Susan Serra Kitchen Designer extraordinaire, asked me recently to describe my ideal kitchen. I can tell you in a single word what it is not: dark. I crave sunlight. The ideal kitchen for me would serve up generous portions of sunlight reflecting off of light, bright surfaces. My dream kitchen is creamy white. Not stark white. Not yellow. Not antiqued beige. Although professional designers are yawning over blindfolded requests for granite counter tops, I still love them. Why? Because they allow an organic, chaotic visual element into a space that is otherwise tightly controlled and perfect. Granite is filled with unusual patterns shapes and forms that are beyond our control. And like a diamond, you get to choose the slab that you love the most. This feature alone adds a little thrill to the process for me. Before it is polished to perfection and outfitted with double ogee edges, one gets to choose their slab from the pack. I love the thrill of the hunt, and since we're no longer chasing down prey for our survival, little adventures like this seem to satisfy my primal hunting urges. Sorry but it's true. 

The above images are from Kraftmaid. This space comes very close to perfection for me. What would I change? A few things. I'd like a more dramatic range hood. Copper or stainless steel. (I'm thinking copper to bring out the reddish brown interiors of the lit cabinets... but I do love the idea of a grand stainless hood). The chandelier should be larger. The ceiling should be higher. I'd like a thicker slab of granite on the counters. And frankly, I'd be inclined to put granite on the island as well. I know we're in an era of mix and match and all that "accidental perfection" business... but I love the durability and resilience of granite. But let's get to the business of the view. What I really demand from my dream kitchen is a killer view. I want to open up a wall of doors (dual sets of French doors or an entire moving wall) and see the expanse of my well-manicured back yard beyond a sparkling blue pool. Ideally, kitchen should be integrated with the outdoors as much as possible. I want to see the reflection of rippling water on my towering ceilings. I want to hear trickling water through the open windows. I want plenty of room for friends and family in the room with me - but a natural flow to the action outside. The idea is to have an easy transition from the fridge to the fiesta. Know what I mean? After all, the kitchen is the social hub of the home, so in my next home I want a jewel box of a kitchen that opens to an amazing patio and pool. It's all about entertainment!

Susan... that may not be specifics about range sizes, brands and square footage... but in many ways what I described is even more important for my vision. My ideal kitchen shimmers, it shines, it has a boastful chandelier, glossy granite counter tops, expansive spaces, plenty of barstool seating for visiting friends, massive windows, warm sunlight and plenty of stainless appliances. And most importantly, a gathering place for fun!