This stunning island, custom designed by Bubnowski, is the heart of this kitchen. Crafted from cherry wood and topped with a honed Andes Black granite, it creates a visual boundary between the kitchen and the dining spaces within an open floor plan. The tapered legs are distinctly Arts-and-Crafts inspired; the curved countertop softens the edge between the two spaces. In addition to being beautiful, the island is very hardworking. It contains drawers, trash and recycling bins and electric outlets. More important, it serves as a social hub, as there's room for four stools under the curved edge (they were removed for this picture to give you a good look at the island).