Kitchen of the Week: Warm and Modern in Maryland

The kitchen is considered the heart of the home, and that feels even more true for bustling families. This family of four loves to play host to children and adults in their neighborhood. "They're fun, young and love to cook," says designer Nadia Suburan of the clients. "Their house is definitely hangout central in the neighborhood." But their previous kitchen made it difficult to let everyone stay in the same space.

Along with Fox Architects, Suburan and Aidan Design reconfigured this Maryland kitchen into a warm and open space with a high arched ceiling lined with wood. An eat-in breakfast nook, a butler's pantry, a desk and a food pantry allow for items to be tucked away, while still providing plenty of room for a big family's odds and ends. "It pushes modern, but is not so ultramodern that it doesn't feel warm and comfortable," says Suburan.