A Kitchen for Entertaining

Centered on a sociable semicircular island, this kitchen has plenty of space for multiple chefs to work while guests sip and chat.

See more of this kitchen for entertaining

The custom beverage center keeps glasses, wine and cocktail fixings within easy reach. Open shelves and mirrored backs add interest. Two under-counter GE Monogram wine refrigerators each keep up to 57 bottles at preferred temperatures.

Shimmering backsplash tiles and a stainless sink coordinate with those in the kitchen, while a bamboo countertop gives this nook its own eco-friendly flair.

The design encourages movement between the kitchen, the living area, and the deck. Behind the sofa, a 42-inch-high cabinet offers storage for table linens, and a glass surface on top.

A window seat provides a comfortable spot to catch up on reading, plan meals, or just relax and enjoy the backyard view.

The low-slung midcentury-style furniture from Room & Board adds comfort and a lounge-y look. To punch up the room’s neutral palette and connect it to the outdoors, we painted the fireplace wall a soft moss green.

For the cabinets, readers chose cherry stain with 49% of the vote, over warm white paint (34%) and blue-gray stain (17%).

For the backsplash, readers chose misty glass tiles with 46% of the vote, over quartz surfacing in off-white (28%) and recycled aluminum tile (26%).

Benjamin Moore's Rock Gray won out with 49% of the vote over green (34%) and blue (17%), for the kitchen island's paint color.