With two school-aged children, this busy family of four used their kitchen as the central gathering place for a variety of family activi¬ties. It was also their main meal station, rarely using their dining room. But the original design was lacking in many ways: There was minimal storage, poorly placed appliances, too few cabinets due to the lack of wall space, and a poor traffic flow. Ready to remodel, they hired designer Julie Deuble of Artisan Kitchens & Baths at Appliance Associates. Kicking off the gut job, Deuble removed one of the windows and the wall separating the kitchen from the living room, effectively creating one large family room, as the owners refer to it, in the middle of the home. To meet the owners’ request for a large island with plenty of seating, she added a massive 14-foot island, which required additional structural support due to its weight. With seating for 10 at one end, the island has become the center for many family activities, not just meals. Also on the owners’ wish list: a spe¬cial spot to showcase a colorful teapot collection as well as family heirlooms. So Deuble incorporated open display as well as glass doors and a custom corner curio to showcase special items and break up the cabinetry. Command central is located in one corner, with household files and family activity calendars as well as an area to sort mail and pay bills. Another notable feature: The sideboard has a pantry and storage for serving dishes and table linens, and it makes a great buffet area for dessert and coffee. It’s well-thought-out design details like these that make this kitchen the perfect place to gather. DESIGNER Julie Deuble Artisan Kitchens & Baths at Appliance Associates 200 Amherst St. Buffalo, NY 14207 716.873.4100 SPECIAL FEATURES Open display for teapot collection, 14-foot island with clean-up zone and seating for 10, custom corner tall curio cabinet, three-stage crown molding, mixed finishes on cabinetry and home organization area DIMENSIONS 15’ x 25’ PRODUCTS USED Cabinetry: Medallion Cabinetry Designer Gold Flooring: Hardwood Countertops: Cambria quartz Sink(s): Blanco Silgranit II Faucet(s): Danze Cooktop: Blue Star Ovens: KitchenAid double oven Hood: Faber Inca Pro Plus Refrigerator: KitchenAid Refrigerator Drawers: KitchenAid Dishwasher: KitchenAid Microwave: Sharp microwave drawer Backsplash: Oceanside Glasstile Hardware: Berenson Oak Park Collection Lighting: Meyda Tiffany custom Bar Stools: Holland Bar Stools MEMBERSHIP SEN Design Group PHOTOGRAPHER Steven Paul Whitsitt