Here's the original kitchen of the home we purchased on Ethans Glen Ct. Notice the partial wall on the left and the door that goes to the entry way of the home.  

Here's a view of the original cabinets, cooktop, single range and microwave.  The countertops are formica with a granite overlay and the floors are pergo.

This is how the kitchen looks now.  Notice the entire left side kitchen wall has been removed.

This view of the kitchen gives you a good look at the attractive transom windows located above the kitchen cabinet space.

As you can see from the pictures, there was nothing we chose to save from the original kitchen.  We love the kitchen's location in the home, but the angles and the layout would not work for our new design.  All of the cupboards, countertops, and appliances we removed were donated to Habitat for Humanity.

We want a kitchen design that accommodates our new lifestyle.  We like a sophisticated but casual look.  This means ditching the formal dining room and throwing away our silver (we actually never had any silver to throw away).

With the guidance of Carroll Cope, our designer, we found a layout that works for us.  This includes a large island that will line up with the front hall wall rather than the previous one that jutted into the living space.  The island will include a porcelain apron sink, dishwasher and trash/recycle bins.  The island will also provide seating for six and wonderful counter space.  All of this will open into our great room.

Along the two kitchen walls there will be two separate built in pantries.  One pantry will be for food and the other will house our microwave, toaster and large serving pieces. They will look identical from the outside. 

The real sticking point for me was that I did not want a stainless steel kitchen.  Nor did I want any wall ovens.  When finished, I want a very integrated look.  With the exception of the range, all of the appliances will flow with the cupboards.  They will be the same depth as the counters and will be finished with matching wood panels and the same hardware as the cupboards. 

The biggest decision for the kitchen was the appliances.  I have spent several months considering several different options.  Stay tuned because the decisions I made are with some brands that are unique and not readily recognizable.

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