Dirt Digger Now that is a happy, joyful kitchen! Great job!

Lanie Brown I like the lime green backsplash to give the kids something fun!

mbasura If they gave out the Nobel Prize for rationalization, this would be it: the owners revamped the kitchen so the kids "have something special to remember about growing up in their kitchen." Geez, if you want a new kitchen just build it; leave the kids out of it.

walconltd To mbasura:

either you're not a parent or you don't care much about your kids. But two things are clearly obvious: First: you don't know how to read: the article doesn't say that the designer revamped their kitchen for their kids but rather suggests that the kids were an integral part of the design consideration. Second: you spent the time to write three plus lines and have nothing positive (or even constructive if critical) to say about the article or the kitchen. Obviously nothing much makes you happy! I'm so sorry for you and your family.

To the designer and the owners of this kitchen: NICE WORK! It looks awesome and seems to function very well. Your kids must be very happy!

shawnaleeah Fun kitchen! I appreciate using older appliances - waste not, want not. I dislike chalk walls; I hate the smudgy look to chalk.

f_allen I love the colors and the whole design. That is a kitchen I could live with forever.

xenasmom Oh, nice job! I love the clean lines and the colors. I want that lime green back splash. I like the idea of the chalk wall, and not just for the actual children in the house. The other 'kids' in the family and their friends of all ages can have fun with it.

lima I like the look of a chalkboard wall, but I'm always thinking all that chalk dust everywhere. Does anyone have any real life experience with a chalkboard wall they would like to share before I paint one in my house?

slavell It is nice to see good design can come on any budget!

wendystickel Love the very happy, user-friendly and realistic kitchen! We have a large chalkboard...and the solution to unwanted chalk dust ( and unforeseen chalk dust residue) are special chalkboard markers. The act like paint pens, but are designed so that they can be wiped clean. I use Neochalk brand...and then clean with a Mr. Clean magic eraser...and have no problems.

Nice post!

The Kitchen Loft "Blandness gets the boot"? I was doing black and white kitchens 20 years ago. Didn't like it then, don't like it now. Nice tile and countertop but I can't say I'd enjoy chalk dust in my food. Hope the family has another place to eat their meals. Aesthetics aside, I'd never end a run with a stove when there's open space on the side. Put a pot with a handle on a right side burner and you have an accident waiting to happen...especially with the door nearby...and kids. I would have advised my clients to spend some of their 'limited' budget on re-locating the sink pipes. Or, maybe a single bowl sink to free up space. Also, is there a reason not to have placed the dishwasher next to the sink?

Fiona Taylor I love the kitchen! So cheerful! I think it's genius, especially for a tight budget.

And mbasura, if you read the article, they are talking about choosing a bold backsplash to be the something special for the kids--NOT the kitchen itself. You should join forces with The Kitchen Loft, who also seems to be a bit of a grinch. (If you didn't like black and white kitchens, why did you do them 20 years ago?) I'm not sure why anyone takes the time to write comments with a laundry list of complaints.

normapower I love all of the kitchens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cluedin The special thing I remember about being a kid was being in our renovated bathroom (circa 1958) and using the bathroom plunger to pull up vinyl tiles. Kids are so much brighter today.
I love this kitchen - it is fabulous.

taureg Very cute design , especially on a budget.

The Kitchen Loft To Fiona -

I didn't like black and white kitchen 20 years ago but that's what my clients wanted. I don't like black and white kitchens today. But if that's what my client wants, that's what they'll get. I don't tell my clients what I like or dislike; or what they should like. My job is to make sure the kitchen works. A stove on the end of a run with open space next to it is dangerous. That's something I would tell my client not to do. And if there's a reason why the dishwasher wasn't placed directly next to the sink, I'm sure Gillian Lazanik can tell us. I can cite at least three other issues. And if pointing out concerns about the design, rather than engaging in 'happy chat' characterizes me as a grinch, so be it.

poeticmoma Fun! To answer the chalkboard question, I had a wall in the basement and it really never looked clean. There was a bit of dust. I found an old chalkboard and hung it in the kitchen, but on the edge. The ledge collects the dust and we still get the benefit of the inspirational messages we leave for one another.

Dirt Digger The Kitchen Loft....I am curious...on your professional page the very first pic is of a new kitchen in Yonkers and the dishwasher appears to not be right next to the sink but rather separated by some cabinets...is that what I am seeing?

