A Kitchen as Fresh as Its Food

A long island with ample seating ensures enough space for both preparation and serving.

November brings autumn winds, fallen leaves, and the beginning of the holiday season. Of course, gathering family and friends around food is much easier when there’s enough space for everyone! I recently photographed a home kitchen on Philadelphia’s Main Line whose renovation was completed just in time to prepare Thanksgiving dinner.

White finishes and gold fixtures make the whole space look pristine and modern.

Jeff Spoelker of JMS Architecture partnered with Conestoga Country Kitchens on this overhaul. I have photographed several of Jeff’s renovations before, including both smaller condos and enormous houses.

The island is placed centrally, allowing the flow of the house to continue around any food preparations.

In this traditional brick house, the kitchen is the central hub of activity. Rather than being placed in a corner, it’s practically another corridor. The island and chairs are placed such that guests can grab a plate and take a seat without disrupting the chef’s process behind the counter.

Guests can serve themselves a warm holiday drink in this little nook.

Conestoga Country Kitchens built custom cabinets to keep the family chef organized through every course. Storage spaces abound throughout, with dedicated setups to sort cookware of all shapes and sizes.

The dining room was also given the full JMS renovation treatment. Similar cabinets, flooring, and lighting complement those of the kitchen, providing a seamless transition from stove to table.

Keep a lid on it! The built-in drawer sorter makes it easy to keep track of pans, pots, and covers.

Drawers on all sides help keep useful items in close reach and unused items out of the way.

When photographing residences, I’m often asked to show off the landscapers’ handiwork in addition to the architects’ and builders’ contributions. A similar artistry can be seen in the elaborate mowing patterns of well-manicured outfields.

The same white cabinets, medium-dark wood surfaces, and gold fixtures continue from the kitchen into the dining room.

The remodel also seamlessly connected the indoor space with the outdoor dining area. It’s easy to imagine a party spilling out from kitchen to patio during the warmer months.

Grab a bite and get back out there! Glass doors connect the kitchen to a dining area on the patio.

A wide doorway opens to an outdoor dining set and lounge area.