Watch this space

No longer tucked away in a separate room, a modern kitchen is increasingly likely to hold center stage in a new home design much like the kitchen featured on these pages. Its dramatic setting beneath a coffered ceiling at one end of a large family living area reflects the kitchen's social importance in a modern-day world.

Designer Mary Jane Pappas says the owners, Tim Oyler and Bud Beer, enjoy entertaining, and meal preparation is very much a part of this. Placing the cooktop on a long island facing the living area allows the owners to socialize with guests while fixing a meal.

"The small dining table adjoining the island is a very convivial space," says Pappas. "Being able to sit around a table, rather than all in a row at a countertop is a much more social arrangement."

The kitchen's position puts it in the hub of the home in other ways. It is next to the garage, so groceries can be brought straight to the countertop. It also opens to an expansive outdoor living area, which has its own grill and table setting. A pass-through opening on the other side of the kitchen gives direct access to the formal dining room.

Pappas says the pass-through doubles as a bar there is a wine refrigerator below the counter, and a cabinet for drinks above. The main refrigerator provides easy access to ice in the freezer drawer.

Pappas says the easy flow between the living areas is enhanced by the continuity of materials. For example, reclaimed wood flooring features throughout the space, and the mix of both dark and light alder cabinets on the back wall of the kitchen is repeated in the living room.

"There is an eclecticism in this house, which is reflected in the kitchen design and materials," says Pappas. "The natural finish on the alder cabinets complements the flooring, while the dark finish helps make the kitchen a little more furniture-like. Having the mix of finishes also avoids uniformity it is much more interesting visually."

African Tiger Eye granite countertops were chosen to complement the cabinetry. They are also a practical option, says Pappas the pattern camouflages the finger marks and food particles that often appear during meal preparation.

Functionality hasn't been compromised either. Appliances are positioned for easy access the refrigerator can be reached without having to walk through the kitchen. The cabinets feature customized storage, with all items positioned precisely where they will be used.

Story by: Trendsideas