Kitchens

In California's idyllic Sea Ranch community, a vacation home privileges views of the Pacific Ocean and fog-shrouded trees. The bright and airy interiors, following a crisp, Scandinavian aesthetic, are pared back to retain focus on the spectacular surroundings.

You can still infuse open kitchen shelving into your space without foregoing all cabinetry. For instance, base cabinets typically should maintain their doors, as it's easier to get lower shelves dirty and damage any dishware inside.

In the combined kitchen and dining room, a skylight lets in lots of sunlight, and the table overlooks the courtyard.

The sleek black kitchen is fitted with oak timber floors and brass accents to infuse additional sophistication into the space.

Detail of Kitchen

In this Toronto home, the windows of the combined laundry and bathroom looks out into a courtyard from the second floor.