North Bay Woman

16 NORTH BAY WOMAN | F A L L 2 0 1 4 Fitting in function Both space and functionality were at a premium in a compact kitchen Sandra Bird designed for a client who needed more than a decorative kitchen. At the same time, Bird was remodeling the bedroom and bathroom. "She's a serious cook and really uses her kitchen," says Bird, principal of Sandra Bird Design, a design/build firm in Larkspur. To do that, the designer "zigzagged" the wall that separated the pantry from a bathroom, enabling her to maximize space for both. Where there is now a narrow pantry for conveniences such as ketchup bottles, soup cans and pasta on one side, there's a walk-in closet on the other side. In the kitchen, she saved space by installing a paneled slim line dishwasher "that holds an incredible amount," she says, and added a moveable island fitted with drawers, a towel rack and a paper towel holder. It does double-duty as additional counter space for entertaining. Two spice racks hang on the inside of cabinet doors, a recycling and garbage center slide out of an end cabinet, and there are divided drawers for cutlery. A magic corner, near the paneled refrigerator, hides a lazy Susan. There are two storage spots under the Kashmir White granite counter tops for wine - a wine cooler next to the refrigerator and a wine Left: In this Sandra Bird-designed kitchen, spices are kept handy but out of sight inside cabinet doors. A movable island that serves as added counter space during parties, supports drawers, a roll of paper towels, and hand towels the rest of the time. Above: A recycling center is concealed behind cabinets at the end of the peninsula. – Photos by Dennis Anderson

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