The most contemporary room in the house, the dining room exudes casual sophistication with its glazed walls, metal "candelier," and art glass shelf. The glazing on the walls, in 18-inch-wide panels, creates a subtle stripe effect. Art niches in the adjoining gallery are accented in Asparagus Soup paint to offset the Cottonwood yellow walls.

A sectional sofa and contemporary rug set the tone for the seating area that focuses on the slate-fronted fireplace and a media center (just out of view to the right of the fireplace). To the rear of the space are the kitchen and morning room, with sliding doors opening to the pool area.
Fireplace: Lennox Industries.

The kitchen / family room is the hub of the house and the center of a state-of-the-art computer network, which allows the cook to communicate with workstations in the children's den and home office while presiding over the kitchen. "If the designer isn't careful, kitchens can look institutional," says Ann Jones. "Breaking up the materials is an effective way to avoid that kind of monotony." She did so by using two counter-surface materials: butcher block for the prep island and the peninsula, and copper--distressed and patinated to look like an old penny--elsewhere. Stainless steel appliances and mirrored backsplashes are teamed with solid and glass-front display cabinets for an effect that is warm and traditional with a hint of spice. The freestanding claret red peninsula sports a secondary sink with counters. Our dual kitchen also has two refrigerators (with chalkboard panels) and two dishwashers. Ventilating skylights flood the room with light. The stainless steel and butcher block counter on casters (far right) offers flexibility. "It's a piece of furniture that can be moved to adapt to the changing needs of a family," says Jones.
Computer equipment: Hewlett-Packard. Appliances: GE Monogram. Accessories: Michael Graves Design for Target. Cabinetry: Canac Kitchens. Skylights: Velux-America.