Currey's kitchen

A Nashville caterer brings the best design ideas to her home.

What began as a simple restoration and addition project in Currey and Wade Thornton's Nashville home became a chef's strategic plan to create the best kitchen possible. Armed with knowledge and experience, Currey decided to turn the challenges they faced into golden opportunities. Consider her top-priority choices and the reasons behind them.

MAJELLA CHUBE HAMILTON

Kitchen Essentials

* Accessibility-The fewest amount of steps you take in your kitchen the better. From my stove to my sink are three steps and then three more to my refrigerator. Everything I need to cook is inside those six steps.

* Movable island-Situated at the center of the room, this island was designed with casters so that it can be moved during parties and swept under easily. The stainless steel top was custom designed with a lip around the edge to catch spills.

* Vent hood with character-I wanted something unique, and our builder found this beautiful old hood. After removing layers of paint, we painted it black and hung it from the ceiling with chains. It makes a dramatic statement against the pale walls.

* Stove-I needed a cooktop on which I could use my oversize pots. When it comes to ovens, let's face it, gas ovens are better for cooking some foods, and electric ovens are better for others. It really depends on what you are accustomed to and how much you like to cook. We installed one stove that has two types of ovens: gas convection and electric.

* Countertops and backsplash-- Instead of a granite countertop, we used a mix of a laminate material and stainless steel, which makes a great work surface. For the backsplash, white tile is positioned on the wall under the hood and above the sink.

* Stainless steel sink with a foot pedal-The idea of an oversize stainless sink and built-in drain boards came from the kitchen of a catering friend. Instead of having a sprayer on the right side of the sink, we installed a tall faucet, which is high enough to fill big pots. My favorite feature is that I can turn on the water with a foot pedal and wash my hands without contaminating anything.

* Personality plus-To brighten the room, designer Deborah Tallent incorporated the simplicity of colorful Roman shades and painted the interior cabinet shelves magenta.

* Well-lit room-You have to be able to see well in a kitchen, so we chose efficient can lights, decorative antique fixtures above the sink area, and undercabinet lights.

* Hardwood floors-They are a terrific option because you can seal and mop them. They are not as hard on your legs as other surfaces.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2003
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