In this kitchen there’s seating for everyone, including the family dog, allowing the entire household to spend more time together. Originally the room had dark red walls, a tiny island, and countertops inconvenient to the point of being unusable. By turning the island around and shifting the layout for a better fit, we created a generous work island for cooking where everyone can gather.

By the breakfast table, we mounted a bench to the wall under the window. This allowed us to gain more floor space in the kitchen while still providing seating for everyone. A custom built-in dog bed at the bottom of an adjacent base cabinet creates a space where the family pet can hang out and be part of the fun without being underfoot.

A large magnetic message center replaces a large unused counter, allowing the family to stay in touch and on schedule no matter how busy things get. With extra tall wall cabinets, a pull-out pantry, and an additional pantry closet, there is a space for everything.