Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/40669
live at home Now Serving: InvA Warm anditing Kitchen Whether cooking up a weekday meal or hosting a gathering of friends, everyone winds up in the same place: the kitchen. With that in mind, Julie and Stefan Swartzmiller decided to make the kitchen in their home on Lake Waubesa func- tional and friendly for everything from daily life to special-occasion entertaining. With the help of the local remodeling and design experts at Bella Domicile, the couple made their kitchen dreams a reality, creating an inviting space that boasts today's trends and conveniences but feels as cozy as a mountage retreat. Mix it Up Warm wood fl ooring and cabinetry in varying stains blend seamlessly with rustic stone surrounding the stovetop and below the breakfast bar while mixed counter materials, a glass tile backsplash and more make the design functional and fun. Create Stations To host both everyday activities and entertain- ing, separate stations serve multiple functions. The center island and breakfast bar offer space for food preparation, everyday meals and even homeworkâbut just across the room a coffee bar and beverage station offers an extra serving area perfect for casual or formal entertaining. Height Matters To take advantage of the high ceilings, tall cabinetry adds storage and aesthetic height to the room. Nearby cabinetry, which hides the re- frigeration units, leaves a bit of breathing room between the ceiling and woodwork. Open for Business No longer a room for just cooking, today's kitchens are places family and friends gather. This wide-open fl oor plan and stylish design allows the cooking areas to peacefully co-exist with the living and dining spaces, while keeping each part of the room open to the lake view. 22 BRAVA Magazine August 2011 Photos courtesy of Bella Domocile