SOMA Living October 2022

DESIGN “Can you please pass the pita”, I called out, for the 3rd time, down the line, past my five friends, to my wife sitting at the end of the row. There we all sat on one side of a kitchen island, shoulder to shoulder eating delicious Mediterranean food while our host, trying to talk to all of us, stood on the opposite side of this massive block in the room. You know what I’m talking about. We’ve all seen these gorgeous kitchen islands on Pinterest and Instagram. Giant slabs of marble or quartz covering large base cabinets. A long row of stools perfectly tucked in under the stone overhang. You know, what everyone wants... I say phooey! Yes, they look great, especially in pictures and they can afford you more storage, though in my opinion if you need all that storage, you have too much stuff. Watch a Maria Kondo video. Or better yet, have a basement pantry for the Costco run or the humongous KitchenAid mixer you use once a year at Christmas. A RANT ON ISLANDS

Me. I’m a table man! I love a counter height table with stools all around it so that when you break bread with family and friends you can see the faces of pretty much everyone at the table. I know, that’s why people have formal dining tables, you don’t have to remind me. But they’re just that, formal. And that formality can be stifling. I’m just saying for a casual meal in a kitchen, I’d rather see a few faces staring back at me then be shoulder to shoulder with them in a row.

During my own kitchen renovation, I forewent an island and had a narrow countertop height table made. My wife, two sons and I sit around that table for all our family meals. I can’t tell you how impactful it has been. The intimacy created because we sit facing each other has led to amazing conversations and some of my fondest memories. We can sit for hours talking and planning our futures together as a family, telling stories of our family’s history or just ruminating on current events. But there is a way to have the best of both choices, a hybrid. I’m working on a kitchen renovation now that includes a large island with lots of storage AND one end is open creating a table with seating on three sides. A happy comprise and one that fits in with my design philosophy – a space should not only be functional and stress free, but also enrich and fulfil yours, and your family’s life.

Habitat ilist Group design studio renovation planning & interior design

“Life is very stressfull, your home shouldn’t be. Our designs are highly functional for ease of use and aesthetically beautiful to fulfill your soul. We believe your home is your sanctuary.”

Douglas Huebner

Call or write for a consultation (917) 676 - 2000 thehabitatilist@gmail.com

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OCTOBER 2022 | SOMA LIVING 19

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