Now We’re Cookin’

As kitchens increasingly become showplaces for specialized gadgets, social hubs for entertaining, and openly incorporated with living and dining rooms, their design importance trumps that of the greatest of great rooms. Even those who can hardly boil an egg can appreciate a chic expanse of marble countertop, a set of knives that dices like an Iron Chef, and quiet appliances that hide in the cabinetry.

Green Turns Blue Homeowners Rob and Emilie Hoyt asked designer Mark Nichols to marry progressive design with the requirements of family life with two children all under one eco-conscious roof. In the kitchen, Nichols chose desert-sky blue as a bold, dominant color and family-friendly surfaces for easy cleanup. Smooth, natural, and sanitary Quartzsite by Caesarstone countertops ensure you can even roll and swiftly remove cookie dough without it sticking in tiles or crevices. Valcucine blue water-based lacquer cabinets and aluminum cabinets are wipe-able surfaces, and large drawers stow children’s clutter. Other green aspects include porcelain tile bearing the Eco-Label, Energy Star appliances, dimmable LVMR16 and fluorescent lighting, and Dunn-Edwards low odor/no VOC interior flat paint. Emilie Hoyt says, “The design is so refreshing and therapeutic.”