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With stunning lake views and dramatically high ceilings, it is no wonder that the kitchen is the focus of Erik and Vicki Petersen's Wolfeboro Falls home. But it was not always the glittering spectacle it is now. The original kitchen was located on the other side of the house, where it faced the street, and its lackluster, 1970s design did not fit with the Petersen's energetic lifestyle.

To tackle the renovation and redesign, the Petersens enlisted the help of Julie Fergus, ASID, of American Home Gallery. "I was involved from start to finish," says Fergus. "Coordinating everything from layout, colors, details, fixtures, and communication with the contractors." Fergus generated 3-D images using a CAD program to visualize the space before any construction began. This made it easier for the Petersens to understand Fergus' design, as well as make quick decisions about the space before any money or time was spent.

Fergus also made sure that the kitchen reflected her clients' personalities and lifestyles. "Because Vicki and Erik like to entertain, and everyone always congregates in the kitchen, they wanted an extremely large island." The size of the island is a testament to its functionality and frequency of use. One side of the island features small appliances ready to be used and the other side has plenty of seating for guests to admire the lake view.

It is also a study in the beauty of recycling; a local woodworker custom-made the piece using salvaged bowling alley flooring. Its light wood surface brilliantly complements the pale green walls, imparting a peaceful feeling. The stainless steel frame and legs offer an industrial contrast to the warmth of the countertop.

Much of the kitchen was custom built, including the "deep and wide drawers to accommodate large mixing bowls," as well as the "spice rack to keep spices handy, organized, and out of the main view of the space," explains Fergus. Opposite the island is another behemoth competing for attention: the custom soapstone sink. The dark soapstone is offset by the stark white cabinets below, and the large picture windows allow for a small distraction while washing the dishes.

Despite the oversized features, the kitchen does not feel cramped or overwhelmed. Instead it is bright and airy, due in part to the soft color scheme and the long stretch of windows that let in plenty of natural light. Fergus explains that the desire to keep the space open was the impetus behind "the decision to forgo the standard wall cabinets." Storage is mainly underneath the work surfaces, or strategically placed in out-of-the-way nooks and crannies. "This allows the space to breathe," says Fergus.

There certainly is plenty of breathing room; especially with the addition of a secondary kitchen area that is "located outside of the work triangle so that guests can be in that area and out of the way of the cook," says Fergus. The result is a beautiful kitchen that is as inviting as it is spacious. As Fergus notes, "the goal was to make it bright, livable, functional, and simple." Mission accomplished.

Resources:
Julie Fergus, American Home Gallery, Wolfeboro Falls, N.H., 603 569-8989 www.juliefergus.com