We didn't want that. The floor, which most people mistake for tile, is actually marble, chiseled to remove its natural polish. Hidden beneath the floor is the room's heat source, eliminating cold winter floors. The center island is topped with a large piece of unpolished Carrara marble. Everyone warned Perlman not to use unpolished marble because it would quickly look stained and shabby.
Subtle touches tie the room together.
The edges of the island and countertops were cut to match the room's molding. Another unifying feature is the room's centerpiece, a large bureau, used to exhibit hand-blown Italian glass pieces and to store cookbooks. The kitchen's custom cabinetry, built by a St. Paul craftsman, was designed to complement it. The Perlmans have few. Otherwise, it's pretty close to perfect.