Within a modest, wood-framed house- was a dark, under accessed and overworked kitchen. On the adjacent wall- was a small, yet well-lit living room that opened onto a patio via sliding doors. The client wanted to spend more time in the kitchen entertaining and cooking. Our solution was to create a unified area to make both spaces simultaneously usable. By removing the wall between the kitchen and the living room, in addition to designing uniform cabinetry that would work for both the kitchen and the social space, we were able to do so. The client agreed to this but did not want a fully exposed kitchen. To this end, we designed not only a wide, dividing counter and bar, but an 'inverted' skylight hood dropping from the ceiling. This device limits view into the kitchen from counter to head height as well as bringing all-day light into this northern sided room and glows green with artificial light reflecting off paint at night. The kitchen is now the main heart of the house, with subordinate, orbiting dining and living areas which are no longer separate rooms. The Spark fireplace replaced an older brick wood fireplace in the approximate location. It is located low to the floor, wrapped in ¼ gunmetal finished steel that wraps around wall corners as well as being recessed from the face of the drywall. It creates an elemental, sparse backdrop for the magic of flame. The metal is slightly reflective, expanding the broadcast of the shimmering fire. Architect: Hughes Umbanhowar Architects Photographer: Nick Springett Spark Direct Vent 3ft Model 88