Hyde Park Idea Home 2005

While measuring only 12x14 feet, our kitchen looks bigger because of smart choices. A distinctive barrel ceiling offers visual height, and a light frost glaze on the upper Aristokraft maple cabinets and island maintains an open feeling. Richly stained dark maple lower cabinets anchor the room. We designed the island on legs for a contemporary furniture look. Its see-through construction gives it less visual bulk. Two bar stools can tuck underneath out of the traffic flow, and the island's built-in shelving and cabinet offer dish display and additional hidden storage. Our empty nesters don't cook big meals every day, so we chose compact, efficient appliances from Fisher & Paykel. A convenient gas cooktop offers a simple look. Two dishwasher drawers at counter height are easy on aging backs. We placed less-used ovens out of the work triangle and placed them in a wall "pantry" featuring tall upper cabinets that come down to meet the counter.

2005 Hyde Park Resource Guide