Smart idea: Kitchen that cooks

Pale surfaces and light-reflecting glass cabinetry keep the Optimists' 59-square-foot kitchen from feeling cramped. The marble-like quartz counters are anchored by dark cabinetry with slab doors for a clean, modern look. Heath Ceramics subway tiles work both vertically and horizontally on the back-splash walls.

The school-bus yellow metal stools ad instant fun. Designed for indoor-outdoor use, these lightweight seats can follow the party wherever it goes.