Introduction
A kitchen is often considered the heart of a home – it’s where families gather, meals are prepared, and memories are made. For many homeowners, the kitchen is a top priority when renovating or building a new home. Kitchen design has come a long way over the years, with more open, airy layouts that promote visibility and interaction between the kitchen and adjoining rooms. The “entryway kitchen” is one such design that aims to seamlessly integrate the kitchen into the entrance of a home.
In this kitchen of the week, we explore a stunning entryway kitchen in a newly constructed home. This kitchen really opens up the entry space and provides a warm, inviting welcome right from the front door. We’ll look at the layout, cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, appliances and other details that make this transitional entryway kitchen design a huge success. Read on to get inspired for your own home’s kitchen!
Overview of the Entryway Kitchen Layout
One of the biggest benefits of an entryway kitchen is the spacious, open feel it provides. This light-filled kitchen features a generous work triangle with decorative wood accents, a large kitchen island that doubles as a breakfast bar, high-end stainless steel appliances and lots of custom cabinetry. It seamlessly connects to the foyer and flows right into the dining and living areas.
Placing the kitchen right in the entrance really makes it a focal point. It also maximizes the natural light, as this kitchen benefits from ample windows along two adjoining walls. The entryway location allows the kitchen to open into the main living space while still feeling separate from the family room and formal dining room.
Let’s explore the details of how this entryway kitchen makes such a bold first impression.
Spacious Work Triangle
The work triangle – formed between the stove, sink and refrigerator – is the functional heart of any kitchen layout. This kitchen has an open concept work triangle spanning about 15 feet per side. The expansive triangular workspace allows multiple cooks to maneuver comfortably at the same time.
The long kitchen island forms one side of the work triangle. The sizable island provides extra prep space and seating while separating the kitchen slightly from the entryway. The stainless steel refrigerator stands across from the island, flanked by cabinets. The stove and sink take up the third side along the back wall.
This wide open work area promotes an interactive, social environment without cramping the cooking process. The oak wood accent wall and ceiling beams add warmth while defining the kitchen zone.
Breakfast Bar Island
The large kitchen island is truly the centerpiece of this transitional kitchen. It adds storage, seating and style while opening up the space. The island pairs a crisp white quartz countertop with a navy blue base cabinet for a striking color combination.
One side of the island features a raised counter that serves as a breakfast bar with room for four bar stools. This allows the island to double as a casual dining spot without impeding the work triangle. The navy island base ties into the accent wall color and adds a dose of vibrancy.
The ample island provides extra surface area for meal prep as well. The homeowners opted for an overhang on one side to accommodate bar seating. Open shelving underneath provides storage for cookbooks, baking sheets and everyday kitchen items.
Quality Cabinetry
The perimeter of this kitchen is lined with beautiful custom cabinetry that provides style and storage space. The upper cabinets extend to the ceiling to maximize space. They feature a crisp white paint color and recessed panel doors for a transitional look.
The lower cabinets are also white with a sleek slab door design. The wall cabinets help delineate the kitchen area from the foyer and dining room. The base cabinets offer plenty of storage for cookware, dinnerware, pantry items and more.
The homeowners chose pull handles over knobs for an elegant touch. The streamlined hardware complements the simple cabinet door styles. All the cabinetry was custom built to precisely fit the kitchen’s unique dimensions.
Kitchen Finishes That Pop
Beyond the layout, kitchen finishes like countertops, backsplashes and flooring really impact the look and functionality of the space. This entryway kitchen combines stylish finishes with durable materials built to handle heavy use. Let’s look at how each design choice contributes to the kitchen aesthetic.
White Quartz Countertops
Crisp white quartz countertops with subtle grey veining pair beautifully with the navy island and white cabinets. Quartz offers an extremely durable and low maintenance surface. It’s non-porous, making it very resistant to stains, scratches and heat.
The white quartz has just a hint of grey detailing to complement the wood accents without looking too busy. Full-slab installation provides a seamless look throughout the perimeter. The premium quartz countertops nicely accent the custom cabinetry.
An apron-front farmhouse sink is nestled into the quartz countertop along the back wall. The deep single-basin sink and brushed gold faucet add vintage character while still feeling sleek and modern.
White Subway Tile Backsplash
No kitchen is complete without a backsplash to protect the walls and tie the elements together. This kitchen features a popular white subway tile backsplash. The 3×6 gloss tiles provide just enough texture without overpowering the space.
The backsplash starts at the countertops and runs to the underside of the wall cabinets, fully protecting the back wall. To add interest, horizontal rows of accent tiles in a navy blue hue are interspersed. This ties back to the island color and adds a pop of color.
The tiles have a classic feel, while the addition of blue accent tiles gives the backsplash a contemporary twist. White grout keeps the look clean and streamlined. The backsplash works beautifully with the countertops and brightens up the whole kitchen.
Dark Wood Flooring
Rich wood floors anchor the light and airy kitchen design and provide a welcome contrast. Wide-plank oak flooring runs throughout the kitchen and into the entryway and other rooms. The dark, natural wood floors bring warmth and texture.
Wood flooring is ideal for kitchens, as it wears well over time. The dark color helps conceal any messes or imperfections. Combined with the blue island and wood beam ceiling, the floors help balance all the crisp white cabinetry. The continuous flooring helps the entry kitchen flow seamlessly into the rest of the open concept home.
