Corner pilasters give the island in this kitchen a furniture-like appeal when viewed from the living spaces. An informal seating area for four is built into the piece. While the back of the house looks over the valley, the front is partly dug into th

Corner pilasters give the island in this kitchen a furniture-like appeal when viewed from the living spaces. An informal seating area for four is built into the piece. While the back of the house looks over the valley, the front is partly dug into the hillside and, before the remodel, had lacked natural light. A breakfast nook with banquet seating and its own window brings sunlight and utility to this end of the room. The design is by architect Daniel Strening.