The One Room Bryan Yates Will Never Forget

Interior designers and other experts in the home industry work on an impressive number of spaces throughout their careers. But even if some of the makeovers and redesigns start to blend together after a few years, there are some rooms that are just truly unforgettable. 

 So, to give designers a chance to revisit their favorite projects—and to bring you plenty of inspiration for your own home—we’re sharing the one room these pros will remember forever. For some, there’s a sentimental connection, for others, there was an obstacle they never thought they’d overcome. But no matter what, these rooms are worth remembering.

When working with clients who wanted to add hospitality-inspired touches to their residential kitchen, Bryan Yates of Yates Desygn knew that installing a large island in the space was key.

“The design pulls you into the kitchen and allows everyone to sit and enjoy as the cook is busy at work,” he shares. “It creates a unique environment, making it the perfect spot for dinner parties with friends.” After all, Yates’ clients do love to entertain. 

The island happens to be Yates’ favorite component of the room, too.

“The three-quarter-inch reveal we included makes it appear as if the island is floating, even though it is not,” he says. “It’s a unique feature that took this space to the next level.” 

Yates’s design choices ensured that the kitchen would feel much larger than before. He created a butler’s pantry on the left and a walk-in pantry on the right, helping elongate the space, he explains.

“To elevate the look, we took cabinet-grade plywood to look more like cabinetry and not just drywall, which would have made the room look smaller,” he explains.

That said, it wasn’t all smooth sailing during the demolition phase. “We learned that there wasn't proper structural support, meaning we had to do a lot of unexpected reconfigurations,” Yates reflects. “After rethinking through materials, we were thrilled to be able to create the same aesthetic originally planned for the space—it just took a little more work than initially planned.” 

For Yates, this kitchen redesign represented an opportunity to think outside the box with clients, which has been significant in the projects that have followed.

“Sometimes, it's okay to push clients outside their comfort zones,” he says. “Often, we develop a design that strays from the norm.”

Yates appreciates that the overall space is sleek and streamlined yet fits his clients’ needs wonderfully.

“We kept it simple and clean, but it’s still very functional and aesthetically pleasing,” he reflects. “It’s a space the clients utilize all of the time.”