OC Register – Kitchen Design of the month (June)

Like so many 1970s kitchens, it was dark, isolated and not much fun to be in. Worse, you would never fit a big family near the cook, who is, more often than not, the life of the party. For food, fun and a fit for 12, Elizabeth Kugler and husband Marty Samuels turned to kitchen designer Rob Doezie of RW Doezie Construction for their Villa Park remodel.

In went an additional 100 square feet, up went the low ceilings to 9 feet high, and out went the walls and tiny windows for views to the family area and backyard. Elizabeth likes cherry, so the Neff cabinets were ordered with the rich finish to complement the new mahogany beams. “She had a lot of cookware so we gave her lots of pullouts,” said Doezie. “And we also made sure the window seat doubles as storage for large pots.” Kugler and Samuels were sure they wanted two wine refrigerators, one for whites and one for reds. A service bar nearby keeps thirsty guests out of the work area.

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“Rob suggested the island,” said Kugler. “I wasn’t sure I wanted one getting in my way.” But the new island is offset and narrow, so Kugler’s work triangle between stove, refrigerator and sink has no interference.
“I’m so glad I have it now. Other cooks can work there without getting in my way,” she said.

“And friends can hang out there and visit while I’m cooking.”

Daughter Angela has become an enthusiastic cook since the new kitchen was installed, even launching a cooking blog at NewFoodTuesdayz.blogspot.com.
“She introduced us to meatloaf and potato cupcakes,” said Kugler. “They’re so delicious.”

Kugler feels the kitchen is less about cooking and more about enjoying the space with friends and family. She asked for open-glass cabinets to display her grandmother’s glass collections and wanted access to the family room with a pool table, and doors to the outside.

“The kitchen is the focal point of our family. It has everything we ever wanted.”

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