KBB - November 2010 - (Page 55)

Although Eisenmann’s design retains roughly the same modest 630-sq.-ft. footprint as its predecessor, it feels much more expansive. Gone are a row of shoulder-height cabinets and a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area and the family room, respectively. In their place, a 4-ft.-deep peninsula and a bar counter with bar stools loosely delineate the boundaries of the new kitchen. As requested by the couple, the family room has been transformed into a home office for the wife’s use during the day and for the children to do their homework after school. The peninsula capitalizes on a series of large windows that surround the dining area and look out on the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. “So when you’re standing in the kitchen, all you’ll see are the sky and the hills,” Eisenmann said. refrigerator, out of the way, because once you’ve retrieved your ingredients, you’re done with it.” Because the wife enjoys baking, Eisenmann included at one end of the kitchen a Carrera marble countertop for rolling out dough. The stone surface was installed a little lower than the neighboring countertops “so she could get right on top of a rolling pin.” Underneath, a set of drawers equipped with a rack system keeps flours, spices and other baking ingredients within easy reach. Storage was critical for this hospitable couple and consequently abounds to ensure that everything has its place. Although upper cabinetry was limited by the kitchen’s openness, ample undercounter storage and a pantry wall, which also contains the refrigerator The peninsula’s placement, of course, is strategic, as it also allows the couple to face their guests when working in the kitchen. To this end, it contains a prep sink, situated paces away from a concealed refrigerator, and a centrally positioned gas cooktop flanked by generous counter space for prepping and plating. The resulting workflow resembles that of an assembly line and is intended to optimize efficiency. “I don’t necessarily buy into the traditional work triangle,” Eisenmann said. “This was designed to provide better work surfaces and to keep all the taller items, such as the An area for casual dining, the bar counter (opposite) is equipped with a wood inlay and is illuminated from above by three raindrop-shaped pendants. Situated to maximize efficiency and take advantage of the windows in the adjoining dining area, the 4-ft.-deep peninsula (above) contains a centrally located gas cooktop, which allows the couple to face guests when cooking, and a prep sink at the end closest to the refrigerator. On each side of the cooktop, ample counter space accommodates prepping and plating. www.kbbonline.com / November 2010 + K BB 55 http://www.kbbonline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - November 2010

KBB - November 2010
Table of Contents
Online Contents
Online News
Editorial
Letters to the Editor
Focus
Trends
K+BB Product Innovator Awards
Products
Profile
Inside Job
Social Worker
Editorial Index
Ad Index
Favorites

KBB - November 2010