Modern Kitchen Designer by Erica Islas

EMI Interior Design, Inc. is a full-service residential interior design and build firm, founded by award-winning designer Erica Islas in 2000. Through her years of experience, Erica has developed a unique style of mixing old with new and giving each project a timeless feel. Seamlessly juxtaposing limestone, marble, earthy woods, textured fabrics and organic colors with materials such as metal and glass is what gives Erica's work a striking and harmonious feel.

EMI Interior Designs' philosophy is to create inviting and elegant interiors-- straying from trends that will only disappoint in years to come. Their design approach is to Architecturally space plan every square inch of a room to work both aesthetically and functionally. Each project is tailored specifically to each client, as Erica pays special attention to every detail that goes into project. Known for her incredible Kitchens and Bathroom renovations, challenges such as small spaces and children's rooms are welcome and embraced by Erica and her staff, as they creatively transform some of the smallest most unusable spaces to multi-functional rooms. EMI Interior Design is committed to using sustainable materials, wherever possible.

The Aga stove is the star of this kitchen, complementing the rustic beams and architecture of the home. A glass backsplash and CaesarStone countertops are details that modernize this super sleek custom space.

This open kitchen has a "lofty" feel. Continuing the dark ebony stained wood floor from the living room and dining room into the kitchen help the space appear larger. Carrera marble countertops and cream-colored cabinets produce a big contrast with the ebony stained hardwood floors.

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Modern Kitchen Style

The busy city slicker on the go will love the no-fuss features of modern kitchens. Known for their sleek lines and metallic finishes, modern kitchens are designed to be clean, simple and functional, yet still highly stylish.

Dark wood base cabinets are paired with metal-and-glass upper cabinets in this kitchen to create a transition from heavy to light. A white 2x2-inch glass-tile backsplash is illuminated to offset the larger squares of the upper cabinets, adding another layer of rhythm and scale to the space.


Glossy smoke-gray cabinetry paired with white CaesarStone cabinets give this kitchen a dramatic appeal. A jewel-toned glass-tile backsplash softens the space with a touch of color.


This sleek kitchen was meticulously laid out to make prepping, cooking and cleaning fast and efficient. The room also maximizes vertical space with high cabinets accessible by ladder -- a great storage option for small urban apartments.


This kitchen makes the most of an awkward L-shaped space with a clean layout. Stainless steel appliances and a muted color scheme give the kitchen a stylish look.


The Cordial Entertainment Sink from Faucet Direct is an all-in-one entertainment idea, perfect for an efficient, modern kitchen. The sink is ideal for washing and rinsing glassware, preparing garnishes, staging drinks and cold storage for wine and other beverages.


One of the strongest surfaces known to man, Solistone brings stainless steel to your space in an organic, freeform shape. Stainless Steel 12x12 Polished Black Tile from South Cypress Floors stands up to everyday wear with the performance and power that you'd expect from metal

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Creating an Old World Kitchen

Classic architectural elements, vibrant colors and distressed finishes create a warm family-gathering place.

Old World design includes free-standing furniture and usually features a fireplace. Design by Ann Morris.

Go dark with the cabinetry and furnishings but lighten up the room on the ceiling, wall space and floor. Design by Didier Michot.

Distressed finishes on the interior walls help define Old World texture. Design by Dan Raney and Jaymes Richardson.

Natural stones are often combined with cherry wood floors or walnut cabinetry to set the Old World scene. Design by Gail Drury

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Ideas for Creating a Stylish Kitchen

Ready to redo your kitchen? From sleek and chic to retro and nostalgic, these ten popular kitchen design themes are sure to inspire your room makeover.

Tuscan

Bring the rich flavor of Italy's region of Tuscany into your kitchen. For your flooring, choose a durable material like tile or tumbled stone. Tuscan walls are characterized with faux finishes and sun-drenched colors in shades of terra cotta, orange and yellow. Aged wood and open cabinets create an unstructured look, so complement the woodwork with rustic, handcrafted hardware.

Tropical

You don't have to live on the beach to create a laid-back tropical kitchen. Combine a bright and breezy color palette of citrus shades and oceanlike blues with natural elements like rattan and bamboo. Tile backsplashes or countertops are the perfect places to add bold color, and bring the outdoors inside by incorporating botanical prints or artwork.

Rustic

Inspired by a mountain lodge, the rustic kitchen evokes a cozy, cabin-style ambiance, but it can easily blend into a modern home. Organic materials, like timber and stone, are combined with polished tile and glass. If you live in an older home, highlight the original architecture to bring personality and a timeworn quality to the space.

Modern

Make a statement with a modern kitchen. Keep it simple with clean, straight lines, and use industrial materials like concrete or stainless steel for countertops and backsplashes. For your color palette, stick with black and white or choose one bold color to use throughout the space.

French Country

The French country kitchen serves up a warm, comfortable gathering place for family and friends. A color palette of blues, reds, greens and yellows echo nature, and walls and cabinets often feature a distressed, Old World look. Antique furniture, colorful fabrics and interesting textures (think hand-blown glass bottles and oversized baskets) add the perfect touches.

English Country

Casual and cozy, the English country kitchen combines traditional style with some farmhouse flair. A crisp, clean color palette and vintage furniture are simple ways to add the style to your kitchen. If you're making major changes, stick with easy-to-care-for surfaces, like subway tile and stone countertops.

Mediterranean

A Mediterranean kitchen is vibrant, but combined with aged texture and warmth. The style is characterized by architectural details, such as arches and recessed nooks, and uses a color palette of soft yellows, wheats, oranges and reds. A big family table is a must for gatherings, so be thoughtful about food prep and seating areas. Add Old World character to the walls, and use rustic hardware on distressed cabinet doors.

Cottage

The cottage kitchen is all about simplicity. Relaxed and informal, this easygoing style is perfect for a relaxed look. Look for cabinetry and furniture in light woods or paint your existing pieces in a low-sheen white.

Asian

If you're looking for a style that brings harmony and balance to your kitchen, consider a serene Asian interior. Natural elements, like bamboo flooring, are combined with clean architectural lines. Keep the color palette simple, and add appliances that blend into the overall design.

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Colorful Kitchens

Bored with your pure white kitchen? Try adding a dose of light — or bright — color to liven up your favorite room.

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IKEA Kitchen Design Ideas Modern 2011

The IKEA kitchen design is not only ideal for big space, but it will work for small space too. These IKEA kitchen remodeling ideas 2011 allows you to move comfortably letting the children play around the kitchen since the space provided is large enough. The finishes come in various materials and colors that will make your kitchen look more stylish. Just visit IKEA online to enjoy 2011 IKEA Kitchen Design Ideas.

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