Kitchen Confidential

There’s no question about it: Designing or remodeling a kitchen can be the toughest, most complicated, and costliest home project you’ll ever encounter. Happily, it can also turn out to be the most rewarding.
    
In our first-ever comprehensive kitchen issue, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you by finding real-life examples of near-perfect rooms. These five Greater Boston kitchens represent a broad range of styles, finishes, and layouts. We annotate them down to the smallest detail—from cabinets to appliances to countertops—and pinpoint their smart design elements and problem-solving ideas. Read on for how to take your own kitchen from so-so to superb.

The Look: Exotic
North African touches warm up a well-proportioned galley kitchen.
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The Look: Euro
Designed for kids, pets, and parties, this layout was heavily influenced by the homeowners’ time in Switzerland.
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The Look: Green
Big spaces can be eco-friendly—just choose your cabinets wisely.
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The Look: Classic
French pendants, an enameled stove, and a marble island lend a distinguished air to a traditional kitchen.
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The Look: Modern
A suburban Colonial gets a contemporary makeover in dark wood and a neutral palette.
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