New kitchen, timeless charm

Southern Living, Jul 2003 by Sandner, Julie Feagin

With careful planning, everything in this efficient room has a place.

The kitchen is the heart of almost every home. From your first cup of coffee in the morning through dinner, this space needs to be an efficient room for the whole family to enjoy. The attractive renovation of Pat and Gene Terry's Jefferson, Texas, home is a great example of how good design and planning can work in perfect harmony. The couple was dealing with a limited space and a long wish list, and they wondered if everything would fit into their dream kitchen, and it absolutely did.

Practical Design

Passionate about cooking, Pat wanted the kitchen to be elegant and functional. She divided the room into different workstations by adding a small sink to create two work triangles. Storage was also important because Pat wanted everything to have a home and not just sit out on the counter. She worked with her carpenter to ensure that the most used items were right at her fingertips. For example, pullout spice racks are located on either side of the stove.

Island Workspace

The large dimensions of the island make it ideal for food preparation as well as serving. The countertop is made from two different materials-butcher block on one side and a solid surface on the serving side. The center portion is raised to hide the small sink, provide drawers for storage, and offer a ledge for display. Decorative lamps, which cover electrical outlets, give a soft glow to the work area.

Cozy Atmosphere

The kitchen reflects the comfortable feel of the connecting family room. Maple cabinets, which resemble furniture, add warmth. A mantel-style vent hood mimics the family room's fireplace. JULIE FEAGIN SANDNER