Nora keeps a bird book handy to help her identify those she hasn't seen before. We probably have a dozen or so different kinds that stay in the woods all year. Nora's favorite feature in the kitchen is the granite-topped island that is home to the cooktop, lots of work space, and extra counter space for snacking. You don't have to turn your back to anyone while you work. It's a real gathering spot.
Guests stay warm on chilly evenings as they dine by a fireplace in the dining room.
The kitchen opens into a tray-ceilinged dining room in classic black, white and neutral scheme. Nora used a formula to determine how large the room should be. Our builder said the room would be too large, but it worked out really well. A sculpted-area rug warms things underfoot. The dining room's fireplace is shared by the adjacent den where sophisticated stripes in burgundys and greens cover well-stuffed chairs strategically placed to make the most of time for reading and conversation.