Making use of many modern and green materials, the kitchen of this ranch-style home displays many clever design elements.  Careful attention was given to traffic flow since the kitchen serves as a link between casual family livng and more formal entertaining areas.   Additionally, with multiple members of the family in the kitchen at one time, work areas were scrutinized heavily.   'Green' materials include the cork floors for a cushioned footing and Caesarstone countertops.  The appliances are also the latest in energy efficiency.

Notice this clever alcove for display.   The under-cabinet lighting, always a wise investment, makes the workability of this kitchen a dream.   Custom cherry cabinets will darken with age to the deep color for which cherry wood is known.  Countertops here again are Caesarstone with a horizontal 'brick-lay' ceramic tile backsplash.

The rearrangement of existing space allowed this niche to be specifically designed to fit the owner's beautiful, heirloom side buffet.  Notice the subdued but purposeful recessed lighting above which provides extra light without competing with the more formal chandelier.  

With a lofty, open-beam ceiling and massive view windows, the main living room serves also as a link to the outside space.  Natural slate tiles give an interesting textural contrast to the mirror-like finish on the hardwood floor. 

The fireplace has been accentuated by 'bumping out' from the existing wall.  The wall of stone that was previously here was rather overwhelming and this new design provides a more refined effect.  We see the use of the natural slate tile repeated here creating continuity within the space.

A view back into the living room reveals the passage to the bedroom wing, with the foreground showing the seamless meeting between the slate tile and Brazilian redwood flooring (harvested from sustainably managed forests in Brazil).