Lifestyle Kitchens

"The original kitchen was small with limited storage, particularly for a family with five children. Counter space was almost non-existent, and the dishes, pots and pans never seemed to fit in the dishwasher-they had to wait to run a second load or hand wash some items. The "eat in" area of the kitchen would only fit a table that was snug for six people and the dining room table was rarely used because of their informal lifestyle. Eating in shifts was the norm: feed the kids early; the husband and wife would eat after he got home from work. Entertaining was awkward with a separate kitchen, living room and dining room, and they expressed a preference for a more "open" floor plan.

"The new plan involved removing the walls that separated the three rooms. A large island with seating for eight and a cooktop in the center allows the cook to face either the children at breakfast or the guests and living area when entertaining. The overlook to the family room/playroom was closed off to provide for a wall oven and to keep the refrigerator in such a location that anyone wanting a cold drink didn't interfere with the cook. The opposite wall, which was originally in the dining room, provides ample pantry storage as well as glass display cabinets and a small planning desk. Counter space, which had been minimal, is now quite adequate and the two dishwashers shorten clean up time."

Designer: Roy Terepka
The Cabinet Corner Inc.
Largo, Florida
www.cabinetcorner.com