Modern Country kitchens

Lowering the counter to 33 inches on either side of the four-burner rangetop made it easier for the cook to stir and to fill pots. Made from gold-green granite, the lowered countertops pick up the colors from both the natural maple wall cabinets and the distressed green island.

For the gourmet cook or gourmet family, only a 60-inch range with modular cooktop and double ovens will do. That kind of power requires an oversize ventilation hood liner, which the designer topped off with a custom finish and border.

Beaded inset maple cabinetry with a distressed rub-through finish suits this historic home. A white tile backsplash with a black and white checkerboard pattern over the Wolf range adds character.

Bring the outdoors into your kitchen with an oversize archtop window. Natural stone countertops in shades of gray pick up the color of the floor accent tiles as well as the pro-size stainless steel refrigerator. Beaded wood kitchen cabinets and matching tall chairs in medium brown continue the earth-toned palette.

A pot rack keeps pots and pans accessible for the cook but out of reach of children. Two sinks, multiple trash and recycling areas and a large refrigerator also make this kitchen family friendly. A large island with a blue counter adds workspace and a splash of color.

The fifth wall—aka the ceiling—offers additional design opportunities. An alcove with decorative border and a skylight brings in natural light and continues the themes and colors of the kitchen below. The blond wood cabinets and floors and blue and white walls combine in a classic country color scheme.

With its polka-dot black and white ceramic tile and stainless steel backsplash, this L-shaped kitchen has a touch of retro flair. White kitchen countertops and white recessed beadboard panel cabinets with cup pulls make a bright contrast to the dark hardwood floors and black range and vent hood.

A built-in banquette with drawers under the bench helps to maximize storage space. Butter-cream yellow cabinets and large windows make this small space feel light and airy.

Painted blue-green and yellow cabinetry features beaded inset doors with sanded corners, dish and cup racks and pullout wicker baskets. A pocket door hides a microwave; panels disguise a refrigerator and dishwasher. A porcelain farm sink, butcher-block counters, wrought-iron light fixture, knotty flooring and hand-planed ceiling beams complete the look.

Everything old is new again in this antique-inspired kitchen. The kitchen island, purchased in finished form, consists of the bottom of an upright piano with a wooden countertop. Brand-new: the stainless-steel wine chiller, side-by-side refrigerator and built-in microwave.