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Uncommon Kitchens: A Revolutionary Approach to the Most Popular Room in the House

Uncommon Kitchens: A Revolutionary Approach to the Most Popular Room in the House – A Book Review

If you are looking for some fresh and inspiring ideas to transform your kitchen into a space that reflects your personality, style, and needs, then you might want to check out Uncommon Kitchens, a new book by Sophie Donelson, the former editor in chief of House Beautiful. In this book, Donelson showcases a variety of kitchen designs and remodeling projects from innovators, designers, and creative thinkers who have dared to break the rules and create their own uncommon kitchens.

In this review, I will give you an overview of the book, its main themes, and some of the highlights. I will also share my opinion on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, and whether I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in kitchen design.

What is the book about?

Uncommon Kitchens is a collection of personality-filled kitchen designs and remodeling wisdom from people who have challenged the conventional wisdom and created their own unique spaces. The book is divided into 10 chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of kitchen design, such as color, layout, storage, lighting, furniture, and more. Each chapter features several examples of uncommon kitchens, along with tips, advice, and insights from the people behind them. The book also includes color photographs, illustrations, and floor plans to help you visualize the ideas and concepts.

The book is not a step-by-step guide or a how-to manual, but rather a source of inspiration and information for anyone who wants to rethink their kitchen and make it more like them. The book aims to show you that there is no one right way to design a kitchen, and that you can mix and match styles, colors, furnishings, and layouts to create a space that suits your taste, budget, and lifestyle.

What are the main themes of the book?

The book explores several themes that are relevant to kitchen design and remodeling, such as:

  • Personality: The book emphasizes the importance of expressing your personality and preferences in your kitchen, and not being afraid to experiment with different elements and ideas. The book shows you how to infuse your kitchen with your own style, whether it is modern, rustic, eclectic, or anything in between.
  • Creativity: The book encourages you to unleash your creativity and think outside the box when it comes to your kitchen. The book shows you how to use unexpected materials, colors, patterns, and accessories to add some flair and fun to your kitchen. The book also shows you how to repurpose and reuse items that you already have or can find easily, such as vintage furniture, art, or plants.
  • Functionality: The book also reminds you that your kitchen should be functional and practical, as well as beautiful and personal. The book shows you how to optimize your kitchen for your needs, whether it is cooking, entertaining, working, or relaxing. The book shows you how to create a layout that maximizes your space, storage, and workflow, and how to choose appliances, fixtures, and lighting that enhance your efficiency and comfort.

What are some of the highlights of the book?

The book is full of examples of uncommon kitchens that will inspire and amaze you. Some of the highlights include:

  • A breakfast nook that is extra inviting, with a cozy banquette, a colorful rug, and a gallery wall of art and photos.
  • A kitchen that is organized and accessible, with open shelves, glass-front cabinets, and labeled containers that make it easy for cooks and guests alike to find what they need.
  • A kitchen that is flexible and adaptable, with a modular system of cabinets, countertops, and appliances that can be rearranged and customized according to the needs and preferences of the users.
  • A kitchen that is cheerful and updated, with a bright yellow color scheme, a geometric backsplash, and a mix of modern and vintage furniture and accessories.
  • A kitchen that is eclectic and surprising, with a midcentury-style slab cabinets, a collection of antiques, and a chandelier made of spoons.
  • A kitchen that is dramatic and whimsical, with a dark blue color scheme, a copper range hood, and a Game of Thrones-inspired mural.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?

The book has many strengths, such as:

  • It is well-written and engaging, with a friendly and conversational tone that makes you feel like you are chatting with a friend who is passionate about kitchen design.
  • It is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear and concise chapters, subheadings, and bullet points that help you find the information and ideas you are looking for.
  • It is well-illustrated and visually appealing, with high-quality photographs, illustrations, and floor plans that showcase the details and features of each kitchen.
  • It is informative and educational, with tips, advice, and insights from experts and professionals who share their knowledge and experience on kitchen design and remodeling.
  • It is inspirational and motivational, with stories and anecdotes from real people who share their challenges and successes in creating their own uncommon kitchens.

The book also has some weaknesses, such as:

  • It is not very comprehensive or in-depth, as it only covers a limited number of kitchen designs and topics, and does not provide much technical or practical information on how to implement the ideas and concepts.
  • It is not very realistic or affordable, as some of the kitchen designs and projects featured in the book are very expensive, complex, or time-consuming, and may not be feasible or suitable for everyone.
  • It is not very diverse or inclusive, as most of the kitchen designs and projects featured in the book are from the United States, and do not reflect the diversity of cultures, lifestyles, and preferences of people around the world.

Would I recommend the book?

Overall, I would recommend the book to anyone who is interested in kitchen design and remodeling, and who is looking for some fresh and inspiring ideas to transform their kitchen into a space that reflects their personality, style, and needs. The book is a great source of inspiration and information for anyone who wants to rethink their kitchen and make it more like them. The book is also a great read for anyone who enjoys looking at beautiful and creative kitchen designs and learning from the stories and experiences of the people behind them.

However, I would also caution the readers to take the book with a grain of salt, and not to expect it to be a comprehensive or realistic guide or manual on how to create their own uncommon kitchens. The book is meant to be a starting point and a catalyst for your own imagination and creativity, and not a blueprint or a recipe for your kitchen design and remodeling. The book is also meant to be a celebration and a showcase of the diversity and beauty of kitchen design, and not a prescription or a judgment of what a kitchen should or should not be.

Ultimately, the book is a reminder that your kitchen is your own, and that you have the power and the freedom to make it as uncommon as you want.

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