The Best Kitchens of 2009

"The kitchen is a bright, practical room for a family that likes to cook," says designer Alex Papachristidis. "The lanterns are transparent, so they don't block the waterfront view."
Featured in the January 2009 issue.

The island in this Zen kitchen was modeled on a Japanese tansu, or storage chest with slated doors. "They slide open, as opposed to swinging out, which allows you to have larger openings and works really well in a small kitchen," says designer Marguerite Rodgers.
Featured in the April 2009 issue.

In her Connecticut kitchen, designer Eileen Segalman used two islands — one for prep, one for cleanup. "The islands are laid out galley style, and they're oriented so that I never have my back turned to anyone when I'm cooking," she says.
Featured in the February 2009 issue.

"Nothing scares this client except white," says designer Cathy Kincaid, "so of course she didn't want the typical white kitchen." Instead, Kincaid chose colored tiles that cover the vaulted ceiling, floors, and backsplash.
Featured in the May 2009 issue.

Designer Craig Kettles collected pieces — an old china cabinet, a marble-topped table, and a well-worn butcher block — to create a new kitchen with an old-fashioned heart.
Featured in the June 2009 issue.

"We've all seen gorgeous white kitchens, and there's a place for them," says designer Steven Gabrel. "I was trying to create something modern and clean. But I thought bringing in the colors of nature — silvers, grays, oysters, driftwoods, and sands — would be more appropriate."
Featured in the August 2009 issue.

Midnight blue paint creates drama and mystery, yet doesn't feel heavy because it's set off with a white tin ceiling and a marble tile floor. Airy open shelves hold a collection of hotel silver. "Is it an industrial kitchen or an elegant library? I really wanted that back-and-forth," says designer Windsor Smith.
Featured in the September 2009 issue.

In this small kitchen, cabinets were lacquered in green, as was the roller shade, which erases an exhaust unit. Even the Sub-Zero refrigerator was painted. Design by Miles Redd.
Featured in July 2009 issue.

Colors taken straight out of the Provençal landscape make this kitchen — designed by Suzanne Tucker — feel like a country house in France.
Featured in the September 2009 issue.

Designer Jonathan Adler used fabric in lime green and dishware in blue throughout this mostly white kitchen. Ikea cabinets are topped with marble countertops. "I think Ikea is a treasure," he says. "You can get a kitchen that looks this fabulous and not spend squillions."
Featured in the May 2009 issue.