A bold black island topped in white is paired with bamboo stools with black-and-white seats in this fun and energetic kitchen. The pantry door is painted black, as are the window frames, lending contrast to the white millwork and white Shaker-style cabinetry that keeps the room open and bright. A trio of subtle, frosted-glass pendants attend the island.

The kitchen before redesign was not intuitively configured.

A long central island in black and white spans the redesigned kitchen, with room for seating on one side and a work space on the other. Three frosted pendants provide attractive living light, and the warm subway wall tile complements the hardwood floors.

The kitchen before redesign had a funky zigzag island and a picture window hogging the space.