Remodelista

Design partners Pamela Hill and Lois MacKenzie of Otto Baat Group took a small, dark kitchen in a beach house on the Oregon coast and transformed it into an airy, welcoming space without breaking the bank. Some of the steps to control costs - like eliminating cabinet doors where possible - also helped to achieve the spacious feeling. The countertops create a nice contrast against the cabinets and add texture to an otherwise neutral space. Create a similar look with the components listed below.

Photo by Jeffery Cross, courtesy of Otto Baat Design.

Above:  While the designers used custom cabinetry, similar Ikea kitchen cabinets can keep the costs down; consider components from the Akurum line. The Base Cabinet with Shelf, Two Drawers and Two Doors shown in white above is $146 at Ikea.

Above: Eliminating upper cabinets saves money and creates a light and airy feel; the Tryggve shelf ($7 each for the 46-7/8 inch length) and Valter Brackets ($3 each) are from Ikea.

Above: An industrial stainless-steel kitchen prep table is more affordable than a custom island and provides extra workspace in a kitchen short on counters. We like the look and the price of the Economy Stainless Steel Kitchen Island Work Table by John Boos, maker of professional food service products. Available in an array of sizes, starting at $431 for the 72-by-30-inch table at the Stainless Steel Store.

Above: In our view, faucets are not the place to economize; we like the Blanco Puris 1 Series Single-Handled Kitchen Faucet with sidespray (and a lifetime warranty); $471 at eFaucets.

Above: Union 6 Pendant Light; $234 with shade from Schoolhouse Electric.

Above: Vaken glass from Ikea, $3.99 for a pack of four.

Above: The dishwasher- and microwave-safe Dinera Stoneware is $21.99 for an 18-piece set (six place settings) at Ikea.

Above: Marimekko's Stilla Plywood Trays are both functional and stylish; $44 at Relish.

Above: The Cuatro Platters in durable white porcelain are versatile for serving and displaying; $1.95 for the small, $3.95 for the medium, and $14.95 for the large size at CB2.

Above: John Boos B12S Square Maple Cutting Board with wooden feet; $37.95 for the 12-inch-square size at All Cutting Boards.