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One of the challenges of designing a large kitchen is that it can often be unwieldly and impractical to cook in.

Kitchen designer Jim Dase was asked by the owners of a new 19,000 sq ft home to create a kitchen space that would suit both family life and be practical for hosting large groups.

"With 815 sq ft of floor space, my challenge was to design a kitchen that met their entertainment needs and was easy to use," Dase says.

"I decided the best solution would be to break up the space with two islands. Because of the scale, one island would have been too large to be practical."

Instead, two islands split the kitchen into several zones. The larger, main preparation island, with a sink, is close to the range, refrigerator and microwaves. A separate freezer and a pantry flank a built-in desk on the side wall.

The island doubles as a buffet when the owners entertain. Plates and prepared dishes can be set out here, allowing guests to help themselves.

The smaller, second island is the beverage center. With tall stools and a glass upstand on polished chrome supports, it also doubles as a breakfast bar and casual seating area.

Around the periphery of the kitchen are other working zones. The clean-up center with two large sinks and two dishwashers is located under the windows. Dirty dishes and plates are stacked here.

On the other side of the kitchen, the desk provides a small message center.

Windows line a wall of the kitchen; another has the range, and the third side is open to the family room. This posed another design challenge limited space for high cabinets.

"To counter this, most drawers have insets to make them suitable for storing plates and dishes," says Dase.

"A special feature of this kitchen is its simplicity. The owners love color. However, they chose a neutral backdrop so their art and the food stand out when they entertain."

Natural maple veneer cabinetry, trimmed with smokey-gray stained maple on side panels and vertical edges, is teamed with maple floors. Granite countertops provide a practical work surface.

"When the sun shines, the cabinets' glossy finish sparkles and reflects other colors," says Dase.

Story by: Trendsideas