Appliances and Extras
Beyond the foundational elements, a kitchen needs the right appliances and extras to be fully functional. Carefully selected finishes, fixtures, and appliances complete this entryway kitchen. Let’s look at some of the extras that take this space to the next level.
Stainless Steel Appliances
The homeowners chose pro-style Thermador stainless steel appliances to match the transitional style. Stainless steel fridges, ranges, ovens and dishwashers are popular for their sleek look and durability. This package includes:
- 30” refrigerator with bottom freezer drawer
- 5 burner gas stove with griddle
- Built-in combination wall oven and microwave
- Quiet fully integrated dishwasher
The appliances feature minimalist styling with heav duty functionality perfect for an active family kitchen. Their smaller size fits well in the open layout without overwhelming. Simple stainless steel pairs nicely with all the kitchen finishes.
Decorative Range Hood
An important but often overlooked appliance is the range hood. In this kitchen, the range hood does double duty by acting as a design focal point. The homeowners selected a statement range hood with exposed wood detailing.
The stainless steel chimney ties in with the appliances, while the reclaimed wood adds warmth. The deep hood provides the proper airflow to keep the kitchen breezy. At the same time, the hood’s unique design draws the eye and anchors the back wall. It adds the perfect rustic-chic touch above the stove.
Pendant Lighting
Proper kitchen lighting combines task lighting over key areas with ambient fill lighting. This kitchen balances recessed can lights with stunning pendant lights over the island. Three mixed metal drum-shaped pendants add a contemporary edge.
The trio of pendants cast a warm glow over the island, making it perfect for prepping or casual meals. Their brushed brass, black iron and oil rubbed bronze finish picks up on the mixed metal door hardware. Over the periphery, recessed lighting provides uniform illumination for kitchen tasks.
Built-In Wine Fridge
For the wine enthusiast, this kitchen features a built-in 18-bottle wine fridge. The undercounter wine cooler provides perfect storage for white and red wine. Installed near the breakfast bar, it keeps wine properly chilled and on display.
Built-in wine fridges combine convenience with an upscale look. The integrated cabinetry allows the fridge to blend right in. This is an example of a customized extra that adds functionality specific to the homeowners.
Final Thoughts
This kitchen of the week demonstrates how opening up the kitchen to the entryway creates a welcoming gathering space for family and guests. The strategic layout and transitional elements blend traditional warmth with contemporary styling. From the statement navy island to the light quartz counters and accent tile backsplash, the finishes work together seamlessly while still offering an element of surprise.
Clever touches like the wood-topped range hood, built-in wine fridge and pendant lighting elevate the space. The quality materials and attention to detail ensure this entry kitchen will maintain its beauty and function for years to come. While it was customized for the homeowners, this kitchen offers inspirational ideas for anyone looking to improve their home’s entrance with an entryway kitchen design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about entryway kitchens:
What are the benefits of an entryway kitchen?
Some benefits of an entryway kitchen include:
- Creates an inviting first impression for guests
- Allows the kitchen to open up into adjoining living spaces
- Maximizes natural light
- Anchor points can help delineate the kitchen from other areas
- Provides easy access from the front door for unloading groceries
What elements make a successful entryway kitchen?
Design elements for a great entryway kitchen include:
- An open, contiguous layout
- A spacious work triangle
- Transition spaces like islands or peninsulas to separate from entry
- Statement features like dramatic lighting or colors
- Stylish finishes that stand up to heavy use
- Custom cabinetry built for the unique space
What lighting works best for an entryway kitchen?
Great lighting options for entryway kitchens include:
- Statement pendants or chandeliers over islands
- Recessed can lighting for ambient fill light
- Undercabinet lighting for task areas
- Natural light if possible through adjoining windows
Be sure to incorporate layers of lighting and accent lighting over key areas.
What flooring is best for kitchens that connect to an entryway?
Some great kitchen flooring options that flow from the entry include:
- Wide plank hardwoods
- Wood-look luxury vinyl plank
- Porcelain or ceramic tile
- Natural stone like marble or slate
Avoid carpeting, which can collect dirt and moisture. Select durable materials that withstand heavy traffic from both the kitchen and entryway.
How can you blend an entryway kitchen into an open floor plan?
Design tricks to blend an entry kitchen into open floor plans:
- Use similar or continuous flooring
- Repeat colors and finishes from other areas
- Add built-in cabinetry or half-walls for transition spaces
- Use statement lighting and anchoring islands or peninsulas
- Make clean lines and an open layout the priority
Transitional style elements also help an entry kitchen flow within an open concept.
Kitchen of the Week: An Entryway Kitchen Opens Up
An entryway kitchen design can create a welcoming, open layout that integrates the cooking space near the front entry.
This entryway kitchen employs clever design to really open up the entrance and highlight the gorgeous kitchen. The spacious work triangle, large kitchen island, high-end finishes and custom details make this kitchen the focal point right from the front door.
From the cabinetry to the quartz counters to the subway tile backsplash, all the material selections work together while still offering pops of color. Pro touches like the wood-topped range hood, pendant lighting and built-in wine fridge elevate the look. This entry kitchen walks the line between traditional and contemporary with its transitional vibe.
While customized, this stunning entryway kitchen offers inspiration for integrating multifunctional cooking spaces near home entrances. The strategic layout and attention to detail come together to form a warm, welcoming entry kitchen any guest is sure to admire.
