Good Character

The kitchen of a new chateau-style home in Tewksbury New Jersey sets a dramatic stage for a young family who love to cook and entertain.

From casual meals to big holidays, precious family memories are made in the kitchen, so when this family built a new home in rural New Jersey, they wanted their kitchen to reflect that. Eric Abeshaus, who works in the solar panel industry, and his wife Ruth, a publishing professional turned stay-at-home mom, asked Ian Cairl for a comfortable, cozy place for the kids to do homework while mom makes dinner, which would also be appropriate for entertaining large groups comfortably. An open plan with soft seating, and a classic design statement interpreted for a super-bold look, fit the bill.

Focal points include the Calcutta Gold marble tile wall, slab countertops and white cabinetry set off by espresso-stained wide-plank oak flooring. In high-contrast white, the oversize turned legs on the island appear almost cartoon-like in their heft. In stainless steel, the custom, seven-foot wide range hood and Sub-Zero refrigerator also knock down the formality of the space. Softening wooden touches include open Eucalyptus shelves and a wood-topped trestle table for chopping and cleanup. Vases and the red knobs of the Wolf add punches of color.

Knowing her commitment to using organic ingredients, Ruth's friends encouraged her to go with Sub-Zero for its superior food preservation. Sub-Zero refrigerator drawers near the Wolf 48-inch range keep ingredients at her fingertips and if Eric arrives home late from a business trip the Wolf warming drawer keeps dinner hot and appealing. A desk area with wireless Internet, television and telephone make it convenient to cook while referring to online resources and the Sub-Zero wine cooler in the pantry keeps wine handy for impromptu visits with friends, or just catching up with each other's lives after another busy day.