After
Jennifer Stricker took the entire kitchen down and started fresh. First, she removed the load-bearing wall, in order to open the space to the dining room. She ditched the peninsula for a central island.
Her intention was to create a better traffic flow in and around the kitchen for guests, with the generous island countertop acting as a hub and buffet space. As Strickler said, “[The wall] was keeping people separated from the dining room and kitchen.”
Rearranging the function chapter, she then concentrated on the style. Dark black cabinets and island base add a touch of drama, but the atmosphere is warmed by stained maple cabinets and solid red oak flooring.
