Sleek, spacious and consistent in its concept and color scheme, this contemporary black and white kitchen has elegant details that merit study. Despite considerable drama produced by the contrast of black and white surfaces, careful planning has produced a surprisingly serene overall effect.

Anyone who knows my particular bias against upper cabinets — which I feel [...]

A wealth of Victorian-style detail plus two islands — one devoted to eating, another to prep – make the most of this kitchen’s size. There are top features galore, too: dishwasher drawers (sink left) , built in full size refrigeration, and an eating bar. One island houses a 6-burner range top, microwave and cookware storage. [...]

Chicago architect Stanley Tigerman designed the Corian tabletop with his signature pierced steel circles in the base (foreground) to play off the warmth of the wood-grain Poliform cabinets. The gray terrazzo floor blends well with stainless appliances and accents. Yet it’s the refinements that count here: lovely symmetry of the oven stack neatly balanced by [...]

A glossy, painted beadboard ceiling with surface-mounted nautical style fixtures help give this kitchen a beach-house look. The neutral sand-colored tile floor and marble-topped island work well with the white. All the quality basics are evident, too: built-in refrigerator, pro range, upper cabinets with lites resting on lowers for an English look, pendant and porthole [...]