The Kitchen Loft Dirt Digger

The dishwasher is on the right side directly against the sink base cabinet. It's a double drawer unit with decorative panels. The appliance you might be referring to on the left side is a microwave unit. Unless there is a compelling reason -- corner sink, multiple dishwashers, etc -- I always place the dishwasher against the sink base cabinet.

Dan Roy 1 Fiona
I must echo the sentiment of "The Kitchen Loft".
I like that potential problems with this design were concisely pointed out by "The Kitchen Loft", saving any emulators possible grief.
I would hope that anyone would feel free to point out issues, offer constructive suggestions to any design I might present or enquire about. It's how we learn to do better.

On top of "The Kitchen Loft"'s function and safety critique, I will state that this design leaves me feeling very cold and uncomfortable, with the stark materials and hard angles.
Of course, that's simply my opinion, and yes, the design world runs on subjective friction, and I do feel that your differing opinion, Fiona, is as important as mine.

(And if you don't appreciate constructive critiques along with fawning platitudes, well, my name is on this post. You'll be able to skip my posts in the future.)

Dirt Digger Thanks for the clarification!

tradess2012 Honestly....somebody got off the wrong side of the bed today here! Myself, I love the black/white kitchen style with the 'dusty' chalk board and all, in fact my daughter has one and nobody complains about dust in the food (small hand held vacuum or other smaller vacuum broom?) FYI its my kitchen, its my money, and no designer 2 cents worth of opinion would I listen to unless I ask.

In fact, my new kitchen is also back and white with a gorgeous silvery white back splash and tiles around the counter top. And Yes, I am a cook too.

me4short There is nothing like a bright kitchen, with clean lines, pop colors and creative frugality. I like it! It looks functional while not breaking the bank! Great Job....and I have to admit that I would've liked a chalk wall as a kid!

92viadi I love the energy and freshness of this kitchen . . . and the seemingly controversial blackboard! It inspires me to do something with these colors and the blackboard somewhere in our home!

Affecting Spaces We left the stove at it's existing location because the clients intend on blowing out the back wall. They will be moving the doors to the center of the room, and adding a cabinet/counter on the other side of the stove. As for the dishwasher, we also left that at its existing location to allow for a straight run of cabinets. Right now, the dishwasher is situated 30" away from the sink, so it's not a huge deal. It was better to leave it where it was to limit the space of open shelves at the sloped ceiling to allow for an existing vent (24"). This kitchen is not perfect, but the budget for materials was $6000. We transformed it from the dated 70's kitchen it was before, to this bright space that reflects the client's taste.

judyg A tight budget + a little of your time = a new, clean, Ikea kitchen. The family now has what they need for this time in their lives. I really like the desk and blackboard that was incorporated into the plan. When my girls were little, we put a workspace for them in the kitchen. They did homework there, while I prepared supper. They "quizzed" each other; I was there to help out, if needed. It was a fun time. We still recite a poem one of the girls wrote in fourth grade about a "spaghetti tree".

Just a great job! Love the togetherness this room provides them. Thanks for sharing.

avrilarts The first picture triggered my childhood memory of the kitchen in the house my parents built in 1957. The cabinets were plywood which my father stained (and wiped off) with black. With the beautiful grain showing through, they were finished with varnish. The walls were lime green. Floor, countertop, and dinette were grey and black pencil line curls - with the appropriate edgings of heavy chrome:). Vivid and happy memories. I was tickled to read that you added the colour to provide memories for your children. Very sweet. Thanks for sharing.

karelina I like the backsplash against the black and white. Nice contrast. Like the drawer under the sink. Good use of space.
What I don't understand is why there are a few inches above the cabinets. Wasted space and dust collector.

psychdoc49 I'm not a designer but an avid fan of good design. Moving the plumbing to shift the sink over would have improved the functionality and safety of this kitchen immensely. I also agree that the dishwasher needs to be adjacent to the sink. Finally I have a few general comments: having grown up in Montana I know how cold winters are and this kitchen needs some warmth to it. Some patterned drapes or shade at the window and some colorful art on the walls would be a nice touch, the chalkboard wall while charming could have been smaller (less of a black hole effect on gray days) and if the sitting counter was shortened there might be room for a small table and chairs at the window (something in a warm wood would be nice). Finally it's great to save appliances and I know all about budgets but I also know about teenagers. The refrigerator will be too small as the family grows. If they couldn't add a bigger on now, not adding the cabinets around the current frig would have allowed them to upgrade at a later date. Now they are locked into the current small size and it doesn't look like a built-in anyway. I like the idea of customizing ikea cabinets and I love love love the under sink recycling center. I don't mean to be critical but I agree that this should be a forum to discuss design in a critical manner since it will result in better design in the end:)

bubblyjock Wow - the Sunday morning grumpies are out in full force today!

