image via Set Directors Society of America

Nora Walker’s kitchen.  Just beautiful.  If you are familiar with the T.V. show Brothers and Sisters, then you are probably familiar with this kitchen.  In many episodes, it is the hub of activity.  From family fights to heartfelt family discussions, the kitchen is where people gather.  And that proably goes for both the Walker’s and your own family!

Let’s see how we can get a similar look and feel. 

Wood floor in the kitchen.  There are so many different ways to get this look depending on what your budget allows.  Here are some options:

Harwood Floors

image via Armstrong

There are many different species, plank sizes, and finishes to select from.  Hardwood is solid wood that can be sanded and refinished many times, years down the road.  To read more information about hard wood read this from Armstrong.

Engineered Hardwood Floors

image via Armstrong

Engineered hardwood floors are wood as well.  The image above shows the difference from hardwood really well.  Engineered hardwoods are made up of multiple layers of wood.  This layering gives the wood floor great stability, meaning it doesn’t shrink and expand as much with temperature changes.  To read more information about engineered hardwood floors read this from Armstrong.

Laminate Wood Floors

image via Armstrong

Laminate flooring is made up of four layers.  With the design layer {layer #2} being an actual photographic image of wood.  So, you get the look of wood with a much less expensive price tag.  For more information on laminate flooring read this from Armstrong.

 

Vinyl Wood Flooring

Vinyl flooring is available in sheets, tiles, and planks.  This is another less expensive way to get a wood look. 

With the laminate wood floor and vinyl wood floor, do your research.  There are many of these products that are great looking, but there are also a ton of these products that aren’t great looking!  There are lots of different manufacturer’s, so you have many to choose from.

 

Tile Wood Flooring

image via American Olean

Another great is a porcelain tile that looks like wood.  Yep, they have porcelain tile that is cut into “plank” sizes and everything!  They are beautiful products!  The photo above is the Terreno Collection from American Olean.  I caution you though….the tile products can be as expensive as hardwood, but you don’t have to worry about water damage and such.  The newly redone Starbucks at Utica Square has a tile wood plank floor installed.  Not sure what manufacturer it is, but you can see what it looks like.

Moving on…..the white cabinetry in Nora’s kitchen is a beautiful contrast to the dark wood floors.  If you are wanting this look, but don’t want to purchase new cabinets, paint the ones you already have!  This can be a relatively easy and inexpensive project that will completely change the look of your kitchen. 

The backsplash is a simple and classic glossy cream/white subway tile.  I love this look!

The counter tops around the perimeter of the kitchen look like they are the same glossy cream/white tile, that match the backsplash.  If you don’t want tile for a counter {think about the grout lines}, you could do a granite that looks like white carrarra marble.

 

 image via Ruby Jewel Studio

Some other options for a similar look would be a solid surface such as Corian or a quartz product such as Zodiaq.  Zodiaq actually has a color called, “Bianco Carrara”.  I have Zodiaq counters in my kitchen and love them.  They are super durable…I can take a pan out of the oven and set it directly on the counter and not worry.

The amazing center island looks like it has a wood top.  Beautiful.  If you wanted something other than wood, you could go with a stained concrete counter.  Just choose a rich brown stain.

The walls are covered in what looks like a grass cloth wallpaper in a warm, light yellow color.  The grass cloth look provides a nice, subtle texture.  If the idea of grass cloth in a kitchen scares you, think about a vinyl wallcovering that looks like grass cloth.  This will allow you to scrub the heck out of it and it is super durable!

Around the kitchen they have used blue and white plates and canisters, along with clear vases, and lots of fresh fruit and flowers to accessorize.  Here are some contemporary blue and white dishes, from West Elm, that would look great.

image via West Elm

For a more traditional look, Dillards has a great Ralph Lauren set of of china called “Mandarin Blue”.

 

images from Dillards

And for clear vases to fill, Pottery Barn has got some great ones!  You might also check your local Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshall’s.  They almost always have great deals on clear glass vases and canisters.

image via Pottery Barn

And finally, let’s take a look at her fabulous commercial style stainless steel kitchen appliances!  You can read an interview with Denny Dugally, the production designer, & Bryan Venegas, the set decorator, on the Sub-Zero website here.  From a huge refrigerator, double gas stove and oven combination, and wine cooler, Nora Walker is ready to prepare any sized meal! 

image via Sub-Zero

Well, I’m ready for a kitchen makeover….how about you?