What She Chose

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Thursday, October 12, 2006

Countertops: For Gilmer's new space, a mix of three materials. Absolute Black honed granite for main work areas, granite plus oiled wenge wood butcher block on the island, and high-gauge copper with a patina finish for the butler's pantry to complement a limestone basin.

Cabinets: Premiere Custom-Built custom knotty cherry for the butler's pantry and darker Macassar ebony in the kitchen. Both are real wood cabinets that Gilmer chose for their longevity and durability.

Floors: Reclaimed oak, salvaged from old barns, warehouses and other buildings, was chosen for its rustic character and how it looked with the rest of the house.

Appliances: Gaggenau oven, deep-fryer, grill/griddle and steam convection oven; Miele dishwasher and coffee machine; Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine cooler; and Scotsman small-size fridge and icemaker. (She highly recommends the 18-inch Miele dishwasher for small spaces.)

Backsplash : Above the counters, a combination of granite and back-painted tempered glass. The granite to keep the heat off the glass, and the glass to add light and color.

Lighting: A combination of under-cabinet and directional recessed lighting. "Under-cabinet lighting is critical," says Gilmer.

Terri Sapienza