What’s Cooking in Kitchens By Diane White McNaughton
A
lfred Hitchcock may not be the preeminent spokesperson on a beautiful home (think the dive-bombing feathered friends-turned-enemies in “The Birds”), but he knew that “Happiness is a small house, with a big kitchen.” Fill that kitchen with friends, family, love—and, of course— delectable food, and your home is indeed a home sweet home. That’s why every house party seems to begin and end in the kitchen. A kitchen is not just a room; it’s a feeling. Verna Lenker and her husband Gary appreciate the importance of a warm and welcoming kitchen. They often entertain their large circle of friends in their Susquehanna Township home. Verna readily admits that Gary is a far better cook than she is. But more than knowing intricate recipes for a five-course gourmet meal, Gary, as a long-time home builder, and Verna, as a decorating fashionista, both pay special attention to home design and hot trends. While Verna and Gary were often dining out at popular local hot spots or at the elegant homes of their friends, pre-pandemic, they love their own kitchen, especially after baking up their own mini-kitchen renovation this year. Verna wanted not only pretty, but practical. The Lenkers added a new island, with pendant lighting above it, and enhanced it with a new built-in island refrigerator for all those spaceconsuming beverages. 24 HARRISBURG MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2020
Their main new refrigerator is stainless steel, with a black see-through front with double doors, and a French drawer at the bottom. For artistic accents, their backsplash sports shades of tan and cream, and a decorative painting of leaves and fruits arches across their crystal-clear bay window. Dark wood cabinets provide ample storage in the island, contrasting white cabinets hug the walls, and silver pendant lights above the island with teardrop lanterns provide light and warmth. The island’s beverage fridge is set at a steady 56 degrees—the perfect temperature for those Chardonnays and Pinot Grigios. “What makes it special is that our kitchen has always been the gathering place for everything that goes on in our house. It is the center of everything,” Verna says. “Everyone says it is such a fun place to gather and talk.” She downplays her magazine-worthy kitchen’s luxury. “Our kitchen is really just a big room with a bar and a big TV, a double oven, my desk, the island and my new fridge.” A large window overlooks the deck and pool. While the role of the kitchen has never changed, its appearance certainly has. Whether you want a farmhousekitchen look, French cottage, sleek contemporary, vintage 60’s, or rustic campfire vibe, your kitchen is a reflection of your tastes—literally. One emerging trend involves the
