The spacious kitchen in this $2.7 million Las Vegas, Nev. spec-built residence is designed to promote "together time" says Joyce Mason, vice president of marketing for the home's builder, Pardee Homes. "Today's kitchen has really evolved into the social center of the home."

The Los Angeles-based builder went right to its target market, the modern family, for input when planning this project, which was originally developed as a show house for the 2004 NAHB convention. "We held a number of focus groups where we talked to family members of all ages, including young children, teens and adults, so that we could find out exactly what each group was looking for in their 'ideal' home," says Mason. "We wanted to know what their needs were and what makes a kitchen work for them."

The resulting design, she says, reflects these requirements with its emphasis on organization and improved family dynamics.

One of its most remarkable elements is an oversized island designed and outfitted to handle multiple tasks at the same time. "A parent can be preparing a meal at one end while supervising the homework or craft activity of a child seated at the other," says Mason. In addition to a double sink, the island includes warming drawers, a child-height microwave oven and even a snack refrigerator."

Sporting high-end finishes such as granite countertops, maple cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, this kitchen looks as good as it functions, says Mason. "It is very important to recognize that kitchens have become part of the entertaining space in today's homes so they must be dressier than in the past."

In a scaled-down version of the main kitchen, a galley-style kitchen extension provides an informal link between it and the home's service entry. Replacing the traditional butler's pantry in function, this convenient space includes a full-size refrigerator, double ovens, a sink and a dishwasher. "We call this the 'kid's' kitchen," says Mason "because it is a great place for them to grab a snack when they come in after school." This secondary kitchen could also serve as a backup food-prep area when the homeowners host large-scale entertaining events.

The home completed in January 2004, was sold in October 2004.