The cook can open or close off the kitchen

Sunset, Feb, 1991

Many kitchens sequester the cook and sometimes that's desirable. But at other times it's nice to be part of the action. In this compact kitchen, sliding doors provide both options. Walls about 8 feet tall define the 9- by 12foot kitchen set within a larger, high-ceilingcd room. The height helps keep the small space from feeling cramped.

Under-cabinet lighting and a canister light over the sink brighten the space. Two birch doors hang from a track, sliding along the partition's dining room side; tempered-glass panels form a window when the doors are closed. Edges were polished where panes meet, so only a small seam interrupts the view from the kitchen to the dining room and beyond. Design was by Phoenix architect Edward M. Jones for Kathy and Dixon Wood.