Overview: -Young family with two small children wanted open, livable home, conducive to seeing everywhere and being together -The kitchen was isolated but was key to project’s success, as it is the central axis of the first level Solutions: -Remove one of the two staircases, plus the powder room, pantry, and remove or shorten walls to create the desired open floor plan -New configuration opens the kitchen to every room on lower level, except formal dining -New double islands triple previous counter space and doubles previous storage -Six bar stools offer ample seating for casual family meals and entertaining -With a nod to the children, all upholstery in the Kitchen/ Breakfast Room are indoor/outdoor fabrics -Removing & shortening walls between kitchen/family room/informal dining allows views, a total house connection, plus the architectural changes in these adjoining rooms enhances the kitchen experience -Cream cabinetry contrasts with dark stain accents on the island, hood & ceiling beams -Back splash is over-scaled subway tile; pewter cabinetry hardware -Fantasy Brown granite counters have a "leather-ed" finish -The focal point and center of activity now stems from the kitchen – it’s truly the Heart of this Home.