Owners of a successful custom home building company, Coyle and Associates, Inc., David and Danica have taken part in designing and building numerous kitchens, and knew without doubt what they wanted in their personal kitchen. “I wanted quick access to everything,” says Danica, “and lots of walking space for the family; we have many holiday celebrations in this home.” The kitchen has plenty of room for the Coyle’s five children to run. With their children (ages 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10) home schooled by Danica, the kitchen had to be kid-friendly. “I teach my kids to cook, so things had to be within reach for them,” Danica explains. The center island holds two refrigerator drawers, “Sometimes the suction on large refrigerator doors is too strong for kids, or they’ll pull open the door and leave it open. The drawers are easier for them to open and close.” The kitchen also has two doors leading to the children’s play and schooling areas, ensuring easy access for all five, no matter where they’re studying or playing.
The tile was chosen first in warm brown tones and textures. The granite countertops are easy to clean and the island’s countertop with a lowered eating area (at a comfortable sitting level) separate working and dining spaces. The dining area’s leather chairs are easy to wipe off and durable. With room for many a dinner guest, “We wanted a house where we could sit a lot of people, and we when we want to sell it, it will be a home for entertaining as well as for family.” Functional is a key word for the Coyles and Danica highlighted an issue for most kitchens. “Storage, storage, storage...that’s one of the main things people need and it needs to be easily accessible.” With a huge walk-in pantry, storage for appliances, baking dishes, pots and pans, and anything under the kitchen sink, the Coyle’s kitchen has plenty of space for hoarding away everything from Christmas candy dishes to everyday wares.
The kitchen incorporates GE Monogram appliances, the brand of choice for Danica. The walls are Venetian plaster, which lend a softness and dimension to the interior. A baking center in one corner of the kitchen complements “appliance garages” set to the sides of the gas range. Baking in the Coyle house takes half the time of conventional baking, as they use the Advantium Speed Cook Oven. Similar to a convection oven, and doubling as a microwave, Danica loves this feature, “Brownies take five minutes!” A raised dishwasher near the sink makes cleaning up an upright endeavor - no more bending over to load the dishes. The island sink also boasts a hot shot, a spout that produces instant hot or cold water.
The custom stained and distressed cabinets and their trim and accents, and much of the kitchen’s colors, were guided by Nancy Charles-Byres of Charles, Inc. “Nancy made sure that all of the lines in the kitchen were symmetrical; she even trimmed the angles on the countertop corners,” says Danica. From overhead, natural sunlight pours in from beamed skylights.
For people who are in the kitchen every day, using it as an educational tool, a functional room, and a space for fun, Danica and David love the versatility of the space. “This kitchen is so easy to dress up, or down,” Danica says, smiling, “And it’s so easy to cook in. I wouldn’t change a thing.” Garnished by gorgeous views of the Mesilla Valley and the Organ Mountains from the west mesa, the Coyles and their guests frequently gather in the kitchen and the back porch to enjoy the natural beauty of their home’s setting and the beauty of their multi-faceted kitchen.
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