People's choice

A modern kitchen is typically designed to enhance an open-plan living environment. Functionality is important, but in being part of a greater living space, there is also a need for the kitchen to retain a visual aesthetic when not in use.

Practical kitchens that also look good are the specialty of Ashbourne House Kitchen Systems, a kitchen design business based in New York City. The company imports modular kitchens direct from Germany and then customizes to suit individual client's needs.

Company founder Mary Foley has been fitting and customizing kitchens in the greater New York area for over 10 years. With an aim for creating aesthetically pleasing and functional kitchens, she says it's also important that each kitchen she designs communicates something about the owner.

"We like to create kitchens that project the personalities of the owners, whether it's designed for entertaining or for a more formal look," she says.

Kitchens from Ashbourne House come in a variety of styles, from traditional farmhouse looks to the sleek contemporary designs featured here.

The company can also create pieces for other areas of the house that will match those in the kitchen, including wall units for the living room, side boards for the dining room, as well as freestanding bookcases and TV cabinets. Foley works closely with each client to ensure they feel involved in the whole process.

"After all, it is the client who is going to be using their kitchen. They really should be included in all steps of the design, from start to finish," she says.

Ashbourne House offers a free consultation service and competitive rates, and uses practical terms to present the available options to prospective clients.

"I call it the Foley factor. I tell you the facts about what kitchen designs are available and then it's up to you to decide."

For more information, contact Ashbourne House Kitchen Systems, 235 East 59th Street, New York, ph (212) 308 8800, email: ashbournehouse@gmail.com.

Story by: Trendsideas