Nestled in a quaint, Buffalo, New York, suburb, this 1950s split-level home was in dire need of an update. As newlyweds, the homeowners set their sights first on the heart of the home. Their desires: a functional, open-concept kitchen with an eating area and modern amenities.

To bring the space into the 21st century, Keith Specht with Artisan Kitchens and Baths gutted the kitchen. He removed walls and gutted the fireplace, the only structure separating the kitchen from the living area. To the fireplace, which also displays a flat-screen TV, he applied onyx and red oak to the side facing the living room and added floor-to-ceiling brushed aluminum panels to the side facing the kitchen.

To address the biggest issue—a lack of storage and counter space—Specht incorporated a custom pantry with high-end accessories and a built-in microwave. He also installed a 7-foot, cherry wood peninsula finished in a rich chocolate stain to complement the maple cabinets. A oneof-a-kind granite slab tops off the design. Accompanying the stove are glass-door cabinets, a glass-tile backsplash, a pot filler, and a stainless steel hood. The completed kitchen now serves its role well as the heart of the home for these happy newlyweds.