one: Tropical/Mediterranean porcelain tile backsplash, by Glen Alspaugh.

two: Chateau Toledo classique, by Artistic Tile, available at Sunderland Brothers Company.

three: Chateau danse azul, by Artistic Tile, available at Sunderland Brothers Company.

four: Copper and brick backsplash, by Gegg Design & Cabinetry.

The kitchen is typically the gathering place in every home where families spend time together preparing meals, entertaining guests or simply hanging out. Adding bar stools or chairs around your kitchen island extends the versatility and functionality of the space. Available in a variety of styles and shapes, stools add extra seating to your kitchen.

one: Black ribbon bar stool, available at Savvy Surrounding Style.

When the owners of a charming Lafayette Square residence moved in, they knew their outdated kitchen had to go. It just simply was not functional for their family that loves to cook. With a goal to create a more contemporary space with a functional layout, the homeowners enlisted the help of interior designer Tamsin Mascetti, of Tamsin Design Group, to help them achieve the look they desired while holding on to the historic charm of their new neighborhood.

When two Frontenac homeowners added serious square footage to their estate, a crowded mudroom found new purpose as a handsome, centralized anteroom – both bar and Butler’s pantry – inspired by the rich feel of the old Westchester gentlemen’s clubs.

Decorator Garison Salinas of Garrison, Ltd. dubs the room denim-and-diamonds dapper. “The homeowners don’t entertain black tie or even coat and tie all the time, so they were interested in a bar that was elegant but also warm,” he says of a space suitable for lavish soirees and family get-togethers alike.

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home where family and friends gather to nibble and nosh while sharing stories and making memories. With an Italian heritage, a deep love for food and a propensity for entertaining, homeowner and interior designer Mary Tramelli is definitely one of those people. But her tiny (123 square feet) kitchen posed a problem. “It meant that I was alone in the kitchen while the party went on without me,” says Tramelli, who was forced to prep food in the small space and then bring it out to guests. She knew a remodel was long overdue.

Faced with the task of updating the charming but outdated kitchen in their century-old Georgian-style Central West End home, Greg and Kim Minana made some dramatic changes. Envisioning a welcoming space, the Minanas melded modern amenities with classic finishes to retain the allure of their 100-year-old home. “Contemporary décor wasn’t right,” says Kim. “But, the functionality is still contemporary.”