The new Western Kitchen: Strategies for kitchens that bring the family together

Sunset, Feb, 2002 by Mary Jo Bowling

The simple, sleek lines of this prefabricated cabinet system establish a fresh contemporary look. From IKEA (800/434-4532 or www.ikea.com) and costing about $3,600 for 25 linear feet, the system saved the homeowner several thousand dollars. By using store-bought cabinetry, it may be possible to customize other areas of the kitchen. DESIGN: Pamela Pennington Studios, Palo Alto (650/813-1797).

Privacy, light, and display

On a tight lot, it's possible to have natural light and privacy too. Here, translucent glass obscures the neighboring house while flooding the room with light. The shelf across the bottom of the window functions as a display space. DESIGN: Rebecca Schnier Architects, Oakland (510/836-5600).

Glass appliance garage

Ribbed glass on the appliance garage lets outlines show through, adding lightness and sparkle. DESIGN: Andre Rothblatt Architecture, San Francisco (415/626-5112).

Farmhouse sink

Although new, this kitchen achieves the comfortable patina of age, thanks to the use of rich colors and a variety of finishes. The farmhouse sink sits in a counter of "old gold" limestone that abuts a backsplash using four colors of high-gloss tiles. The furniture look in cabinetry is a popular way to add warmth. Here, the designer mixes colors and styles: vertical-grain Douglas fir (on the left), lower cabinets first painted gold and then antiqued, and green-painted uppers (on the right) with antiqued corbels on the underside. DESIGN: Linda Applewhite & Associates, interior designers, San Rafael, CA (415/456-2757); Halperin & Christ, architects, San Rafael (415/457-9185).

Advice from the pros

Architect Karin Payson says a functional floor plan is a kitchen's most important feature. A well-planned kitchen using inexpensive finishes and appliances will be more satisfying than a very luxurious kitchen with a bad floor plan. And if appliances are in the right place, keep them there. The money you save by not moving appliances can be used to upgrade them. Rik Adams, architect: "Color gives you a lot of design mileage without spending a lot of money. It can make a room very warm and inviting." Dean Rutherford, designer-builder: "Try tweaking one element to get an overall new look. For example, by replacing the countertops, you can give the existing cabinets--and the kitchen--an updated appearance." Vernon Applegate, interior designer, cautions that labor costs can up a remodel's price. One way to reduce them is to keep everything in your plan to standard sizes.

Message board

Kitchens are information centers for busy families. This panel tucked into the wall puts a lot of storage and communication help in a small space: three storage drawers, a bulletin board, mail cubbies, cell phone ledge, and a small cabinet. DESIGN: Andre Rothblatt Architecture