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For a family with school-age children, a large kitchen is often the center of the home. It's the place where family meals are prepared and eaten, homework is done and casual socializing takes place.

But after the children grow, it's more convenient for adults to have a smaller, more task-specific kitchen that better suits their lifestyle.

This secondary kitchen is located adjacent to the library, and also close to the master suite, on the second floor of a duplex apartment.

These homeowners enjoy busy careers and dining out, interior designer Noel Jeffrey says, so for everyday use, this compact kitchen is just right.

"It's designed for making smaller meals, or a quick snack for one or two people," he says. "And if the owners stay home and order in, the food can be plated here. This kitchen does have everything, simply in a smaller package."

The kitchen is anchored by a square island, which includes a small sink. A full complement of appliances, including a wine refrigerator and dishwasher have been included in the design.

Custom cabinetry runs right to the ceiling moulding, accentuating the height of the room. Mosaic tile floors and Calacatta marble countertops chime in with the formal, traditional look of the entire apartment. And, though finely detailed, the clean lines of the cabinets and surfaces make the space easy to keep tidy.

A full-size kitchen on the main floor is used for large dinner parties and for meals with the extended family.

Story by: Trendsideas