@ The Kitchen Loft - yes, the family does have somewhere else to eat - if you look at the first photo, you can see a dining table and chairs beyond the kitchen, funnily enough. But I bet for everyday raced family breakfasts and rushed suppers before hockey practice, sitting along the wall is just fine, and ensures a quick and easy clean-up. Inhaled chalk dust optional.

I don't get why people think the dishwasher should be immediately beside the sink: if it's a couple of feet away, there's room for one person to stack or empty the dishwasher while someone else is at the sink. If you believe you need to pre-rinse your plates, get a dog. ;)

With such a small space, something's gotta give, obviously, but given their restrictions I think the designer and the family have come up with a cheerful, functional and affordable kitchen.

Bowden Carroll Design Bright, cheerful, functional, multi-purpose - wonderful!

Sandy Rabolli i had the smallest ugliest kitchen i the world and i raised 5 kids and 37 family members in in it for holidays. I and my daughter are gourmet health nuts and it was all about us being together. Every dinner was eaten together at the dining room table with great healthy food! I treasure this. I now have a new kitchen that is open and efficient but I miss the old family in it . Be in the moment not the enviroment! love your kids and your food but most important the time together!

psychdoc49 Not grumpy at all, just providing constructive comments. Kitchen loft was correct about the safety concerns placing the stove where it is for both kids and adults. Other comments: it's nice to have an eat-in kitchen and a small table possibly even a small banquet would be charming. As far as the counter goes, I would not want my kids to eat or do homework facing a black wall...anytime of year. Finally the subtitle says that bland has been given the boot- yet I find this kitchen cold and bland over. I love modern design, sleek lines but warmed up with some color.

oregonnative As the owner of a new IKEA kitchen I would like to mention one thing about IKEA cabinetry that surprisingly I have never seen mentioned ANYWHERE. While the drawer depth may measure up to 13 inches or more when measured on the EXTERIOR fronts, they are ALL actually ONLY 3 inches deep on the INTERIOR sides. I covered cardboard with white contact paper to make "sides" for all of the interiors of my new IKEA drawers so that they would be MORE than 3 inches deep on the sides, and capable of holding a true 'drawer full' of items. I feel like this is a huge design flaw on IKEA's part and am amazed that I have never seen it mentioned on the many sites I have seen promoting IKEA cabinetry. (Look at the last picture on this post for an example of what I am describing Those tub organizers can only be about 3 inches tall-which will not hold much and wastes an amazing amount of space.)

judyg (From the Harvard Law Review; "because there is no such thing as constructive criticism".)

For the blackboard:

1. Never give feedback when you are feeling that your own value is at risk.

2. Never give feedback while failing to hold the other person's value in the process.

3. Never assume that you are right about whatever it is you are inclined to say.

Evelene Rodgers Only thing I would change would be the chalkboard, which some don't like, Couldn't it be a white board? I think those come in colors also.

middleofnowhere The green tile and chalk wall make this otherwise plain kitchen fun. The only thing that bothered me: in the photo with the refrigerator, the fridge is a white white and cabinets are off white. That would make me nuts if I lived in this kitchen.

frenchdecor If someone critics the posted article I like to read it, I examine their comments and learn to avoid mistakes in my home decor/design. If I am determined I have kitchen I like no comments would change my mind, or I would do some changes if they are reasonable. Some trendy things are just trend and not necessary useful. As I looked closely the thickness of eating area countertop only 3/4" and kids must step on it to write something, so it's not chalkboard problem, but where it is, perhaps, and if you like to clean all those black cabinets from kids chalk hand prints. Hopefully kids will not assume they are for writing as well.

frenchdecor There alternative, laminated board for markers' writing that I prefer.

