by Heather Shoning
As many custom homes go, this design evolved on the fly, and Scott Ashcraft of Las Ventanas Homes went with the flow. Initially, the kitchen—a modern yet warm look—featured sleek wood laminate cabinetry. However, a photo the homeowner saw sparked the idea to add bookending, backlit black cabinets with glass fronts. Ashcraft used the countertop stone as a bold backsplash. The 11-foot island offers ample seating for easy entertaining. Ashcraft says he’s seeing a trend toward double kitchens. “This is becoming very common. We have the show kitchen, and we have the work kitchen,” he says. And this home abides. While the main kitchen features everything you need for cooking, the working kitchen also includes a sink, dishwasher and refrigerator, and it’s where the small appliances are stored and used. “This kitchen is functional for the way this family lives,” Ashcraft says. “The dining room is right there, opening into one great room space. But they can bury everything away in the service kitchen when they have company, so everything in the show kitchen stays tidy and beautiful.”
Architect/Builder: Las Ventanas Homes; Appliances: Builders Source Appliance Gallery; Cabinetry: ProSource of Albuquerque; Countertops/Backsplash: United Stoneworks; Flooring: Floorscapes
