If a kitchen is always on display, why not make it a work of art?

Sunset, August, 1984

If a kitchen is always on display, why not make it a work of art?

"Our kitchen is art,' say proud owners Ann and Peter Elsenbach of their remodeled kitchen, designed and crafted by Todd Dollinger. Indeed, their remodeled kitchen is meant to be seen, since it is part of an expansive room that also includes the living room and dining area.

The kitchen's focal point is an elongated island capped with a two-level maple butcher-block counter. The upper part is 37 1/2 inches wide and 12 feet long. It steps down 7 inches to make a 15-inch-wide counter that runs along the outside face and around one end of the island. This narrow counter is a favorite place for snacking, chatting with the cook, and serving buffets.

Suspended from the ceiling is a 2-inch-thick, 9-inch-high light ring built up from 1/4-inch-thick bands of oak. Routed into the ring's inside face are tracks for lighting and wiring for permanent fixtures (wires are concealed behind a layer of white plastic laminate).

Behind the island, the wall of oak cabinets is designed to be unobtrusive, with no hinges or pulls showing.

Architect James Oliver designed the overall remodel of the Lake Oswego, Oregon house.

Photo: Racetrack-shaped lighting ring follows outline of island. To create end detail, short pieces of maple with end grain showing were sandwiched between counter levels

Photo: Oak paneling masks refrigerator door; vertical wood grain echoes oak cabinets

Photo: Twin appliance garages have tamboured doors that roll up to cover the 27- by 41-inch openings. Wide pull-out breadboards extend work surfaces