since 1976. He was awarded Excellence in Masonry by the Masonry Institute of St. Louis in 2006, and he continues to wow the architectural community with his precise and imaginative designs. In 2019, he was inducted into the St. Louis Homes + Lifestyles Design Hall of Fame.