For those who are not convinced that the kitchen is the heart and soul of the home, come over to our place around Thanksgiving. Not merely a nook for cooking, the kitchen becomes the extension of all other living spaces in the house with people chiming in about recipes, traditions, or the score of the football game. We’d like to think it’s all pumpkin-spice and everything nice, but with big gatherings comes big expectations and plenty of mouths to feed.
To prepare for such an occasion, we looked through our listings for luxury kitchens that are both stylish and functional, with the highest quality appliances and easy-to-navigate layouts. From the stuffing of the turkey to the slicing of the pie, these five kitchens get the job done, and then some, and for that we give thanks to them this Thanksgiving.
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1115 Sierra Alta | West Hollywood
Don’t be fooled by the minimalist design–this sleek and streamlined kitchen has it all, it’s just that much of it is hidden away. All-white cabinetry meets black glass countertops for a contrasting effect that’s pleasing on the eyes, while two large islands offer plenty of space for navigating between stations. Though you may not be able to control a relative from sneaking bites of the sweet-potato casserole, you certainly can control just about anything else. The built-in Control4 Signature Home Automation System allows you to adjust for all lights, sound, air, electrical, doors and alarms from anywhere using an iPad or iPhone. If that doesn’t work, the wine cooler is conveniently located just a few steps away.
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10981 Bellagio | Lower Bel Air
Gorgeous paneling and chandeliers make this kitchen feel less like a work space and more like an elegant room. Deep, cranberry-colored cabinetry with jet black molding adds to the theatrical environment. Featuring Viking, Miele and Sub-Zero appliances, an indoor brick gas grill, and a large butcher-block island on the peninsula, even the most demanding of chefs would be delighted to prepare a feast in this kitchen. Leading out from the kitchen is a formal, bright breakfast room with views of the patios, pool, and beautifully landscaped yard.
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9140 St. Ives | Sunset Strip
Tranquility is sometimes lost when preparing for an elaborate meal or feast, yet this kitchen is designed to return a sense of calm to cooking. Uniform white cabinetry and Carrara marble counters are both fresh and airy, the perfect compliment to the alfresco-inspired architectural design of the entire house. Wide floor-to-ceiling doors slide open up to provide additional deck seating overlooking the pool and Downtown L.A. meaning guests can flow in and out with ease. And when it’s time for pie, be sure to retreat outdoors to the plush lounge area and remote-controlled fireplace to cap off a quintessential California Holiday.
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825 Berkeley | Santa Monica
Tucked away in this Santa Monica home is a true chef’s kitchen blessed with the precise control of Wolf appliances and a massive center island capped with thick marble. Chrome-colored backsplash breaks up the natural tones found in the rest of the kitchen space. Beautiful wooden flooring leads from a set of windows on one end of the kitchen to the outdoor balcony on the other allowing natural light to flood in from both sides.
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8320 Grand View Dr. | Sunset Strip
Silver, black, and white accents beckon a sophisticated crowd to this pro-style kitchen. Complemented by Boffi cabinetry, state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances, and shimmering stainless counter-tops, any dishes coming out of the oven will feel like a delicacy. We have a flat-screen television (for the person glued to the football game) discreetly positioned on a nearby partition and a dining area and family/media room completing this level. Adding to the overall silky-smooth quality of the design are floor-to-ceiling glass windows undulating between the wall on the opposite side of the kitchen.