Uplifting kitchen design

Modern interpretations of centuries old kitchen storage, like this plate rack, give this ultra-modern kitchen a homey feel. The designers mixed rich, deep cherry, natural maple and stainless steel to give the space contemporary sophistication, and repeated a circular motif to highlight the skylight.

A raised dishwasher makes loading and unloading easier and a raised, tall sliding glass door cabinet is cleverly concealed to appear as a shorter drawer base adorned with pilasters. The center section of the island, also raised, is surrounded by a shaped maple knife block, which gracefully transitions the upper and lower counter sections.

A new baking center provides an extra low and deep work surface. Shelves, placed above the counter, hold a microwave and other small appliances. When not in use, a sleek, stainless steel tambour conceals the works.

This kitchen earned a first-place award in the open-design kitchen category of the National Kitchen and Bath Association's 2003 Design Competition, as well as the James H. Foster Jr., CKD, Memorial Award.

Designer(s): Dan McFadden Debbie Larson, Past Basket Cabinetry, Geneva, IL

Photography: Bruce Van Inwegen