Design for Dignity’s KitchenWalk in mid-October provided lots of inspiration for anyone into architecture and home decor.

Though this tour was billed as a kitchen walk, at most stops we got to tour the entire home and grounds. In many cases the kitchen was busy with cooks and volunteers serving up small bites and drinks to tour goers; as a result, I didn’t snap many photos of the kitchens (I know, ironic, right?).

At a log home in Grand Beach, the owners recently added an outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles. Designer Susan Fredman had the idea to embed the homeowners’ collection of beach rock into the countertop. That was cool, but I was utterly charmed by the display of antique pitchforks along an exterior wall.

This prefab home in Sawyer (photos below) was my favorite. The project started out with two boxes–a two-bedroom and a studio unit–and connected them with a large covered porch, or breezeway, for a total of 2,300 square feet. There’s a real southern California/indoor/outdoor feel to the place that I loved. Not sure how that works out in winter; maybe they don’t use it in colder months. The home has polished concrete floors with radiant heat and exposed beams.

Throughout the home, the owners added photos, art, and objects that made it feel personal.

A few more shots (below) from two other homes. Love how the designers of this house used the space under the stairs. And the dresser repurposed as a vanity in a guest bath. The tiled bunk beds was something I’d never seen.

It was a gorgeous fall day touring five homes and ending with a reception at in Three Oaks. The KitchenWalk is scheduled to be held again in 2027. Recommended!