They considered their needs and wants, which included enough room for their four children, ages nine to 15, and their friends to gather, an island that would accommodate sitting stools, a pantry for bulk goods, a warm breakfast nook, a desk area and a mud room. Most of what we do is pieced together like a puzzle. They removed an existing wall to a butler's pantry and back hall. Transom windows were added near the ceiling and a skylight was put in the adjoining mud room which also brightened the kitchen. Another feature is the variety of lighting in the room.
Rope lights hidden above the cabinets shine up-ward and create more light in the room.
Task lights under the cabinets light the work surface. New appliances were essential to completing the project. Included in the kitchen were double ovens, a microwave, a gas cook top with griddle and a prep sink in the island. The Maiers also worked with interior designer Harriet Weiss. She helped them pick tiles with Sharon's favorite fruit in the backsplash, wallpaper, granite countertops and a dramatic light fixture above the island.