Product Description

More than just a place to cook, the kitchen has become the heart and hub of the home. It’s where we entertain friends, spend time with family, and indulge in a moment alone. The modern kitchen has to be equipped for working, studying, socializing, and hanging out; it should be functional without sacrificing an ounce of style or comfort. Now, homeowners are putting more of themselves into the kitchens they renovate or build, working to create spaces that reflect their personalities and complement the way they live. In Lyn Peterson’s Real Life Kitchens, the acclaimed designer and decorator tells you everything you need to know to transform your kitchen.

This practical book is packed with cutting-edge ideas and information, from the latest options for appliances, countertops, and cabinetry to advances in seating, lighting, flooring, and kitchen configurations. Lyn Peterson’s Real Life Kitchens takes you step-by-step through the decisions you’ll need to make on all of the most important functional and stylish elements.

The Big Picture: Deciding when and why to update, knowing how to optimize your space, nailing down a budget, and learning from the shortcomings of your previous kitchen

The Layout: Thinking outside the traditional kitchen triangle, matching an island to traffic flow, and putting your plan to paper

The Appliances: From cooktops to warming drawers, dishwashers to refrigerators, the latest advances and options in all of the working elements

The Cabinetry: Choosing between ready-made, semi-custom, and custom; judging quality construction; saving money on this most expensive element of your renovation

The Surfaces: Floors, countertops, and backsplashes, from painted to pine, tile to granite to limestone—the choices seem endless, but here’s how to match your budget to the style you want

The Lighting: The looks, the lingo, and the low down on task, natural, ambient, accent, and mood lighting

The Auxiliary Spaces: Pantry and storage options, wine cabinets and cellars, mudrooms, and a “desklet” for kitchen office activities like checking e-mail and scheduling

A Survival Guide: Must-have information for working with contractors, designers, and architects, as well as creating a substitute kitchen while yours is under construction

The Resources: A host of all-important sources to help you start your search

Sprinkled with enlightening recollections from families who are veterans of both high-end and budget-conscious renovations, and packed with no-fuss advice for getting the most out of your space and your budget, Lyn Peterson’s Real Life Kitchens is the key to achieving your dream kitchen.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19579 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-06
• Released on: 2007-11-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

About the Author
LYN PETERSON is the founder of Motif Designs, the interior design, fabric, and furnishings firm. Her products are sold across the country, and she frequently gives lectures on the home. She is featured regularly in Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, House & Garden, Country Living, and many other publications. She is the author of Lyn Peterson’s Real Life Decorating and Lyn Peterson’s Real Life Renovating. She lives in Scarsdale, New York, with her husband, Karl Friberg, and their four children.

Customer Reviews

Lyn Peterson's Real Life Kitchens
What great timing for me to find this book! I had just begun plans to renovate my kitchen and everything I need to know is in this book! Questions about little details that I knew would trip me up later -- they are all covered. There are so many decisions to be made when renovating a kitchen, it's pretty overwhelming. This book covers all the bases. Nice photos and layout too.

Best of the Lot
This book is like a secret interior designers handbook for all to understand. It answers all questions and gives opinions of the author's own personal style as well as her clients. She projects actual dimensions (such as how much countertop overhang is needed at the kitchen island for a stool) so you know what you are talking about when you meet with the designers that you are going to purchase goods from. I have found this book much more helpful than all the other kitchen books I have combined. Well worth the money.

Must have book for the client or designer!
I am a Kitchen & Bath Designer and own a Kitchen & Bath Showroom. I have quite an extensive library of design books to help assist my clients and also get new ideas. I have to say that this is one of the most complete books I own. It is an easy read. It is written so that it easy to understand but yet holds the interest of the professional. It is laid out well and helps the consumer understand pros and cons of several decisions that they will have to make. I agree with just about everything she says, which is very unusual for me, and it is a useful tool for me to use. I can loan my client the book and it reinforces everything I am telling them. If you buy no other book, I suggest you add this one to your shelf.