Readers' Choice: The Top 20 Kitchens of 2011
by Vanessa Brunner · 20 photos · 57 comments
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1. This New York kitchen was added to many ideabooks for its unique mix of texture and color. Matte gray cabinetry, industrial light fixtures, maple work surfaces, and a steel and exposed wood drop-down table all play into a natural color palette, while classic Kartell Mademoiselle Chairs add a pop of color and pattern.
by valerie pasquiou interiors + design, inc 
2. People are still loving black-and-white kitchens. A black island adds drama here, without becoming too overpowering, while classic white subway tile and modern pendant lights keep the space looking fresh.
by Venegas and Company
3. There are tons of great built-in storage ideas in this adorable seaside kitchen. The dog dish nook is an especially clever storage solution that keeps dog dishes out of the way and prevents your puppies from knocking over their food! The dog drawer bones above hold treats and food, and labeled deep drawers to the right of the island are packed with treats for these lucky pups' owners.
by Artisan Kitchens LLC
4. Multipurpose rooms that are open, flexible, and functional were all the rage this year. Having an open kitchen and dining room is a great way to combine two spaces that serve similar functions, and makes for a perfect entertaining space, too.
by Charlie Simmons - Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd.
5. The arched entryway and display cabinets are what drew readers to this kitchen. Glass doors on either side of cabinetry lets light come through. Modern pot racks add more storage and enhance the design of this kitchen.
by Battle Associates, Architects
6. The glass pendants above the sleek island in this modern kitchen caught the eye of many Houzz users. A stunning palette of black, white, gray and navy combine in rich finishes and textures to create a beautiful and bold space.
by Urrutia Design
7. While we saw fewer of these this year, all-white kitchens are still on many wish lists. We love the clean look of the off-white subway tile in this kitchen, which makes the bright white cabinetry and trim stand out.
by Rebekah Zaveloff
8. Smart storage solutions drew Houzz users to this classic East Coast kitchen. The pull-out pantry has an incredible amount of storage and tucks away with ease. It's a great solution for anyone who doesn't have enough space to build out a walk-in pantry.
by Kitchens & Baths, Linda Burkhardt
9. Iridescent backsplash tiles give this kitchen a little bit of glamour to this simple kitchen. A mix of modern and traditional finishes gives it a unique look people fell in love with.
by LDa Architecture & Interiors
10. This kitchen combines several traditional elements subtle enough to keep the space still looking fresh and current. Wood surfaces warm up the space, and readers loved the sage-green subway tile backsplash.
by Redbud Custom Homes
11. Houzz users were enchanted by the soothing gray and white tones in this kitchen — the intricately tiled backsplash immediately catches the eye. However, what our readers really loved was the open shelving above the sink. It's an easy solution for a little extra kitchen storage, and allows the kitchen to still feel open and light.
by Fiorella Design
12. We saw a lot of beautiful butcher block islands this year, just like the one in this kitchen that made the top-20 list. Not only is this a functional countertop surface, but it'll wear wonderfully with age. We love how it warms up this space and contrasts with the white cabinetry and black counters.
by The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn
13. Readers were loving industrial pendants in every style of kitchen this year. We saw photos of these pendants in modern, traditional, and contemporary kitchens all over the world. This modern kitchen in Canada used three of these pendants to illuminate the island's white countertop. A black-and-gray mosaic tiled backsplash adds a sense of pattern and texture to contrast with the streamlined cabinetry.
by Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.
14. Here, a similar style of pendant is used in a classically designed white kitchen. Houzz readers loved the contrast of the white subway tile backsplash and white marble counters, as well as the handy island sink.
by Dijeau Poage Construction
15. Many of the same details from the previous kitchen are integrated into this space, but with a much more traditional touch. The coffered ceilings were a huge hit with Houzz readers, as well as the custom wood hood and ornately carved mantle.
by Cameo Kitchens, Inc.
16. Here's another open kitchen that Houzz users loved. The modern style of this kitchen and built-in dining area is minimalistic, but still cozy. Houzz users loved the use of textiles int his space, and the warm wood grain.
by Charlie Simmons - Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd.
17. This all-white kitchen has a classic look with a slightly feminine style people love. The combination of the paneled cabinetry, marble counters, and classic pendants create a tasteful and restrained look.
by Kenzer Furniture
18. Sometimes modern kitchens can come across as cold, but readers love this warm twist on minimalistic modern style. A Carrara marble backsplash and counters are warmed up with chocolate brown cabinetry and rustic-looking iron and wood barstools.
by John Maniscalco Architecture
19. The show-stopping light fixture in this space made it a must-see for Houzz users. The dramatic chandelier makes a bold statement, and stands out agains the clean, black cabinetry.
by Joel Kelly Design
20. The exposed wood beams in this kitchen caught the eyes of Houzz users browsing for kitchen inspiration. The enormous 12-foot granite island is the ideal place for food prep, and has plenty of space for entertaining purposes.
Have your say: Which of these top kitchens is your favorite?
See the all-time most popular kitchen photos on Houzz
by Schrader & Companies Have your say: Which of these top kitchens is your favorite?
See the all-time most popular kitchen photos on Houzz
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