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2026/02/25

10 Kitchen Features That Instantly Boost Function And Style

A feast for the eyes, these local projects prove how powerful a thoughtful layout can be in the hardest-working area of the home. 

Interior Design by Melissa Moore of Southeastern Galleries

Photography by Kelly Parrish

1) Frame the View with Black-Cased, Trimless Windows

Black cased trimless windows flood this modern kitchen with natural light. Contemporary cabinetry forgoes embellishments and features underlit base lights for visibility and ambiance. Waterfall edge countertops further echo the sleek sensibility of this new build.

Kitchen Built by Arnett Custom Homes

Photography by Tim Nelson

2) Introduce a Statement Hue in the Cabinetry

This design team built a kitchen that maintains a tidy aesthetic with custom sage green cabinetry and smart storage solutions that keep everyday items out of sight yet within reach.

Custom Cabinetry by Cabinet IQ of Charleston

Photography by Kelly Parrish

3) Embrace Bold Contrast with Black and Wood Cabinetry

A refined take on modern farmhouse style, this kitchen blends painted black oak with nutmeg-stained oak for organic warmth and texture. The visible grain and two-toned hardware create depth and balance, uniting the contrast of wood and paint into one cohesive design.

Custom Cabinetry Designed by Niki Komerek of Charleston Cabinets, Inc.

Photography by Ruta Smith

4)  Carry Your Countertop Material Up the Backsplash

Traditional meets modern in this exquisite kitchen renovation. Fine details like custom millwork and molding surround the connected kitchen and dining space with breathing room and space to gather.

Kitchen Remodel by Citadel Enterprises, Inc.

Photography by Ruta Smith 

5) Double the Function with Two Islands

Without changing the floor plan, this kitchen was transformed with new cabinets painted Alabaster White among accents of reeded glass for a minimal aesthetic. Taj Mahal quartzite created a partial backsplash and covers the new split islands for ample space to host and gather.

Kitchen cabinets and remodel by HW Cabinet Co.

Photography by Ruta Smith 

6) Elevate the Island with a Custom Surface Detail

New white stone countertops on the kitchen island complement the new tile backsplash and updated cabinets. 

Kitchen Remodel by Kitchen Tune-Up

Photography by Ruta Smith 

7) Integrate a Built-In Dining Nook

A built-in dinkin nook and oversized island anchor this custom kitchen, where timeless design meets effortless entertaining.

Interior Design by Kate Miles Design

Photography by Ruta Smith 

8) Layer in Architectural and Decorative Finishes

This thoughtfully layered kitchen, built by Kingsoowd Home,s combines interior architecture by Chad McDonald, custom cabinetry by Johnson Custom Cabinetry, and curated finishes for a refined yet liveable space. A subtle blue quartz countertop that continues up the backsplash sets a serene tone, paired with Century Furniture counter stools in performance fabric and a Venetian plastered hood crafted by local artist Candice Murphy. 

Interior Design by Amelia Interiors

Photography by Holger Obenaus

9) Maximize Storage with Custom Glide-Out Shelving

Custom-designed and built to fit this kitchen pantry, this solution maximizes every inch of storage. Pull-out shelving keeps even the hardest-to-reach items within easy access, while personalized organization ensures everything has its place. 

Custom Pull-Out Shelving by ShelfGenie 

Photography Provided by ShelfGenie

10) Warm the Space with a Wood Countertop Feature

This homeowner wanted a fresh interpretation of the classicwaterfall island. Kuprel Homes and Spaces of Distinction brought the vision to life, and the skilled carpenters at  Southern Lumber Millwork and Corp. handcrafted the custom walnut waterfall countertop that completes this stunning kitchen. 

Custom Walnut Countertop by Southern Lumber & Millwork Corp.

Photography by Ruta Smith

 

 

 

For more project inspiration, read Get Cooking on pg. 190 of the Winter 2026 Issue!

 

PHOTO GALLERY

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