What's new, what's old? She skillfully blended both - kitchen remodeling

Sunset, Jan, 1986

Updating an old kitchen without losing its character was part of the remodeling challenge that faced architect Margaret Woodring of San Rafael, California. She wanted to add appliances, lighting, and work areas while taking out the rear wall of her kitchen to conver an enclosed porch into a dining area.

New oak cabinetry and flooring keep the warm wood tones of the original kitchen. Glass-paned cabinet door next to the cooktop hood echo existing multipaned windows across the room. For lighting, Woodring centered a 7- by 11-foot dropped soffit with built-in down lights above a 27- by 80-inch island with a food-preparation sink.

Between the kitchen and new eating area, a peninsula extends from an appliance garage with a tambour door. Atop the peninsula is a built-in power drive for small appliances; on the dining side are drawers for flatware and placemats.