There's room for everyone in this kitchen

Sunset, Oct, 1984

There's room for everyone in this kitchen

When the family rounds up in Portland architect Ed Wundrum's new house, they like to gather in the kitchen. Even when meals are being prepared, the kitchen has room for everyone.

Measuring 15 by 18 feet, the room is designed around a 3- by 8-foot butcher-block island that doubles as a dining table. Seven stools provide plenty of perching spots but slide neatly under the 42-inch-high island when not in use.

Typically the Wundrums clean and prepare foods on the sink side of the kitchen, move to the butcher block for assembly, cook on the stove in an alcove, and serve back on the island.

A small sink in the island can add water to a sauce in a flash, or quickly fill a hot, dirty pan for soaking. Above the sink, a pot rack hangs from the ceiling. Under the sink, storage space includes vertical slots for trays.

At one end of the room, a walk-in pantry stocks canned and dried goods and various kitchen supplies.

A black-and-white checkerboard of 4-inch tiles runs through the kitchen's center and lines the alcove. This glossy swath creates bold kitchen art and also provides a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.

Photo: Doubling as a center for family get-togethers, large kitchen has a sit-around work island at its core

Photo: Marble inset aids in rolling pastry, candy making. Tiles continue into cooking alcove

Photo: Tile checkerboard defines kitchen work area. Island table is hub of the house