Typical of many homeowners these days, DIY projects can be daunting. Design direction, mechanical analysis, product procurement and labor sourcing can be difficult to coordinate. Like many clients in this situation, this outdoor oriented, amateur chef couple came to the designers requesting assistance with remodeling their dark, dreary and outdated kitchen. Entertaining at the top of their priority list, the new kitchen had to serve as a multifunctional gathering space and integrate seamlessly with the main floor of the home. After reviewing the client requirements and desires, the designers set out to develop a new space plan that opened the kitchen up to the main floor by utilizing a peninsula that doubled as a breakfast bar and service space. Existing windows were removed and a large triangular shaped window was inserted to allow more wall space for a custom furniture armoire, as well as retain natural light. Creating flow between the new kitchen space and the remainder of the home required specifying a gorgeous new hand-scraped hardwood floor in a rich chocolate brown stain that grounded the loftiness of the cathedral ceilings and added a fresh, contemporary air to the home. Custom stained cherry cabinetry to match the hardwood floors merged the wood tones and set the backdrop for the chiaroscuro and balance of painted maple cabinetry in the cooking section of the kitchen. Hand-selected 3cm Persia Pearl granite and crackle glazed, hand cast backsplash tile harmonized the neutral palette. No cook's kitchen would be finished without a Wolf / SubZero professional appliance package. Coupled with these modern design elements, the designers included an under-mounted stainless steel farm sink, bridge faucet, mixed finish cabinet hardware, reeded glass pendent lighting, antique reeded glass knobs, and sprinkle of hand carved wood onlays and corbels. The clients realized a kitchen that reflected their love of the outdoors and New England style. Creating an epicurean space that nods to the past while embracing modern conveniences has allowed this family to build up on their cooking aspirations and entertain beautifully.