"We wanted to take our time creating a place that--as our family grows--would grow with us," says chef John Besh of the 480-square-foot kitchen in the home he shares with his wife, Jenifer, and their four sons. While the expansive layout makes the room ideal for entertaining, reclaimed materials, including bricks, cypress wood and heart pine, infuse the new construction with a sense of history and place.

KEEPING IT ORGANIZED
Refrigerated drawers, conveniently located beside the four-burner stovetop, make it easy for the chef to access ingredients. Opposite the island, ample seating lets the chef interact with family and friends while preparing a meal.

TWO IS BETTER THAN ONE
A cobalt blue enamel oven by Viking is topped with six burners, a grill and a griddle. Alongside, two convection ovens are reserved for baking. This amount of "firepower," says the chef, can support large family gatherings.

THE WINE PANTRY
Besh keeps a wine refrigerator and glassware in a converted butler's pantry located just off the kitchen. Selections include wines from Burgundy, the Northern Rhone Valley, Provence and Alsace.

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