katsbreez Such a nice, bright and happy space. I love the shade of green on the tiles, the undersink recycling and the inspirational quotes on the blackboard.

lindin sorry, but I think far too much space was dedicated to the chalkboard/seating area for eating purposes. Use it for desk and homework. A table of natural wood, maybe vintage or rustic to soften the space at the far window so you can actually see faces and view the outdoors. I like the colors because they will work well with nature. The dishwasher doesn't allow for two to load.

bdcook Perhaps it was the only place that worked in this kitchen, but I don't like the garbage/recycling drawer directly under the sink. As you are working at the sink, every single time you need to toss something in, you have to step back, open the drawer, open the lids, and then close the drawer and step forward. This happens many times while preparing food at the sink. i have a garbage/recycling drawer that I love, but it is directly to the right of the sink. I can pull it open and use it while working at the sink - love it!

bdcook Perhaps it was the only place that worked in this kitchen, but I don't like the garbage/recycling drawer directly under the sink. As you are working at the sink, every single time you need to toss something in, you have to step back, open the drawer, open the lids, and then close the drawer and step forward. This happens many times while preparing food at the sink. i have a garbage/recycling drawer that I love, but it is directly to the right of the sink. I can pull it open and use it while working at the sink - love it!

garydean Why not make a kitchen for children and adults both to appreciate....I like the green subway tiles. The blackboard wall would be too much for me to keep looking good. I am all for reusing what you already have as long as you like it.

Jubi Arriola_Headley I tend to be conflict-averse, and I must admit that some of the above comments caused my abdominal muscles (such as they are) to constrict. That said, I think some context is in order. This kitchen was put forward as a “Kitchen of the Week,” by a Houzz.com staff writer. I think those kitchens would reasonably be held to a different standard than a one where a homeowner simply posts photos in the “before and after” section of Houzz, for example. For that reason, I think that it’s valid to critique this kitchen’s flaws. And personally, I generally find the feedback from professional architects and designers helpful.

HOWEVER - that said, I think it’s entirely valid that this kitchen, given the budget and specific constraints the homeowners faced, can be Kitchen of the Week. I only found out from reading the comments that the budget for this makeover was $6,000 if I read correctly - in which case I think they've done a pretty decent job. If readers had known from the article that the homeowner’s budget was $6,000, or that the placement of appliances had to do with future plans or specific mechanical constraints, the critiques could have been much more directed.

You know what would be fun? (At least for me). I’d like to see every article include the budget and the types of constraints and challenges from the beginning. I’d also love before and after floor plans, when possible. I always like to know that type of stuff, because my own kitchen has constraints and it's helpful to me to learn whether and how other folks choose to deal with them.

baziz to Lima et al. We had blackboard wall in teen son's room. We did not change the illustration. because finger marks look greasy, and once chaulk is rubbed or wiped, even w damp cloth it looks messy, and smeared. So I would not use this look in a kitchen where sure to be smudged and splattered and not with young kids. It would always look messy - and I haven't artistic skill to draw attractive replacement. Bedroom wall was fine but for kid that was old enough not to touch (though his friends were tempted to drag their fingers thru sometimes). We loved the look and would do again. Was also tons of fun for 16 yr old to chose his own illustration. Toronto artist Nicole Tarasick came up with suggestions and off they went. Took her a day to do and cost ? around $500 but was feature wall in otherwise spare room.

konstandina I very much agree with Jubi Arriola_Headley. If it is a Kitchen of the Week it is being heralded for some worthy elements and open for critique, but critique that is helpful. 'The location of the stove is a safety hazard' and why is a helpful critique; 'I don't like black and white kitchens' is not helpful.

I also agree that knowing budget and before and after floor plans would be such an inspiration!

charityk Love it! I'm so glad they didn't change the appliances just to be trendy. It looks great. I have a large chalkboard in my kitchen. There are no chalk dust problems. I just wipe it with a damp cloth. It is more to write notes and keep schedules, the kids have their own in another room.

CAROLE MEYER Love the chalk board paint..

queenanneslace So very glad to see a kitchen with WHITE APPLIANCES featured!! Really bored with all the kitchens with the same STAINLESS Steel !! TKs !!

broccoli10 Love the colors! It also is very spacious!The windows bring in a lot of sunlight:)

tendobrenda nice and lovely