Mosaic Kitchen

A dazzling backsplash crowns a kitchen that got better by getting smaller

The kitchen in Alexandra and Thomas Immel's house was great for their kids, who ran around the center island and played hide-and-seek in the base cabinets. As a place to prepare and serve meals, however, it left a lot to be desired. The island was an obstacle in the kitchen traffic pattern, and in-swinging doors and an extradeep breakfast counter encroached on the dining area. By removing the island, reconfiguring the counters, and rehinging the doors to swing out, the Immels created more workspace and allowed the dining area to expand to a comfortable size. Other enhancements included a coffered ceiling, a tall pantry, and a dazzling mosaic backsplash.