Slice island - kitchen design - Brief Article

Sunset, June, 2001 by Peter O. Whiteley

A wedge of maple seats two for dinner

"We both like to cook, but we don't like to be in each other's way," explains architect Stephen Peterson about the L-shaped kitchen island he and his wife, Ane Brusendorff, designed for themselves. It organizes the kitchen into functional zones. The focal point is the maple chopping-block counter--cut like a slice of pie--in the corner of the L. Set flush with the island's synthetic quartz top, it's opposite the main cooking area and provides seating for two that is out of the cook's way.

A trio of low-voltage pendant lights with blue etched-glass shades throws accent light on the maple top and helps the kitchen, which opens directly to the dining room, recede into the background.

DESIGN: J. Stephen Peterson & Associates, Woodinville, WA (425/788-9434)