Nouveau Country (continued)

Symmetry and sleekness define this contemporary kitchen

The massive island was a boon to the design process. The Wieners wanted a sink and a dishwasher in the island so that Deidre could face the great room and her guests instead of having her back to them. They also wanted ample storage and comfortable seating for their family of five—rounded out by sons Sam, 8, Max, 6, and Eli, 2. As features accumulated, the island kept expanding. Its size helped the kitchen evolve into a large, symmetrical U shape. The legs of the U, then, became convenient, attractive sites for the dual appliances and storage spaces a kosher kitchen needs.

Febres' biggest design obstacle was the back wall of windows. They bring the outdoors in and keep this kitchen especially bright, but because they stretch from counter to ceiling, they don't leave much room for cabinets. To remedy this, Febres distributed the storage space on each end of the U and in the island.

With two each of dishwashers, ovens, warming drawers and refrigerators, the Wieners wanted to make sure their kitchen didn't wind up looking like an appliance showroom. In addition to integrating the appliances into the cabinets using front panels, Febres sought ways to break up the large space. "This wasn't a galley, where every inch counted," she says. "We had the luxury of space, and could make a statement with aesthetic elements."

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