8 Total Kitchen Redos

After: Well-Suited

"I'm a family cook," says the homeowner and mother of three active boys, "and I wanted a kitchen that works for me every day." White appliances, birch cabinetry, and granite countertops are in sync with that spirit. Everyone's favorite spot? The banquette, where -- for now, at least -- this family of five can eat together.

The Details
Countertops: A butcher-block counter between the prep sink and range lets the homeowner wash, chop, and cook without ever dripping on the floor. Tumbled-marble tiles make up the backsplash; resin receptacle covers to match cost much less than marble ones.

Cabinets: Thirty-inch-deep cabinetry gives the standard refrigerator the appearance of a built-in. Partial-overlay doors on face-frame cabinets sport beaded board panels and satin nickel pulls and knobs.