The cook has unobstructed movement between the sink and stove in a good kitchen. Sleek black or stainless steel appliances - a large double oven and side-by-side fridge, for example, recess into the floor-to-ceiling wall of cupboards.
In any kitchen, lighting is of paramount importance and a big consideration during a remodeling job. Adequate task lighting is essential for food prep and cooking, while multiple sources of ambient light are highly desirable. Upper cabinets above the sink and cooktop are placed high enough to allow in natural light from windows in the sitting room. Soffits rimming the kitchen on all sides contain recessed lighting canisters, as does the ceiling. They're carefully positioned to illuminate counters and opened cabinets A fan with a light fixture brightens the central island for eating or homework.
Light-colored surfaces provide maximum reflectivity. The ceiling is classic white. Honey-tone glaze on the cabinet doors accentuates the rectangular contours of the raised paneling. The glaze was also applied to the island's bead-board side and paneled doors and drawers. The solid-surfacing countertops, once edged with a golden band of shiny metal, were updated with a softer painted edging, highlighted with the glaze used on cabinets.
While working at the sink (provided that lighting is right), cooks can enjoy an unbroken view of the outdoors. State of the art fixtures include an aerator, a spray hose with a brush that pulls out from the faucet, and a separate faucet for filtered water. A single lever on the mai faucet allows for easy adjustment of hot and cold water almost instantaneously.
In any kitchen, lighting is of paramount importance and a big consideration during a remodeling job. Adequate task lighting is essential for food prep and cooking, while multiple sources of ambient light are highly desirable. Upper cabinets above the sink and cooktop are placed high enough to allow in natural light from windows in the sitting room. Soffits rimming the kitchen on all sides contain recessed lighting canisters, as does the ceiling. They're carefully positioned to illuminate counters and opened cabinets A fan with a light fixture brightens the central island for eating or homework.
Light-colored surfaces provide maximum reflectivity. The ceiling is classic white. Honey-tone glaze on the cabinet doors accentuates the rectangular contours of the raised paneling. The glaze was also applied to the island's bead-board side and paneled doors and drawers. The solid-surfacing countertops, once edged with a golden band of shiny metal, were updated with a softer painted edging, highlighted with the glaze used on cabinets.
While working at the sink (provided that lighting is right), cooks can enjoy an unbroken view of the outdoors. State of the art fixtures include an aerator, a spray hose with a brush that pulls out from the faucet, and a separate faucet for filtered water. A single lever on the mai faucet allows for easy adjustment of hot and cold water almost instantaneously.
Food Prep Area
Today most kitchens have double sinks, but the size of each bowl may not be well-planned. In some kitchens, the left-hand sink is large enough to accomodate two pots or an oversize pan that needs to soak. The other sink, though smaller, is an adequate size for the garbage disposal. Although granite and stainless steel were initially considered for the sinks, cast iron was the ultimate choice. From a design perspective, the white sink echoes the appliances and the framing around the windows. Equally important, however, is the fact that cast iron offers easier clean-up and low maintenance. Stretching more than 4 feet to the left of the sink and ending where the refrigerator stands, additional counter space makes an ideal location for cleanup. A cook can spread out to store a number of leftovers in containers. Also, dirty glassware and plates have a place to sit until they can be loaded in the two-drawer dishwasher. -Anthony Adams
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