By special request

Just like a favorite recipe, the secret to a great kitchen lies with the ingredients and the way these combine to produce the best result.

For the owners of this new condominium kitchen, there was never any question this would be the room that received the most attention. Family life revolves around the kitchen and the preparation of healthy meals. It is also where the owners love to entertain formally and informally up to three times a week, sometimes more.

"We rarely eat out," says one of the owners. "Consequently, the organizational structure of the kitchen was based around the way we cook every day and entertain."

Matthew Quinn of Design Galleria Kitchen & Bath Studio was commissioned to design the kitchen, which was built by Jim Hixon of Hixon Homes.

The owners say the space needed to be highly functional, yet not overpowering.

"We regard our home as a tranquil refuge and didn't want the distraction of decorative elements, frou-frou and ornamentation. The kitchen had to be a backdrop for food, conversation and quiet moments."

To this end, Quinn created a serene, minimalist design that pairs white lacquered cabinets with crisp stainless steel accents, including an extra-wide cantilevered island countertop.

"Honey-rift fir veneer display cabinets and high-gloss flooring avoid a cold, sterile look," he says. "Simple finger-pulls ensure there is no bulky hardware detracting from the seamless look of the cabinets."

Quinn says the sheer size of the kitchen space could have been daunting.

"The solution was to create several zones. The cooktop, for example, is positioned at one end of the island, so the owners can face guests while preparing meals. A stainless steel countertop immediately behind the cooktop offers an additional set-down area."

Twin oven towers and stainless steel cabinets flank this countertop.

"I prefer to specify separate ovens, rather than a double oven," says Quinn. "Single ovens can be positioned at exactly the right height for the owners, as opposed to having one high and one low oven."

There are also separate zones for baking, breakfast preparation, drink serving, and a pantry for wine storage.

"Drinks are part of the whole process of entertaining, so we wanted the bar area and wine storage to be integral to the kitchen," says the owner.

Quinn says where possiblethe appliances, including refrigerator drawers, were integrated into the cabinetry. Even the pantry can be concealed by a pocket door that resembles a cabinet when closed.

Two stainless steel towers at the opposite end of the kitchen reinforce the symmetry of the cooking center. Tambour doors in these towers conceal a bar and stemware storage on one side, and small appliances, including a kettle and coffee maker, on the other.

To ensure the entire floor is well suited to entertaining, the kitchen opens to the formal dining and living rooms. Glazed 10ft-high pocket doors provide transparency and allow an easy flow between these spaces.

The owners say the design enhances the high ceilings and the spacious, light-filled interior, which were key attractions when they first bought the condominium.

Story by: Trendsideas