Modern amenities play an important part in the time-worn romance of this kitchen design by Cheryl Kees, owner of In Detail Kitchen & Bath, Pensacola, FL. Although the client requested vintage-style furnishings, "this was to be a working kitchen and the hub of an active family," said Kees. Ornamentation was to be minimal and the space had to flow easily.

Ample seating and various conveniences make cooking and entertaining traffic-free and enjoyable, while a mix of materials and finishes suggests an affinity for days gone by. The central island, for example, features reclaimed sinker pine and resembles a piece of furniture. Weighted with a honed black absolute granite countertop, it serves as an anchor for the space. Reclaimed wood was also used on the glass-front cabinets flanking the tiled alcove. On the back wall, classic white subway tiles form the backdrop to a 36-in. stainless range.

An L-shaped island was added to fulfill multiple functions: a workspace for food preparation, a counter for quick meals and a buffet for entertaining. In the open-plan design, it also visually separates the kitchen from the family room. The island is topped with bianco romano granite, chosen for its marble-like appearance and durability, which is better suited for family activity. White cabinets with wrought-iron hardware, used on the island and at the back wall, lighten the space and enhance the vintage theme. Details such as a plate rack and beaded inset doors complete the kitchen aesthetically and functionally.

"The client requested a space comfortable for a family of five and adaptable for entertaining," said Kees. With its nostalgic style and contemporary capabilities, Kees' design embraces this family with the ideal blend of past and present.