Any kitchen designer can tell you that each project comes with a unique set of obstacles. Some are expected, some surprisingly, set the tone for the design and some - like zeroing in on a clients design style can, on occasion, prove to be the most challenging. So when a Great Neck Estates, mother of two walked into Douglas Kitchens asking for a design that mirrored the one in the movie, Something’s Got to Give, Helen Murray, CKD, knew exactly what she was looking for.

In case you haven’t seen the movie, the Something’s Got to Give kitchen, renowned for its elegant simplicity, seems to elicit the same response from would-be kitchen remodelers across the country – I’ve Got to Have It. Flooded with milky white hues, soft finishes and subtle detailing, its clean design packs universal appeal. “It’s the type of kitchen that lends itself to a pretty broad range to tastes,” notes Murray. “It's very much traditional, yet it’s toned down to the point where people looking for something less formal, sometimes country cottage, even transitional find it’s a style they can and would like to live with.”

The style is actually English Colonial characterized by un-adorned cabinetry and mill work, pale hues in dull sheens, soft finishes, and hardware in the silver-tone or black families. Understated subway tile is also a hallmark of this style. The overall look is bright, understated, sophisticated yet homey.

Working with a 19’ x 14’ space the first obstacle was designing it to meet kosher standards. All cooking, preparation and cleaning areas needed to be doubled and separate so the bulk of the projects work focused mainly on space planning. The work space lining the kitchens perimeter houses a sink, dishwasher, 36” pro range, wall oven, microwave, Sub-Zero refrigerator & freezer and preparation area. The island is equipped with another full size sink and dishwasher as well as ample preparation and serving space.

With the space planning complete they turned their focus on capturing the design. White painted shaker style cabinets with flush, inset doors by Signature Custom Cabinetry were used through the kitchen topped with honed black granite. Giving the kitchen a healthy dose of personalized charm are the honed marble Carrera subway tiles on the backsplash, a built-in desk area for the children, custom columns flanking the islands corners and sink area and a richly stained oak floor. Chrome hardware and pendant lighting add the finishing touches that complete the look.

The homeowner was so happy with the outcome that she sent a friend in to work with me on creating the same design in her own home,” recalls Murray. So how do you achieve this look in your own home? The foundation for the design is white or variations of white in dull finishes. Originally, English Colonial homes actually painted cabinets, walls and furnishings in milk paints made from a combination of pastel pigments and skim milk.

Cabinets should fall into the shaker, mission or recessed panel flush mount families - sans any fancy ridges or curvilinear detailing. Same goes for the mill work. Exposed hinges are a plus. For hardware, stick with in the silver-tones – chrome, nickel, pewter in honed or brushed finishes or aged black classics such as irons or oil rubbed bronze. Think classic restoration style pulls and handles.

Decorative lighting should be pendant with silver tones or combination silver and frosted white or white. Bell and dome shapes are popular. Avoid sharp edges that make may lend a contemporary style to the room. Additional decorative lighting can include lamp style wall scones in similar finishes with or with our shades. Recessed lighting can and should be used for functionality but down play their presence in the room by utilizing low profile, recessed cans.

What really drives this style home is the contrast of a few well placed soft dark colors juxtaposed against volumes of white - floors and countertops being the most common.

Common countertops include honed black granite, grey solid slates, soapstone and dark woods all with eased edges. The idea is soft and lived in but not over worn.

For the backsplash, stick with subway or rectangular shaped tile in whites, pale or pastel colors. Offset brick patterns are extremely popular. The backsplash should look clean and subtle. Avoid using busy patterns, heavy grout lines or earth tones as they will take away from the overall look.