To learn how to maximize a kitchen, we went straight to the experts. The team at our sister brand and neighbor, Delish, tests, develops, and films more than 100 recipes a month down the hall from House Beautiful. So when they built a new test kitchen (for recipe development) and studio kitchens (for video production and photography), they aimed for peak efficiency. With the help of interior designer Betsy Wentz and sponsors GE Profile, GoodCook, and The Bar, the space got a complete overhaul, with custom cabinetry concealing hidden outlets for appliances, plus tile, paint, and colorful light fixtures to add interest. You'll find more than one ingredient here to work into your home kitchen.
As pictured above, the commercial test kitchen is a "a very modern, very clean, very durable" space with two islands for cooking, prep, and storage, says architect Richard Woodward of Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel. The neutral kitchen islands get a jolt of color from shelf back panels painted in Benjamin Moore's Old Glory. Countertops: Caesarstone. Tile: Fireclay Tile.
The Delish team uses an iPad Air to take recipe notes. Kite-shaped tile, set off by dark grout, and coral light fixtures bring texture and color to the sink areas. Sconces: The Urban Electric Co. Tile: Fireclay Tile.
Each island conceals a cutout for stashing gear—in this case, a half-height cooling rack that fits neatly under the counter.
In this 342-square-foot studio kitchen, the wall ovens, range, and sink are all within easy reach. "The goal is that you can move between them without too much effort," Wentz explains. Appliances: GE Profile. Pot: Staub.
Clockwise from top left: Divider inserts keep things organized. Kitchen utensils, from $6. goodcook.com. A coffee station shelf matches the blue accents of the kitchen islands. Espresso machine, GE Profile Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, $479. The GE Profile Smart Slide-In Gas Range resists fingerprints. $1,999. geappliances.com. The architects built a pullout spice rack that offers access from both sides.
Ideal for everything from breakfast to happy hour, the built-in bar brings the fun with teal tiles and coral stools. "People are afraid of fabric in a kitchen, but performance fabric (here on the counter stools) can be wiped down," Wentz says. Tile: Fireclay Tile. Pendants: The Urban Electric Co. Stools: Andreu World. Spirits: The Bar. Wallcovering: custom, The Detroit Wallpaper Co.
