Small changes make a big difference in this remodel - kitchen remodeling

Sunset, Nov, 1988

Call it catalytic conversion: remodeling cleaned up this small kitchen and helped it function more efficiently.

Before, though the sink and most appliances seemed to be in the right places, there wasn't quite enough counter space. And heavy-looking painted wood cabinets and a crowded breakfast area made the entire kitchen seem cramped.

The remodel retains the work area's original U-shaped plan. A tall cabinet resting on the counter-divider between the kitchen proper and the breakfast area was removed. A brighter, tile-topped version of the old counter extends another foot into the room, separating work and dining spaces without blocking sight lines.

For more comfortable seating, a built-in bench now wraps a corner of the eating area. The windows were restyled, with a new one added to the kitchen's long wall; the breakfast area's section of this wall was pushed out about 1 1/2 feet.

Throughout, the old-fashioned cabinets were replaced with crisply designed, partially glazed woodwork in vertical-grain fir. White-painted walls, recessed overhead task lighting, and a quarry tile floor further update and unclutter the look. Architect Gary Parsons of Berkeley did