What is the most important element of kitchen design for you?

@jonathanlegate: A kitchen needs to do more than look gorgeous it needs to FUNCTION!

@abcddesigns: I love the look of super thick counter tops – adds luxury!

@lesliefineint: I also love the built-in espresso/cappuccino maker – great for making special drinks for guests.

@fobango: I like having all of my pots and pans hanging free above my stove, so when I put them into action I’m not making a racket.

@MyChicMyWay: If you can’t find it, you can’t use it.

@SusanSerraCKD: I’ve designed armoires for small appliances in which the sort of secretary desk part pops down. Organized and functional.

@lesliefineint: Love my CaesarStone countertops – easy to maintain – love the light color without having to deal with a light colored marble.

@lizlange: I love a surprise pop of color on inside of upper cabinets.

Desk in the kitchen – yay or nay?

@ArneSalvesen: No desk. Use secondary eating space and laptop. More space = office!

@lesliefineint: Not a fan of kitchen desks unless they can be hidden away – usually a magnet for clutter.

@abcddesigns: I couldn’t have a desk in the kitchen – I think the mess would make me crazy. I want everything to be clean for cooking

@tkpleslie: I would like to have a desk in my kitchen, but only if out of traffic pattern and only if it can be closed and good cord control.

@Sieguzi: Could not LIVE without desk in kitchen.

What’s your favorite thing about kitchens?

@lorigilder: My favorite thing in kitchens are banquettes – great for multiple functions & tres cozy!

@ottowaathomemagz: Wood beams on ceiling- gorgeous against white.

@LBAcquiredTaste: My fave thing about kitchens are the islands! Show me a fabulous island and I’m yours!

@jonathanlegate: Love doing cushy banquettes in kitchens- it makes them a hang out zone, not just a place to perch.

And this tweet really sums it all up:

@lizlange: Is anything more fun than discussing fantasy kitchens? I LOVE kitchen design!

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I, too, love discussing AND designing kitchens!  Here are a few kitchens from my portfolio:

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc.

Do you love chatting about kitchens? If so, I welcome your comments!  What do you think is the most important element of kitchen design? Do you like to have a desk in your kitchen? What are some of your favorite features in your kitchen?

This  month’s issue of Architectural Digest features two kitchens I designed with Poggenpohl’s Rosemary Porto.  Rosemary is the Showroom Manager and lead designer at Poggenpohl’s Boston showroom.  I love working with Rosemary because she is excellent at looking at kitchen spaces and transforming them into functional, beautiful kitchens.  She has a great eye for balance, color and uses unusual materials and layouts to achieve award winning kitchens. She herself is an accomplished cook and uses her personal understanding of how a kitchen should function in creating kitchens for others.

Poggenpohl is often my go to for kitchen design because they have cutting edge designs, fantastic finish selections and  top quality German engineering.  Clean and contemporary – these kitchens can be used in contemporary spaces as well as in more transitional settings.  Their quality is unsurpassed and their designs execute beautifully.  Poggenpohl’s customer service is superb.  They are highly responsive and work hard to exceed expectations.

Here are photos of the two featured kitchens.

Pick up the April issue of Architectural Digest to see the full spread.