Real Simple, Real Clean

Benvenuti and Stein designed both versions of this kitchen. The new one features a picture window, 6 1/2-foot square glass skylight and under-cabinet windows (at right) for views and sunlight. Seating six, the granite-topped island includes a cooktop and a warming drawer. Photos by Paul Schlismann

Storage drawers beneath the dual-fuel (wood and gas) fireplace in the breakfast area/work nook, as well as the desk drawers and built-in shelves, repeat the form and style of the kitchen cabinetry. The door leads to a new pantry.

Before

Benvenuti and Stein duplicated the cantilevered shelving in the work nook, located off of the kitchen and breakfast area. A column of square glass-block windows over the desk repeats the window pattern of the kitchen but provides privacy for getting work done.

The resulting 483 square-foot kitchen (increased from 230 square feet) has defined areas but still embraces open space. It can be accessed from both the dining room and new family room.

"You can literally connect people in any of the three rooms, which is much more desirable for entertaining formally or simply having the swim team over," Herberholz says. The kitchen represented approximately $120,000 and four month's work of this whole-house project.

For more Solutions, visit www.HousingZone.com/PRsolutions