Front Porch the
autumn 2016
wichita
The Art of Cultivating Simple Pleasures and Living Well
Kitchen Trends, Old and New
K
itchens the world over have always been the hearth—and heart—of the home, but perhaps nowhere save in America has the kitchen undergone such a steady, heady revolution that in one important way has brought it full circle in the twenty-first century. In Colonial times, the kitchen was not only the center of the home, it was the home, the single room in which the family lived, slept, and ate. Over time, the kitchen-as-concept was accorded a small room of its own, but one discreetly partitioned off so that the nuts and bolts of cookery’s unending labor were hidden from view, with only the redolent results making triumphant entry into the dining room. Continued on page 10. Kitchens have become a place to cook, entertain, and unwind. Wichita designers and remodelers definitely have the talent, imagination, and expertise to create a wide range of possibilities. Clockwise from top left. 1] When it comes to showstopping projects, this stunning kitchen has all the prerequisites: ruby red acrylic cabinets; three-dimensional clear bubble glass backsplash with sparkle grout to intensify reflections; dark charcoal cabinets made of a woodgrain-textured rigid thermofoil; a walk-in pantry to the right of the range, plus pantry cabinets on either side of the new stainless steel refrigerator; and red acrylic cabinets on one side of the white quartz island, which the owners finished with tufted black leather on the reverse side. This sleek and modern kitchen, featuring coordinating colors and a combination of materials, resulted from the intuitive design and expertise of Kitchen Tune-Up, 4057 N. Woodlawn, Ste 1, 558.8888. 2] Now the epitome of retro chic, Julia Child’s kitchen epitomized culinary nirvana when it served as the often unpredictable stage for three of her acclaimed cooking series, which debuted on public television in 1963. Her cheerful blue-and-green potpourri kitchen symbolized unbridled adventures in cooking and showcased the scores of gadgets that were Child’s unabashed passion. Measuring 14 feet by 20 feet, the kitchen from her Massachusetts home is now located in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. It appears exactly as it did in November 2001, when she donated it. 3] This beautiful kitchen is a dream come true for the owners, who describe their home as a “happy, cheerful, and inviting” place. With black and white granite, a custom-woven stainless tiled backsplash, and custom-built frameless painted maple cabinets with wide stiles and rails, it’s no wonder that the kitchen has become the center of activity in their home. The remodel project was completed by the inspired and talented team at Kitchen & Bath Gallery, 2823 E Douglas, 686.7938.
Warm autumn’s evenings with hearty, full-of-flavor, and down-home-delightful comfort foods. For recipes, see page 14.
number 29 2 Peaceable Kingdom: monarch butterflies begin their migration 3 Quiet Spaces: garden corners designed for daydreams and relaxation 5 Shades of Green: declining neighborhoods experience renewal 6 The Collector: alluring Italian ceramics forge a bond between artist and collector