Designing a kitchen made for entertaining
By Heather Shoning | Photos by Murphy Foto Imagery
For many homeowners, the kitchen isn’t just where meals are made—it’s where life happens. For interior designer and project manager Tamar Chang with Thurston Kitchen + Bath, creating a space that balances daily functionality with seamless entertaining was the guiding principle behind this Evergreen-area kitchen.
“These homeowners run a spice company, so their kitchen is the center of their home life, work life and social life,” Chang says. “They host business gatherings, family get-togethers and everything in between. We wanted to design a space that could transition effortlessly between all of those.”
That vision led to a total reconfiguration. The former kitchen became a beverage station—complete with a coffee bar on one side and a wine fridge on the other—while the old dining room was opened up to house the new kitchen. The result: a connected, fluid layout that lets guests mingle over drinks without crowding the cook.
A large quartz-topped island anchors the space, offering plenty of prep surface while keeping seating out of busy walkways. “The island faces the great room, so people can hang out and chat while the homeowners are cooking,” Chang explains. She put the refrigerator is at the end of the kitchen so anyone could grab a drink or snack without getting into the kitchen workspace.
Durability was a must for a family that works with colorful, stain-prone spices. “Quartz countertops were key,” Chang says. “They’re beautiful and completely low-maintenance—you can spill anything, wipe it up and it’s fine.” High-end Wolf appliances complete the professional-grade setup, while clever storage keeps everything organized.
“We thought a lot about where things go and how they’re used,” Chang says. “Spices are tucked away to the left of the range, utensils on the right. It’s about ergonomics and ease—having everything you need right where you are, but keeping the counters clean.”
The kitchen’s visual calm comes from its light, airy palette and strategic use of closed cabinetry. “This family has two young kids—plastic dishes don’t need to be on display,” she says with a laugh. “Most of the upper storage is hidden so it’s never cluttered, and the white cabinets let the wood hood stand out while keeping the whole space bright and welcoming.”
The result is a kitchen that’s equally suited to morning coffee, cocktail hour and a crowd around the island. As Chang puts it, “Kitchens aren’t closed off anymore. They’re the heart of the home—where you live, cook and entertain. The key is giving everything a place, so you can enjoy the openness without the mess.”
THURSTON KITCHEN + BATH
761 Kalamath St.
Denver
303.399.4564
thurstonkb.com
CBM CONTRACTORS
303.947.9247
