Sometimes an island with seating just doesn't work. By putting 12" deep base cabinets in this peninsula, the traffic flow in the kitchen was improved while still allowing for counter dining.

Rather than try and fit a blind corner or lazy Susan corner base cabinet, a shallow cabinet is accessible under the 12" overhang.

The leather finish on the Steel Grey granite creates a tactile surface for dining or chatting with the cook.

12" deep cabinets under the counter are wonderful. No searching for things; everything is at your fingertips. The large deep drawers for pots and pans make those items easily accessible.

The angled wall covers a plumbing stack.

Wooden, independently rotating lazy Susans bring stored items to the cabinet opening. Not having a pole to organize and reach around makes storage easier.

The basket-weave tile creates a subtle focal point. Not too dramatic. Just right. 1000 CFM exhaust hood required a make-up air unit. A window was removed from this location.

The "speed" oven was put under the counter. We didn't want to interrupt the U-shaped counter with a tall oven cabinet. This works well and is easy to use. Notice the toekick heat register.

The moulding on this window was brought in a couple of inches to allow more room for the wall cabinets. The replacement window doesn't use the space where the sash weights were, so we covered them up with the moulding.

A room with a view!

A second lazy Susan.

Kessebohmer's double trash unit has a soft-close mechanism.

Notice that in the before pictures there was this big bulkhead where the new transom windows are. No one even misses the window that was removed for the stove placement.

Anyone ready for a swim?

This super-deep refrigerator is recessed into its new alcove. (This is where the stove used to be.) Passage between the peninsula and refrigerator is generous enough for those sitting, those getting into the refrigerator, and those walking between.

Sometimes just getting the "beast" out of the kitchen is all it takes to transform a cramped and inefficient space into a roomy, well-functioning kitchen.

The previously cramped hall to nowhere now houses the refrigerator.

The floors were relaid so that the border didn't get cut off by the new wall that hides the refrigerator. That little trick, along with reusing the original base mouldings make it look like the house was built this way.

This doorway was enlarged and arched to match the arched doorway into the living room.

Dishwasher on the opposite wall from the sink. Counters where you don't want them.

Angled ceiling and corner hide pipes from upstairs. This window was removed.

This big bulkhead had nothing in it!

Pool in winter. Sliding windows that are in bad shape.

The empty bulkhead squashed the window and door overlooking the back yard.

View into the family room.

No landing area to the left of the stove.