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Improved outlooks and crowd control were both on the agenda for this remodel

View of kitchen with wooden flooring and island countertop, cuisine classique, estate, interior design, kitchen, real estate, brown, white — View of kitchen with wooden flooring and island and hanging lights.

View of kitchen with wooden flooring and island cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, flooring, furniture, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, room, wood, wood stain, brown

View of kitchen with wooden flooring and island cabinetry, countertop, floor, flooring, granite, hardwood, interior design, kitchen, sink, tile, wall, wood stain, brown

View of kitchen with wooden flooring and island cabinetry, countertop, cuisine classique, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, brown

View of kitchen with wooden flooring and island cabinetry, countertop, door, floor, flooring, hardwood, home, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, wood, wood flooring, brown

View of kitchen with wooden flooring and island home, interior design, living room, real estate, room, brown, orange

A kitchen remodel will usually trade existing cramped quarters for improved space, light and aesthetic appeal. With unwanted walls removed, it is often the central island that leads the design.

This remodel of a traditional kitchen by designer Lynnda Barthlome follows the above scenario. With the kitchen now fronting onto an expanse of open-plan rooms, the island presents a buffer between guests and kitchen vital when parties here can cater to up to 100 guests, says Barthlome.

"In aesthetic terms, the design was led by the red granite countertops selected by one of the owners," says Barthlome. "The vibrant red stone suited the dynamic tone requested for this entertainer's kitchen. The granite also provided inspiration for the custom glass, stone and slate backsplash that I designed for the space.

"I generally chose texture over color to avoid competing with the vibrant red of the granite."

The transitional kitchen has a furniture-like appeal when viewed from the living spaces, but includes modern touches, such as the restrained paneling on the cabinetry and island.

"Panoramic windows optimize the views," says the designer.